When it comes to internal water damage -- one of the most common causes of property damage -- the majority of homeowners remain unprepared. Many insurance companies' researchers have found that less than 20% of homeowners take steps to prevent flooding, such as checking appliance hoses, performing water heater maintenance or installing pipe installation.
Learn how taking these simple steps can prevent costly property damage.
DIY Ways to Protect Your Home from Water Damage
Check Appliance Hoses
Appliances like your washing machine, refrigerator, and dishwasher will all have hoses connecting them to a water supply. Checking the integrity and quality of these hoses can help ensure they're in good working order to reduce the danger of water damage.
Check your hoses for:
- Blisters
- Warn tubing
- Stress cracks
- Loose connections
- Kinks
For extra protection, consider using reinforced steel-braided hoses, as these are less likely to fail.
Perform Water Heater Maintenance
Regular water heater maintenance can help improve an old water heater's efficiency and longevity, as well as helping to prevent costly leaks. Take a few simple steps to ensure your water heater is in good condition, including:
- Test the temperature-pressure-release valve
- Check the anode rod
- Drain the tank and wash out sediment
- Adjust the temperature
- Insulate the heater and pipes
Install Pipe Insulation
Protecting your pipes from cold Truckee winters is crucial towards preventing water damage. When pipes get too cold they can burst, causing a dangerous leak and costly water damage. Insulating your pipes in the winter can be a simple DIY project.
- Clean your pipes with a rag
- Measure and cut foam piping to the appropriate length
- Install the foam piping, pressing it closed
- Use duct tape to seal
Bonus: Preventing Mold After Water Damage
What if you've already experienced water damage? Once you've dealt with the leak or flooding and worked with your insurance company to address any damages, it's time to think about mold prevention.
Mold can spring up just 24-48 hours after a leak or flooding, so it's important to act fast. For a small outbreak (10 square feet or less) you can address the issue with detergent and water. For a larger issue, however, a mold remediation service may be in order. Cleaning up and drying out the building and your belongings as soon as possible. Don't be afraid to call in professionals for this process, especially if you have respiratory issues or are immunocompromised.
These easy do-it-yourself measures are among the most effective ways to prevent water leaks from occurring, yet the vast majority of homeowners don't take the necessary measures. Be sure to add these easy actions to your home checklist to be sure your home is water safe! And, should the worst happen, make sure you have good homeowner's insurance to help cover the incident. Get a quote now.