The sound of a leaky faucet may drive you nuts during the night. But unchecked and unfixed, the problem could drain your wallet, costing thousands of dollars in damages, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
Water leaks can sneak up on you and cause widespread damage to floors, ceilings, walls and prize possessions. Plus, they can disrupt your home life for weeks during cleanup and repairs.
Know What's Covered |
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One out of three USAA non-catastrophe-related insurance claims is due to plumbing and appliance leaks, according to Melissa Digby, director of USAA's Loss Prevention and Safety Team. But not all claims from water damage are covered by a homeowners insurance policy. Before water damage occurs, review your policy and know your limits and deductibles. |
With regular inspection and maintenance, homeowners can stop leaks before they start. Tim Reinhold, IBHS chief engineer and senior vice president of research, offers the following tips to help prevent the top 10 sources of household leaks, most of which range from $4,000 to $5,500 in damages after the insurance deductible has been paid.
The often-used washing machine is the most hazardous appliance you own when it comes to water leaks. It may be convenient to have your washer and dryer on the main floor or near the main living space, but that's also where many valuable furnishings and electronics are located. And few laundry rooms have a drain that could contain a leak and prevent water damage.
What You Can Do
From high water pressure that stresses the system over time to frozen pipes that burst, problems with your supply line pipe can cause big-time damage. In fact, burst pipes result in some of the highest costs to homeowners, with damages that often top $8,000.
What You Can Do
Leak Detection Technology |
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There are three basic types of water detection systems:
Water detection devices can be purchased through the USAA MemberShop or at many home improvement stores. |
Homes old and new can suffer toilet-related leaks. Newer homes are more likely to experience sudden toilet failure, such as one caused by a faulty supply line or fill valve, resulting in higher losses, according to IBHS. Older homes are more likely to develop a slow, seeping leak. And then there's the constant risk of clogs. Whether caused by a toddler who throws toys into the toilet bowl or other sources, clogs can cause overflows and significant damage to floors and ceilings.
What You Can Do
Like washing machines, water heaters can cause more damage if they're located on the main floor rather than the basement. Often installed and forgotten, water heaters that have passed their life expectancy — typically about 10 years — can start to rust or corrode. And without a floor drain or a drain pan piped to a floor drain, a leak can wreak havoc in a hurry. IBHS reports that water heater failures cost an average of $4,444 per incident, after the deductible.
What You Can Do
Woulda Coulda Shoulda |
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A water detection device could've helped prevent several weeks of personal misery and thousands of dollars in losses for one USAA employee. |
A backed-up sewer drain may cause the most unpleasant and dreaded of all leaks — sewage that overflows into your home. If your home sits at the low end of a hill or lower than street level, it's more susceptible to sewer backups.
What You Can Do
Often called the heart of the home, the kitchen contains two leak-prone appliances: dishwashers and refrigerators. Leaking pipes, hoses and drains under these heavily used appliances can damage floors or cabinets. And since signs often appear behind or under the dishwasher and fridge, leaks often get overlooked.
What You Can Do
Ever gone running to the sink because you forgot to turn off the faucet? Along with drain clogs, overflows can result from water left running by mistake. In the bathroom, broken plumbing behind walls can result in water leaking through old, damaged caulk, grout and other sealants around walls, bathtubs, showers and sinks. Faulty drain pipes and shower pans can leak, too.
What You Can Do
It's a bad sign to see water dripping from a ceiling, especially when you don't know where it's coming from. If you haven't had routine maintenance done on your air-conditioning system, it could be coming from an overflowing drain pan. Over time, clogs can form and lead to leaks.
What You Can Do
Having a home means you're sheltered from the elements. But if your home has a leaky roof, insufficient siding or damaged windows, you're not very well-protected. Water coming in from the outside can result in catastrophic damage.
What You Can Do
"Have a solid foundation" is the most overused metaphor on the self-help lecture circuit. But for your home, take the advice literally. Protecting that foundation is crucial. Water can pool around the foundation and enter the home through cracks.
What You Can Do
The fastest way to stop a leak may be to turn off your home's water, so do this first. It's also an important step to take before you attempt to make any plumbing repairs. So, before an emergency occurs, learn where the valve is located. You usually can find it in the basement or on an outside wall in a utility area of the house. The main shutoff valve allows a full flow of water through the pipe when it's open. Turning off this valve (by turning it clockwise) cuts off the water supply to the entire house.