Surveys have shown that water damage is one of the most common causes of loss to householders. Taking steps to reduce the risk of water damage can save homeowners time, stress and money.
Common causes
There are three major causes of water damage in the home. Fixture and appliance supply lines can leak water and lead to water damage. These lines include pipes connecting sinks, toilets, washing machines and other appliances.
Rain and surface water is another common cause of water damage. Roofs capture water and if drains are clogged, there can be water damage in and around the house. Finally, grey water and waste-water can leak and cause major water damage in the home.
Preventing water damage
Householders can begin using preventative measures by keeping gutters and roofs well maintained and having these professionally repaired in a timely manner. Appliances and plumbing should also be well maintained. A regular inspection of major appliances such as water heaters is recommended.
When the residents are to be away from the home for an extended period of time, they should switch off the main water shut-off valve to eliminate the possibility of new leaks going undetected. Replacing old supply lines with steel-braided supply hoses with metal fittings can also lower the risk of home-damaging leaks.
