There is nothing like waking up at 2 am to the sound of running water. Not the relaxing sound of the waves or tropical waterfall sound on your machine, but the whoosh of the water flowing through the roof during a thunderstorm late night. Believe me, it does relax.
What started as a few threads once in my own house quickly grew to throw my ceiling. It happened when our roof was fixed, and it was devastating
The fact of the matter is :. Water damage can happen to anyone, at any time, if you live in a flood plain or you're just in the middle of doing laundry. It is also a mess to clean. (So I learned.)
The best defense is really prevention. Here is some information to help you know what causes water damage and how you can prevent it from happening to you.
Common culprits
According to the American Association of Insurance Services (ARIS), water is the second leading cause losses of owners. (Fire is number one.) The most common sources of water damage are:
- defective pipes of washing machines
- Dishwasher malfunctions
- saved drains
- pipes that burst when the weather gets cold
- roof problems (old shingles, wind damage and ice dams)
- taps and pipes
- toilet and refrigerator Leaky water lines that are not connected properly
- polybutylene plumbing pipes that tend to break
simple solutions
the good news is most, if not all, water damage can be minimized or avoided by routine maintenance. Here are some things to add to your spring or fall cleaning routine:
- Inspect washing machine hoses damaged. Look for weak spots, swellings and friability near the connection or crimp in the pipe. Replace hoses every five years. Choose a high quality hose for best results.
- Inspect the water pipes in your refrigerator and toilet. Look for kinks and cracks that could obstruct the flow of water or allow leaks. If you find one, replace the entire tube.
- Inspect your roof for normal wear. Do it from the ground for more security. Use binoculars if necessary.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. They direct the water away from the foundation and roof.
More tips to prevent water damage,
year
- Maintain a temperature of at least 55 degrees in winter to prevent pipes from freezing. Also be sure to properly drain the pipes that go outside your home and insulate pipes that are outside during the months of cold winter.
- Close the main water shutoff valve when you leave for vacation. (Turning off the water does not freeze pipes. The pipes freeze if the heat goes off in your home).
- Install a sump pump or French drain to prevent wet basements.
mold prevention
When water spills, act fast. Cleaning wetlands or wet within 24-48 hours can help prevent mold. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers these tips to remove mold from your home.
- Keep the humidity of about 40 percent to avoid condensation. If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, dry the wet surface and eliminate the source of the water.
- Use air conditioners and / or dehumidifiers when needed. Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
- rooms with high humidity, such as Ventilate bathrooms. Make sure to remove devices that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers and stoves outside if possible.
How insurance can help
Unlike fire, some of the damage caused by water, such as mold, slow leaks and infiltration foundations, is generally limited or not covered by insurance. 1 certain types of water damage, however, can be more securely covered.
for example, sewer and drain backup ERIE Approval will provide protection against losses caused by water or sewage backup in sewers or drains. 1 It will also provide cover against water leaking from sump pump systems. If you have a homeowners policy ErieSecure Home® with coverage of comprehensive risk, you have the protection against ice damming.
Also, if you live in a flood area, consider buying insurance against floods. ERIE your agent can provide you a quote for this important protection.
[1] Sewers and drain backup coverage not subject to $ 5,000 limit in Virginia.
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