Have A Water Leak? 5 Tips For Keeping Your Home Flood-Free

6 Sep 2017
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When you’re at work or on vacation, the last thing on your mind is a water leak. However, statistics have shown that homeowners are seven times more likely to experience water damage than they are to have fire damage or have their home burglarized. As the second-most frequently filed insurance claim, many people know all too well just how much damage water can do to their homes. Whether it’s a water heater that springs a leak or a washing machine hose that breaks, it takes only a small incident to cause big problems. If you’re looking for ways to prevent this type of situation, here are five tips for keeping your home flood-free.

Purchase Water Alarms

Similar to smoke alarms, water alarms can be placed in areas that may be prone to water leaks, such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, and other places in a home. When water is detected an alarm sounds, warning you of a leak. Currently available through many home security companies, flood sensors monitored by ADT let you check up on your house remotely. By doing so, you’ll be able to spot an impending leak day or night.

Inspect Hoses

If you want your home flooded in a hurry, let a worn-out hose from a washing machine break while you are busy elsewhere. To avoid a disaster, inspect the hoses annually for signs of wear, and replace them every five years.

Install Floor Pans

If you have a small and slow undetected water leak under appliances like refrigerators or water heaters, floor pans can prevent damage and keep you from having a major flood.

Check Showers and Bathtubs

A common area where water leaks occur, showers and bathtubs should be inspected regularly for signs of water leakage. In most cases, water leaks around showers and tubs will happen where the caulking has cracked or become loose. Therefore, it’s a good idea to purchase some inexpensive caulking and make any necessary repairs.

Get to Know Your Water Main

In the event a hose or pipe bursts in your home, knowing the location of your water main and how to shut it off can keep a small flood from becoming one of epic proportions.

As more and more homeowners choose to take preventive measures against water leaks by using advanced technology like water alarms or simply checking hoses and caulking, it’s likely that fewer homes will experience the inconvenience and high cost of flooding due to water leaks.