Prevent or Reduce Water Damage and Actions to Take Post Loss
Homeowners, condominium and co-op owners and renters incur billions of dollars in losses each year from water damage.
Although hurricanes and torrential rains can cause flood-related losses, the most common cause of water damage is home appliance or structural failure. Water damage due to failure of plumbing systems, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioning and water heaters are more likely to damage your home than fire or burglary.
Still, most homeowners are likely to invest in fire and security alarms, overlooking water leak detection devices. Some people do not even know where their water main is located.
The following checklist, compiled by USI’s Personal Risk Specialists, provides proactive steps to prevent or reduce water damage, and what actions to take after a loss has occurred.
BEFORE
- Locate and label water main shut-off. Be sure all family members are aware of the location of the shut-off valve.
- Regularly inspect water supply hoses. Replace rubber hoses with braided metal hoses.
- Inspect appliances annually: water heater, dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner/cooling system, interior or exterior sprinklers, and sump pumps with battery back-ups.
- Turn off water supply to home during extended absence or seasonal occupancy.
- Shut off refrigerator ice maker water line prior to vacation or time away from home.
- Clear gutters of debris or other obstructions.
- Place downspouts 5-10 feet away from home foundation.
- Frequently inspect home siding for signs of water intrusion.
- Do not pour grease down the drain. Use a drain snake instead of caustic chemicals to clear clogged pipes.
- Inspect caulking around bathroom fixtures and windows for wear.
- Monitor humidity within the home and utilize dehumidifier with shutoff to avoid pan-over spilling.
- Be mindful of landscape plants, especially trees, in relationship to the location of underground water pipes.
- Seasonal maintenance of outside water appliances, like sprinklers, pools and hot tubs is critical. Also, have septic tanks inspected regularly.
- Inspect the grade along the foundation of your home to ensure water can run off properly.
- Keep an eye on your water bill.
DURING
- Turn off water supply.
- Turn off electricity, if there is standing water.
- Move children and animals to dry or higher ground and out of impacted area.
- Notify insurance company.
- Contact a local water mitigation specialist immediately.
- Remove and secure personal property to avoid further damage.
- Begin water extraction or diversion immediately to reduce migration to dry materials.
- Turn on dryers and fans to lower the humidity level if safe.
- Retain all damaged items until insurance adjuster advises otherwise.
AFTER
- Check humidity levels in the home – 40% or lower is ideal.
- Hire professionals to inspect home for microbial growth.
- Carefully inspect flooring, furnishings, cabinets and contents to ensure dry-out was efficiently done.
- Continue regular maintenance and inspection schedules of appliances and fixtures.
- Install flow-based water shut-off devices if needed.
- Monitor water bill over time.
- Install low-temp alarm.
- Take a water flow test, if necessary.
- Review your home’s exposure to water damage with a USI Personal Risk Specialist.
This checklist provides basic practical steps that can be taken to protect you, your family and your personal property from water damage. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list. For further assistance, contact your local USI Personal Risk Specialist.