Flooding is a common and destructive natural hazard. But your home can be damaged by water in other ways, too — not just a sudden, catastrophic event.
A clogged toilet, a failing water heater, a burst or broken pipe, a sewer backup, or a leaky roof can cause a slow leak that can generate mold, mildew and dry rot. Any one of these situations can cause as much damage as a big storm and can lead to a claim denial or limitation in coverage.
In South Carolina, water damage is one of the most frequent home claims. Average water claim payouts range from $13,000 – $14,000, with some skyrocketing to over $50,000. Water damage costs vary widely due to the source of the water, how quickly the damage is discovered, how many rooms are affected, if mold is present, and the cost of materials to replace the damage.
Follow these best practices to minimize the potential of water damage in your home:
Keep an eye on your water bill.
If you see an uptick in your usage month over month, you know an issue exists somewhere. Don’t wait to find out the cause of the increase.
Find your main water shut-off valve.
In the south, the water shut-off valve is likely attached to an exterior wall or in an underground box. Knowing where this valve is before you have a burst pipe or another plumbing issue can quickly stop the flow of water when needed.
Install water leak detectors.
Just as smoke detectors help with fires, water leak detectors help prevent water damage. These electronic devices range from $30 to several hundred dollars, but they’re well worth it. They find low moisture levels or slow leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed for long periods. Install them wherever water damage could start, such as in your laundry room or bathroom, under your kitchen sink, or near your water heater. We recommend water sensors for everyone, and especially for those with secondary homes (where someone is not there on a daily basis).
Test your water pressure.
Pipes and hoses can burst with high water pressure, so check yours to make sure it’s not set too high. Your local hardware store likely sells water pressure gauges, which can provide a reading. Your home’s water pressure should stay between 40 and 70 psi. A pressure regulator can keep it in check.
Take care of your pipes.
Inspect the pipes around your house regularly to make sure they’re protected from the elements. In colder climates, keep a steady trickle of water flowing through the pipes to prevent freezing and bursting. Disconnect outside hoses, as they can also damage floors and walls when water freezes inside and then enters the house.
Look for other outdoor hazards.
Standing water in your gutters can also cause problems, as it may freeze or overflow. This can lead to roof damage or puddles on the ground that can damage your foundation. Clean gutters and downspouts twice a year and ensure downspouts point away from your home. Also, look for possible problems with tree or shrub roots. They can wrap around your pipes and break them. If possible, avoid landscaping around utility pipes.
Check your appliances.
Refrigerators and dishwashers are common culprits. Regularly check for leaks according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect and replace old, crumbling or leaky washing machine hoses to avoid a mess in your laundry room. Even if the rubber hose on your washer appears to be in good condition, you can opt to replace it with a braided stainless-steel hose which offers superior durability, safety, and longevity.
Be aware of flood zones.
If you’re building a new home, do so above flood levels and identify openings where floodwater could enter. Inspect all existing flood prevention systems, such as dikes, flood barriers, etc. Make repairs as needed. Click here to see what type of flood zone you are in.
As a homeowner, you are likely to experience some level of water damage over the years. Whether you incur significant costs depends on how prepared and vigilant you are. For help understanding how your homeowners insurance treats water damage, contact us. We’re here to help.
Choosing the right insurance agent is one of the most important decisions you will make. The Turner Agency, Inc. is a local Trusted Choice® independent insurance agency headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. Serving the Upstate of South Carolina and beyond since 1962, we offer a variety of business and personal coverage choices and can customize an insurance plan to meet your specialized needs.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources and is not all inclusive regarding the subject matter. This content is offered for educational purposes only.
