How to prevent water damage insurance claims

Non weather-related water damage is the second most common cause of Homeowner Insurance loss, although, homeowners can do a few simple things to reduce the risk of a water damage wreaking havoc in their home.

The most common cause of water damage claims is a pipe leak caused by breakage. These can be triggered by old pipes, inadequate insulation, aged roofs, freezing, hard water build-up, poor installation, or surges in pressure from municipal water systems.

There are ways to help avoid this disruptive peril, which is fantastic news in an era of increasing insurance premium rates. A Water Damage claim can be expensive and take more time than most imagine, to get your home back to normal.

When homeowners better understand the cause of water damage risks and pay attention to the means to mitigate the risk, itself, then the homeowner becomes less likely to experience a water damage claim.

Preventing water damage is more critical than ever for homeowners as insurance carriers are increasingly being called upon to take action on costly water damage payouts. And due to the increasing number of water damage claims, higher water damage sub-limits and deductibles are also becoming more common in homeowner insurance policies.

Mitigating damage risks for homeowners

It is surprisingly more affordable than ever for homeowners to now Mitigate water damage risks. Water pressure regulators, pressure reducing valves, and leak detection systems are among the best devices to detect and prevent pipe breaks and leaks.

The regulator is designed to control water pressure inside the system and is an ongoing mitigation tool that maintains a safe pressure level as water enters the home. On the other hand, the valve relieves sudden increases in water pressure coming into the house. Leak detection systems can recognize a sudden or unusual increase in water pressure or usage in the home and automatically shut off the water flow.

Here are some additional things you can do yourself to help reduce the risk of water damage:

  • Know the location of your water main
  • Proper drainage for your home is important in preventing damage caused by rainwater
  • It’s important to clean your gutters routinely
  • Inspect your roof shingles ensuring that there is no damage – cleaning algae, moss, or lichen buildup; is also important for longevity
  • Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers so roots do not interfere with water lines.
  • Turn off and drain any outside faucets or hoses in the freezing temperatures
  • Check appliances regularly
  • Install Floor/Drain Pans around washing machines
  • Upgrade Washing Machine Hoses
  • Inspect Attic semi-annually for leaks or potential signs of mold
  • Test your Sump Pump semi-annually
  • Check pipes for any cracks or leaks.
  • Monitor your water bill for spikes in usage which could indicate a problem

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