8 Ways to Avoid Unexpected Water Damage in Your Home

While not all property loss can be prevented, some of it can be. Often, just one or two extra steps–checking a battery here, replacing a pipe there–will do the trick.  Here are a few tips

when it comes to protecting your home from unwanted water damage:

KITCHENS

Refrigerator – If your refrigerator has an icemaker, check the hose connection to make sure it is securely attached to the water supply line. The wet spot you see on the floor near the refrigerator may be melted ice cubes or it may be a crimped icemaker line about to burst.

BATHROOMS

Sinks – Check under the sink for signs of leaks from water supply lines or drain pipes.

LAUNDRY/UTILITY ROOM

Water Heater – Most water heaters last 10 to 15 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a problem. Hot water heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home and always located next to a floor drain. If installed above or adjacent to finished spaces, the hot water heater should be placed inside a drain pan with the drain pan piped to the floor drain.

BASEMENTS

Check for hidden leaks by turning off faucets, all water-using appliances, and not flushing toilets for one hour. Record the water meter reading. If the flow indicator (triangular or diamond-shaped rotating button) is spinning or the meter reading has changed while no water is being used, a leaking pipe may exist.

Water loss is not only limited to inside your home. There are plenty of places outside that could damage your home as well.

ROOF

Maintenance Tips

• Proper roof and eave ventilation may help extend the life of the roof by reducing the buildup of heat and moisture in the attic.
• Preservatives available for some types of roofs may help limit weathering effects of moisture and retard growth of molds and mosses.
• Avoid walking on a roof to limit wear and tear. Only necessary repairs or inspections should warrant walking on the roof.
• Keep trees trimmed to prevent them from rubbing against the roof or from providing excessive shade.

To find out how the Tuckey Companies can assist you with any of these areas, e-mail us as info@tuckey.com, visit www.tuckey.com, or call (717) 524-1198.

(As seen in The State Farm Insurance guidebook)

(Photo courtesy of DO’Neil via Wikimedia commons)