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Water damage is one of the most expensive “bad days” that a homeowner can experience.
The thought of water getting into your wall cabinets and all over your possessions just isn’t a
happy one, but it happens more often than you’d like to think.
Your insurance company doesn't like it too much either. Damage caused by water is the
number one type of property claim that insurance carriers handle. Many of these claims
involve appliance failure—when the hoses in a washer, dishwasher, or icemaker grow old and
burst. Even worse than the destruction to your expensive furnishings is the loss of
irreplaceable valued keepsakes, like photo albums and your children’s art projects!
Speaking of insurance be sure to read your homeowner’s policy and have your agent review it
with you, if you’re unclear about what is and isn’t covered. Many policies will exclude mold
damage, in certain scenarios.
By taking a few precautions, you can keep the water damage goblins away:
1. Check all the windows in your household and ensure that the seals are tight. Make it a
habit of check around the windows after a heavy rainfall. Most windows have “weep holes” at
the bottom of the exterior frame. They are designed to drain water that gets by the seals
during heavy or windblown rains. Some weep holes have little flaps designed to get bugs out.
These flaps are notorious for getting stuck. Check to make sure they are clean and free of dirt
2. Inspect your tub surround and shower stall for leaks, and inspect and replace old or
brittle caulking. Pay particular attention to where the top of the surround meets the wall- this is
a place where many installers miss! In addition, check your sink and toilet. Water stains around
the toilet may be an indication of damage to the rim and tank seals.
3. In the kitchen, regularly examine the icemaker, dishwasher, sinks, and the garbage
disposal for leaks. Also, replace these hoses every five years, or better yet, buy the braided
steel type water line —a small investment that can prevent an expensive accident from
occurring.
4. If you have any sinks that are installed with a rim that sits on top of the counter surface,
check the caulk seal between the rim and the counter, ESPECIALLY the back edge! This is
another area often missed by installers and can cause major damage to cabinets as well as
hidden mold problems.
5. Inspect your washing machine hoses and check for signs of brittleness or corrosion. I
strongly recommend changing standard rubber hoses to braided stainless steel reinforced
hoses, because of the constant stress of vibration.
6. Check your hot water heater for leaks and corrosion and make sure you drain it at least
every 12 months. If you see any rust, whether it’s on the outside of the tank, or in the water,
have a plumber inspect the water heater. Rust is a sign of imminent tank failure.
7. For valuables, keepsakes, and other memorabilia that you do not regularly display,
consider plastic storage containers and store them up off of the floor.
Good luck, and stay dry!
The thought of water getting into your wall cabinets and all over your possessions just isn’t a
happy one, but it happens more often than you’d like to think.
Your insurance company doesn't like it too much either. Damage caused by water is the
number one type of property claim that insurance carriers handle. Many of these claims
involve appliance failure—when the hoses in a washer, dishwasher, or icemaker grow old and
burst. Even worse than the destruction to your expensive furnishings is the loss of
irreplaceable valued keepsakes, like photo albums and your children’s art projects!
Speaking of insurance be sure to read your homeowner’s policy and have your agent review it
with you, if you’re unclear about what is and isn’t covered. Many policies will exclude mold
damage, in certain scenarios.
By taking a few precautions, you can keep the water damage goblins away:
1. Check all the windows in your household and ensure that the seals are tight. Make it a
habit of check around the windows after a heavy rainfall. Most windows have “weep holes” at
the bottom of the exterior frame. They are designed to drain water that gets by the seals
during heavy or windblown rains. Some weep holes have little flaps designed to get bugs out.
These flaps are notorious for getting stuck. Check to make sure they are clean and free of dirt
2. Inspect your tub surround and shower stall for leaks, and inspect and replace old or
brittle caulking. Pay particular attention to where the top of the surround meets the wall- this is
a place where many installers miss! In addition, check your sink and toilet. Water stains around
the toilet may be an indication of damage to the rim and tank seals.
3. In the kitchen, regularly examine the icemaker, dishwasher, sinks, and the garbage
disposal for leaks. Also, replace these hoses every five years, or better yet, buy the braided
steel type water line —a small investment that can prevent an expensive accident from
occurring.
4. If you have any sinks that are installed with a rim that sits on top of the counter surface,
check the caulk seal between the rim and the counter, ESPECIALLY the back edge! This is
another area often missed by installers and can cause major damage to cabinets as well as
hidden mold problems.
5. Inspect your washing machine hoses and check for signs of brittleness or corrosion. I
strongly recommend changing standard rubber hoses to braided stainless steel reinforced
hoses, because of the constant stress of vibration.
6. Check your hot water heater for leaks and corrosion and make sure you drain it at least
every 12 months. If you see any rust, whether it’s on the outside of the tank, or in the water,
have a plumber inspect the water heater. Rust is a sign of imminent tank failure.
7. For valuables, keepsakes, and other memorabilia that you do not regularly display,
consider plastic storage containers and store them up off of the floor.
Good luck, and stay dry!
| DON'T BE A DRIP! Preventing Water Damage in your home |
| Copyright © 2008 Christopher R. Prickett. All rights reserved worldwide |