5 Solutions to Help Protect Your Home from Water Damage

Practice Proper Maintenance and Landscaping

There are types of water damage that can be avoided with some simple maintenance. Cutting plant roots creates an opportunity to stop pipe damage. Keeping your gutters clean should prevent water damage, poor drainage can weaken your home’s foundation, causing cracks and giving rainwater a clear path to your living room walls.  

Know the Location of Your Shut-Off Valve.

All homeowners should know where their emergency shut off valve is located! Locate it now so that if a leak does happen you can shut off the water quickly in case of emergency to prevent further damage. For many homes it can be in the garage, laundry room, supply closet, or outdoors.

Regularly Check for Home Leaks

Homeowners can mitigate the damage caused by a water leak by regularly inspecting their home. By examining all fixtures of the toilet for looseness; paying attention to the baseboards on the adjoining bathroom walls; and inspecting ceilings that are located under water fixtures homeowners can detect leaks before damage is extensive. 

Regularly Service your Home Appliances

Washer machines, air conditioners and water heaters are often over looked until they cause major damage. The hoses to your washing machine do not last forever and should be replaced every five years. Replacing these hoses costs as little as $20 and can be done easily on your own. Check behind the washing machine once a month to make sure there are no drips or leaks. Living in Florida our Air Conditioning units tend to require more than the average usage. Excessive water and condensation can form causing the drip pan to overflow. Yearly maintenance checks are the key to maintaining household appliances and preventing leaks that cause water damage. 

Install a water detection and shut-off device

The average household's leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.  A water detection and shut-off device can offer protection. FPL Home, a subsidiary of Florida Power and Light, offers a program for a low monthly fee that includes the installation of a smart water shut-off device and coverage to repair failed interior plumbing. Some insurance providers will offer savings on your homeowner insurance premiums when you enroll in the WaterShield by FPL Home Program.

Family Insurance Services would be happy to review your current insurance coverage and insurance options with you. We understand the challenges Florida homeowners face and the best ways to provide the protection you need. Schedule a consultation today.