A recent insurance study showed most household water damage and floods are the result of water intrusions from plumbing failures. Leaky pipes and hoses make up 62 percent of insurance claims. While appliance failures, such as a washing machine leak, make up 30 percent of the claims and weather related damages make up 8 percent.
Homeowners are encouraged to inspect and repair any water leaks in their home, such as leaky toilets and pipes, before they cause significant damage.
Many homeowners are unaware that not all water damage and pipe intrusions are covered under their insurance policy. There are a few simple steps homeowners can take to not only reduce the damage from a water leak, but also prevent them from happening in the first place.
Dishwashers and washing machine hoses can become corroded over time and blow out in the middle of a cycle, flooding your home with gallons of water in just a few minutes. A good rule of thumb, only run water using appliances when someone is home, then if there is a leak the water supply line can be turned off, minimizing the damage.
Routinely inspect the hoses and drains to appliances using water. Joseph King, a spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, said, “If they’re original equipment and more than 5 years old, replace them with stronger steel-braided hoses.”
Not all water leaks are obvious, homeowners should be on the look out for the sound of running water when all the water using appliances and faucets are turned off, a musty odor inside the house, wet or moist spots on the flooring, using too any chemicals in the pool, discoloring in the walls or ceilings, cracked or loose tile, and a higher than normal water bill.
If your client calls about a water intrusion in their home or business, keep in mind the Leak Doctor is a leader in the industry and has the experience to locate concealed water leaks.
