3 Tips to Help You Avoid Long-Term Leaks

Even though it may be a seemingly simple fix, water damage can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Understanding how to check and maintain your water sources in and around your property is one of the most valuable tools a property owner can have, and it involves using not only your eyes, but your ears as well.
 
You will likely need to check for water damage in places you may not think to look and listen for moving water where there should not be any. Staying aware of these sights and sounds can lead to a quicker and less expensive repair process.
 
Early detection is key especially for slow, long-standing leaks that are often not covered by insurance policies. These types of water leaks are commonly caused by:
 
●      Fridge water line
●      Garbage disposal
●      Dishwasher
●      Washer
●      Toilets
●      Unused showers and baths

3 Tips to Avoid Long-Term Leaks

The following are several proactive tips that property owners can take to help avoid costly damages that often result from long-term water leaks.

#1: Change Your Washing Machine Hoses

Your home and appliance materials, including your washing machine hoses, experience wear and tear over time. This is especially the case if it is a rubber hose, which can quickly deteriorate from the Florida heat.
 
Ideally, you should replace your washing machine hoses about once every five years with reinforced steel braided hoses.
 
If your washing machine isn’t functioning properly, it may mean that you should replace the hoses. Washing machine-related water damage can lead to a very expensive insurance claim, costing thousands of dollars to repair. You should also consider turning off the water main if you plan on leaving your home unoccupied for an extended period of time.

#2: Listen for Running Water

Running toilets or phantom flushes could mean your tanks are continually refilling and could even lead to a 50% spike in your water bill. If your water bill has unusually spiked or you hear running water and phantom flushes coming from your toilet, be sure that everything is properly assembled and that the shut-off valves are in good working condition.

#3: Look for Water Under the Sink, Dishwasher & Refrigerator

You likely do not look under every sink in your home or property often, but you should look under them at least once a year to see if there are any slow drips coming from the pipes or larger leaks that require immediate attention.
 
Also, be aware that water leaks can pool under your dishwasher and refrigerator, so be sure to keep an eye out for any pooling water or slow leaks around those two appliances. You may even want to consider leaving your refrigerator’s ice maker disconnected or periodically checking the plastic hose connecting it to the waterline for any discoloration or cracks to determine if it needs to be replaced.

Filing Insurance Claims for Water Leaks

Water leaks are more common than you may think. From toilets to irrigation, water damage can be costly to repair. Because it can be challenging to detect water damage, especially in hard-to-see spaces, you may want to consider installing a water detection alarm that can alert you to possible leaks in water-prone areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room.
 
If you notice water damage from a leak, or notice any property damage for that matter, and need help filing a claim with your insurance company, we can help.
 
At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we treat every client’s property claim as if it is our own, and we are dedicated to providing the professionalism, experience and knowledge to get you the highest possible settlement for your claim. Contact us today to give your claim our personal attention and share our expertise.