Imagine a typical day and you’re getting ready to go to work. Being the helpful husband that you are, or at least aspire to be, you start a load of laundry at 7:30 am, right before you head out the door. Your wife arrives home from her job at 4pm and discovers that you now have an indoor pool in your basement! Apparently, those hoses that connect the washing machine to the faucet are not meant to last forever. (Also, that drain on your basement floor is probably not the best place to stack all those dirty towels.)
Water damage can occur in your home in a variety of ways. The above scenario is just one example. Here’s a list of preventative actions that can help reduce the risk of water damage:
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Upgrade washing machine hoses. Old, brittle washing machine hoses are one of the most frequent causes of water losses. If your hose is over 5 years old, replace it. Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses.
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Don’t operate the washing machine or dishwasher when you’re not home.
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Minimize trees and shrubs near utility pipes. Roots have a tendency to wrap around pipes and cause damage over time.
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Clean gutters and downspouts twice a year.
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Adjust landscaping and irrigation so that water flows away from the foundation.
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Don’t pour grease down your sink.
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Keep an eye on your water bill. If goes up unexpectedly, you may have a hidden leak.
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Keep your roof in good condition.
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Know where your water shut-off valve is.
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One last piece of advice: call your insurance agent to make sure you have an optional endorsement on your homeowner’s insurance called Back-up of Water and Sewer. The name may be slightly different from company to company, but your agent will know what you’re talking about.
Stay dry!
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