Skip to main content
Personal Insurance

How To Prevent Or Reduce Water-Related Losses To Your Home

By April 9, 2015July 29th, 2019No Comments

It doesn’t have to rain for days for your home to have water damage. You could discover water problems on a beautiful sunny day! Whether it’s an overloaded washing machine, an overflowing toilet, or a leaking water heater, washing machine water damage and cleanup can be devastating and costly.

These are some water damage “instigators” in your home:

  • Water heater. Over time they can rust on the bottom, then begin to leak.
  • Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators. Hoses deteriorate from the inside out. Rubber hoses consist of two layers of rubber with a cloth fiber inside that deteriorates over time.

So what can you do to prevent water damage caused from inside your home?

  • Know where the main water shutoffs are located. Install water shutoff valves on water lines under sinks and toilets and water lines leading to outside faucets.
  • Repair small leaks around water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances before they become a problem.
  • Know and follow the recommended maintenance procedures for your appliances, such as periodically draining the water heater to clean out the sediment at the bottom of the tank.
  • Check washing machine hoses for signs of deterioration and replace hoses that show any evidence of cracking.
  • Before you leave home for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to shut off the water valve leading to the washing machine.
  • Run plenty of water when using your garbage disposal so it won’t clog and cause a leak. Don’t wash heavy-duty dirt down drains.
  • Don’t put extremely dirty clothes in the washing machine. Instead, use a garden hose on the soiled items outside the house so the dirt doesn’t get into the drainage system inside the house.
  • When a problem does occur, hire a reputable contractor.
  • Don’t leave the room after you’ve turned on the water, especially full force in the bathtub or a sink.
Skip to content