Did you know that water can be 10 times more likely to damage your home than fire? According to the Insurance Industry Institute, water is responsible for about 25% of all property insurance claims and results in billions of dollars in losses each year and can be just as destructive as an extreme weather event.
The majority of water damage in the home results when ordinary household appliances fail. Travelers Insurance lists some simple steps that can help you protect your home from the most common causes of water damage:
- know where the main water supply is located
- if you will be away from home for an extended period of time, shut off the water supply and drain the pipes
- check the drain lines to your air conditioning system and clean them if they are clogged
- inspect your water heater, showers, tubs, toilets, sinks and dishwasher annually and have them repaired if there are any signs of leaks or corrosion.
- check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet bases and repair as needed
- check the water hose connected to your ice maker for leaks or loose connections
- change your rubber washing machine hose to a braided copper hose, which has a greater cracking and corrosion resistance
- check appliance hoses and plumbing fittings for breakage, crimping or bending
It is important to note that a 1/8 -inch crack in a water pipe to your washing machine can release up to 250 gallons of water a day and can cause extensive damage to your flooring, subflooring, walls and depending on the location of your laundry room, ceilings and adjacent rooms. For more tips, take a look at this video.
PHC Restoration restores hundreds of water damaged homes each year and has some of the best and most qualified water technicians in the business. Give us a call at 919-834-6523 if you experience a water damage emergency in your home.
