Insurance companies report that approximately 93 percent of water damage claims last year could have been prevented by simple home maintenance or the use of a standard shut-off system or leak detection system˳ With most flood damage claims costing an average of $5,000 in repairs, it’s extremely beneficial for homeowners to understand and easily identify possible threats that might lead to water damage˳
Rain
According to insurance companies, rain damage makes up for 8 percent of all water damage claims˳ Even small amounts of rain, over time, can wear down at your home and cause eventual damage to your home’s foundation or interior˳ Extreme weather conditions such as floods can also cause major damage to homes, especially without the proper protection˳ Flood damages lead to especially dangerous amounts of standing water, which can house harmful bacteria and pathogens that often lead to illness˳
Plumbing Incidents
Many plumbing problems such as burst pipes and pipe leaks occur within walls and can be very difficult to detect˳ Left undetected for long periods of time, these plumbing problems can cause severe water damage˳ Leaky and burst pipes are the most common culprits of flood damage, often resulting from backed up drains and toilets˳ Experts suggest regular inspections of your pipes in order to catch potential problems and make necessary repairs before any real damage occurs˳
Household Appliances
Older and malfunctioning appliances can wreak havoc on a home’s internal water systems˳ Weak hoses and rusted or cracked pipes can lead to future leaks and water accumulation˳ Homes most frequently experience damage from damaged or aged washing machines and hot water tanks; however, dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters can also become more and more susceptible to damage over time˳ Fixing or replacing older models can prevent future leaks and water damage˳
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Ventilation Systems
Most homeowners don’t realize that their heating and air conditioning systems require regular maintenance˳ Without proper attention, these units can see severe moisture buildups which can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew deposits˳ To prevent these issues, schedule regular maintenance with a professional to catch possible damage˳ Replacing old fixtures may be necessary in the long run to prevent moisture buildups and, ultimately, water damage˳
How to Prevent Water Damage
While some water disasters occur as a result of unpredictable and uncontrollable circumstances, most H2O damage can be prevented through regular home inspections and the periodic maintenance of household products˳ Homeowners can also install a shut-off system or leak detection system to catch leaks and shut off your water main automatically in the case of a hazardous leak˳ Investments in smaller repairs and other preventative measures can end up saving you hundreds, even thousands of dollars in the long run˳
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