Preventing Water Damage In Your Home

Water damage is by far one of the more devastating disasters your home could face, and there are numerous ways for it to happen. From a burst sewer pipe to a leaking washing machine or even a natural flood, water damage is much more common than you may realize. Luckily, there are things you can do to protect your home from the risk of water damage. It also helps to examine your home insurance policy to see whether or not the terms cover you adequately for water damage, and under what circumstances.

Ways to Avoid Water Damage

Every home can be at some risk for water damage, unless steps are taken to ensure those risks are minimized. Here is what you can do to keep your home out of danger from water penetration and damage:

• Sealing Windows and Doors – Seal all windows, doors, basement windows and window wells inside and outside to prevent water from entering.
• Maintain Your Roof – To keep water from entering above, maintain your roof and replace the shingles when necessary. Also, ensure your roof has proper ventilation and in the winter, have a professional clear off excess snow or ice.
• Gutters – Keep your gutters clear of debris by having them cleaned at least once a year. Clogged gutters can lead to overflow and backup into your home as well as lead to foundation damage.
• Maintain Drains and Water Inside – Know where the water shut off valve is for your home in case of an overflow. Also, maintain your home’s drains and ensure they are clear from debris to avoid overflows and leaks.
• Appliances – Check your appliances that use water frequently and have them serviced even if there is only a small leak.
• Sewers – Protect your basement from flooding due to sewer backup. You can do this by lessening how much water you use during heavy rainfall, keeping outdoor sewer grates clear, ensuring your basement drains are operational and installing a back-flow valve or sump pump to protect the basement.
• Water Heater – Your home’s water heater should be replaced every 10 to 15 years. Once it bursts, it can cause significant water damage to the floor below. Avoid this by keeping an eye out for bottom corrosion or small leaks.
• Pipes – Check your plumbing frequently for corrosion, bulging or cracks. If you notice a small leak, repair the pipe immediately.

Add Water Damage Insurance to Your Existing Policy

While homeowner’s insurance covers some water damage, there are often exclusions homeowners are not aware of. Go over your existing policy and make sure you are not only covered for burst pipes and sewage backups, but natural disasters as well. Also, if you have a basement, make sure your insurance provider knows there is a finished basement so that it is added to the policy’s coverage terms.

Drayden Insurance Ltd. can assist you with finding the right coverage to protect you from losses due to water damage events. To get started, call us at one of our convenient locations or contact us online.