Homeowner Tip: Water Damage Prevention Checklist for Your Home
Now that fall is winding down and we have to face the fact that winter is just around the corner, one way of escaping reality is to turn our thoughts to the excitement of holiday travels or warm weather vacations. But before you leave home during the winter months - whether it's for a week, a month, or just an evening - it is a great idea to make sure you've taken all the steps to protect your home against potential water damage.
Why now? Ameriprise Home Insurance research shows the majority of water damage claims occur in winter months when pipes and appliances are more vulnerable to unexpected changes in temperature. And, if something breaks, it invaribly happens when nobody is home - Murphy's law, right? Left unchecked, running water can cause massive amounts of damage in less than an hour.
Water Damage losses represented 26% of all 2008 home claims by insurance companies – and the majority occurred in December and January.
For example, one of our clients turned his heat down to 45 degrees before he left home for a long weekend last December. While he was gone the temperature outside dropped an unexpected 18 degrees in just a matter of hours. When he arrived home, he found that an unprotected pipe had frozen and burst - and water had been pouring down the walls of his house. In the end, there was more than $50,000 in damages, not to mention the hearbreak of losing irreplacable items and the headache of cleanup and repair.
But there are a few easy things you can do to reduce your risk for water damage (like never setting the heat below 55 degrees). We've listed some of them below.
Water Damage Prevention Checklist
OVERALL
ü Know in advance where your main water shut-ff valve is located and how to open and close it
ü Never set the heat lower than 55° Fahrenheit
ü Never leave the house with appliances like the dishwasher or washing machine running
ü Use moisture-activated water alarms and check batteries regularly
ü Shut off main water supply when leaving home for extended period of time
OUTSIDE
ü Remove debris from gutters and storm sewers
ü Make sure drain spouts slope away from the house
ü Check roof for signs of wear or deterioration
ü Remove hoses and turn off water to all outdoor taps before the first frost
INSIDE
ü Check seals around tubs, showers, sinks and toilets
ü Check hoses for secure fit or leaks on refrigerators, dishwashers, sinks and disposals; replace hoses and fittings regularly
ü Inspect washing machine hose for brittleness or corrosion; replace with stainless steel reinforced hose
ü Leave at least four inches between water connection and back of washing machine to prevent kinks
ü Install a shut-off valve just for the washing machine – close it before leaving home for extended period of time
ü Inspect water heater for signs of rust, deterioration, full overflow pan or clogged drain lines
ü Check attic spaces and ceilings for sings of water stains or wet insulation
ü Test sump pump system every month and have a back-up system
ü Check that floor drain is free of debris
ü Surround unprotected water pipes with heating tape or insulating foam
To begin your search for the perfect home or to sell your home in Northern Virginia, call Kim Darwaza at 703-856-2254. Please visit http://www.kimdarwaza.com to search the MLS for Northern Virginia listings.