My family and I went away for an amazing weekend at the Orlando theme parks. It was so much fun! Until we got home to find a pipe in the upstairs bathroom sprung a leak while we were gone. Of course I called my insurance company right away. I was hoping all those premiums I paid out would finally come to my rescue and repair everything!
Boy was I wrong! Evidently the pipe behind the shower in the upstairs bathroom had a slow leak for some time. I should have noticed the bulging tiles or musty odor. I just thought one of the kids left a wet towel in the bathroom a little too long. It never dawned on me there was a water leak..
The worst part, even though I just noticed the damage after I got home from a weekend away, since the water leak started off slow “at least a few months ago”, according to our insurance adjuster. I was going to have to pay for all the repairs and clean up!
I didn’t realize, as a homeowner I was responsible for the water pipes I can’t even see! I recommend everyone take the 10 Minute Water Sense Challenge from the Environmental Protection Agency. It can save you tons of money and frustration. Also, you may want to get in touch with your homeowners insurance agent and see what your policy covers and what it doesn’t.
In the meantime, check your utility bill. If it is higher than the previous months or if you are using more than 3,000 gallons a month for each person, you may have a water leak.
Also, read your water meter. Make sure nobody uses the water in the house and all the appliances that use water are turned off. In a couple of hours read the meter again. It should read the same as the initial reading. If it doesn’t you probably have an undetected water leak.
Check the toilets in the house by placing a couple of drops of food coloring in the tank of the toilet. Wait a few minutes, if the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
Many leaks can be easily fixed. Which can save you tons of money down the road.
If you are an insurance professional and need assistance chasing down water leaks, contact the Leak Doctor. Our extensive experience working in the insurance industry can help guide your clients to understanding about water intrusions.
