A leaky tap, broken pipe or faulty appliance happens to everyone, but do you know whom to call or what to do when it happens?
Small leaks may not be a big problem, but big leaks can lead to big damage and costly repairs. Thanks to the increase in extreme weather, severe water damage is on the rise, especially with older infrastructures or in buildings and homes that do not have regular maintenance.
Extreme weather events aside, leaks and flooding can happen at any time. If you have kids, a backed-up toilet or sink can be a regular occurrence and if it's not stopped in time it can result in costly damage.
So, how can you protect your home against water damage?
Locate your water shut-off valves and make sure they are clutter-free and easily accessible. You should also test them regularly to ensure they are not damaged or rusted, and can be easily turned off in the case of an emergency.
Leaks and ruptures in pipes are common, particularly in older homes where the pipes run on the outside of the wall and the wall is not well insulated.
Some older homes have an outdoor faucet. These faucets should be upgraded to frost-proof faucets and have a plumber inspect the outside faucets to ensure they are properly installed. You might also want to consider a dedicated shut-off valve just for the outdoor faucet.
For extra protection, consider installing a ‘smart’ automatic water shut-off valve, which will shut off the main water supply if it senses a leak. There are numerous types of sensors and shut-off devices on the market, so choosing one will depend on your home and your specific requirements. Most can be connected to a smart home system as well.
If you have an older dishwasher, refrigerator or washing machine, make sure to check them for signs of corrosion or leakage. You should also check the hoses to ensure they are in good shape and not kinked. If an appliance is on the verge of breaking, you may want to think about replacing it before a leak happens.
Finally, consider creating a water leak response checklist, like the one below from Wawanesa.com.
Working through this list once a year or after extreme weather will better prepare you for what to do in case of unexpected leaks and flooding.
When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, most homeowners assume their current insurance policies will provide adequate coverage. This is not always the case and means that making dedicated protection may be required. If you want to learn more about your insurance options to protect you against damage caused by water leaks and flooding, contact us.
Sources
http://www.ibc.ca/qc/disaster/water
https://www.wawanesa.com/canada/blog/water-response-plan