Avoiding Water Damage in Your Home

​Water damage to your home can occur in unexpected circumstances. A leak in the toilet, a burst pipe or even overflow of water from a sink can lead to serious damage to your home. While we do all we can to take care in all situations, as our lives get busier, it is easy to miss out on signals around the house like when a tap starts dripping or a minor leak in the toilet.
 
It is even more complicated if there a few people in the home, you do not regularly go to some areas in the house or parts of the house are not in use daily. A simple example is that there could be a guest room with a guest toilet which you have visited for a few months because you have had no guests around the house. The bigger the property, the greater the challenge.
 
There are ways to protect yourself from costly water damage situations and unwanted homeowner’s insurance claims. Follow these easy tips from our experts and keep your home safe and well maintained.
 
Know your water main
In your home, it is key to know the location of your water main.  If you are away from your home for a while, then you can turn it off. This would reduce the incidence of drips or leaks in the property while you are away. Also, if you observe a leak that could lead to a problem, shutting off the water main will reduce the amount of damage.
 
Check appliances regularly
Check your home appliances regularly to make sure there are no leaks. For instance, the washing machine or the dishwasher could have a disconnected pipe which could mean a leak. Make sure any situation is evaluated and fixed immediately.
 
Investigate leaks right way and fix them
Do not postpone issues like moisture damage, a wet patch on the wall or mould. These are usually signs of leaks or a burst pipe. Call a qualified plumber to assess the situation and fix it right away. If not attended to then it could result in more damage to the property. Most homeowner’s insurance policies mainly provide coverage for damage that is sudden or accidental damage. They do not cover damages that have occurred due to negligence or a lack of maintenance.
 
Check your water pressure regularly
Check the water pressure in your property and if too high then it may damage pipes and you may therefore have burst pipes. A standard way to evaluate this is to see what happens when you open taps in your home. If the pressure is so high, then call your water provider immediately and inform them.
 
An alternative may be to buy a water pressure gauge from your local hardware store, attach it to an outside faucet and turn the faucet to full force. The gauge will provide accurate reading of your home’s water pressure.
 
Keep an eye on your water bills
If you observe a sudden jump in your water bill from month to month, then there might be a leak in your property which you have not yet detected. Conduct a spot check around the house to see if you can find any leaks and if not call your water provider. Do not leave the situation unresolved or leaks undetected.
 
Install Water Detection Devices
Where possible install water detection devices around water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and toilets to prevent extensive damage to your home. Water detectors are electronic devices that sounds an alarm when its sensor comes in contact with moisture. It is a good way of picking up leaks that may go unnoticed.
 
Switch off external hoses from the mains
Where you have external hoses at your property, always switch them off from the mains when not in use. Young children in your home could easily switch on the external water supply which could lead to damage to your property.
 
Regular spot checks
Important that you carry out regular spot checks in your home. Check taps, pipes, shutoff valves, toilets, and shower units. Visit all parts of the house and check if you have external taps for the garden. If you observe anything unusual then deal with it promptly.
 
Routine Maintenance
We recommend an annual plumbing maintenance programme for your property. Engage a qualified local plumber to audit your plumbing systems to detect any minor repairs due to wear and tear or leaks. They can also look at the condition of the pipes and assess the water pressure in your home.