You and your family have gone shopping for an afternoon. When you return, much of your first floor is covered in about an inch of water. Of course, panic ensues as you find the source of the leak … a plastic pipe connecting the toilet to the water supply line. You immediately turn off the water valve. Working quickly, you grab towels and a mop to soak up the flooding downstairs. You run to the garage to get the wet/dry vacuum.
Now for the difficult part – assessing the damage: tile in the bathroom, the hardwood floors in the living and dining rooms, the walls and ceiling where water has seeped leaving tell-tale tracks of moisture.
According to the Insurance Industry Institute, water damage accounts for billions of dollars in losses to homeowners and renters each year. The most common causes of water damage include leaky baseboard heating, toilets, air conditioning condensation drains, failed water heaters, washing machine hoses and kitchen plumbing.
To help prevent water damage to your home’s interior, check your household appliances regularly and follow these precautionary measures:
- Know where the main water supply is located in case of emergency.
- If you will be away from your home for an extended period, shut off the water supply and drain the pipes.
- Have your air conditioning system inspected on a regular basis by a professional. Check the drain lines annually and clear any clogs.
- Inspect water heaters, showers, tubs, toilets, sinks and dishwashers annually and have them repaired if there are any signs of leaks or corrosion.
- Check appliance hoses and plumbing fittings for breakage or bending.
- Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet bases and make repairs as needed.
- If your refrigerator has an ice machine or water dispenser, the hose between the wall and the refrigerator should be made of braided copper, not plastic.
- Check pipes for cracks and leaks. Have pipe damage fixed immediately to prevent more costly repairs in the future.
