Watertight ways to avert water damage

While Hurricane Floyd wreaked havoc to the East Coast in 1999, a silent furor lurked in and around homes nationwide - destroying furniture, carpets, computers, photographs, art, antiques, family heirlooms and other irreplaceable items. Water damage - it costs millions each year.

Causes include broken appliances, frozen pipes, worn connection hoses, malfunctioning plumbing or fixtures, sewer back flows and fire extinguishing efforts. Washing machine hose failures alone cause about $150 million in damage to U.S. and Canadian homes annually.

Here's how to make sure unwanted water doesn't disrupt your life and cause costly damage, mess, and inconvenience.

Appliances

• Check washing machines hoses for signs of cracking, bulging or other deterioration. As a safety measure, replace them every three to five years.
  
  
• Pour a cup of bleach down air conditioner drain lines periodically to keep them clear, and free of mold build-up.

Basements

• Watch for water seepage in your basement after heavy rains soak the soil around your home.
  
  
• Pay attention to musty smells or mildew that indicate high moisture content.
  
  
• Use a sump pump to remove excess water in the basement or the crawlspace beneath your home. Have a battery operated backup sump pump in case of power failure.

Plumbing And Fixtures

• Keep a close eye on sinks, tubs and showers for slow drainage. Call a plumber if you suspect problems.
  
  
• Regularly inspect tile and grout, and the floor and wall areas immediately adjacent to your tub and shower, for signs of leakage. Re-caulk if necessary.

Inside

• During extreme cold weather, locate faucets connected to pipes that are vulnerable to freezing and let them drip.
  
  
• Make sure attic vents are clear, and inspect insulation to make sure it's in good shape.
  
  
• When you're away for an extended period, maintain adequate heat during the winter (55º) and turn off the water supply to washing machines, toilets, faucets, tubs and major appliances.

Outside

• Examine your roof after storms for missing shingles.
  
  
• Check gutters and downspouts - remove any debris so water can flow freely.
  
  
• Insulate exterior pipes to reduce chances of freezing.
  
  
• Remind your entire family where shut-off valves are - both the main supply line outside and individual valves inside.

Request a no-obligation quote for Flood insurance policy

See also:

You might also consider :