As a homeowner, you have a lot to think about when it comes to taking care of your home. But one thing you may not have considered is how water-connected appliances and systems can lead to water damage. Learn how to proactively defend against potential water issues. Just a few simple tasks can help you come home happy.
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WELCOME
Find the places where water issues may be hiding in your home by clicking on the sources of those potential water issues below.
AC Unit
Learn more about how to proactively defend against potential water issues at our Home Water Damage Prevention hub.
Main Water
Water Heater
Sump Pump
Sink
Fridge
Toilet
Washer
Shower
Check it out. Get some tips. Come home happy.
Come on in and take a quick tour. Find the places where water issues may be hiding in this house.
Extreme temperatures in an attic can cause plastic drain pans to crack and leak. An overflow sensor switch in the pan will shut off the air conditioning system if the pan is full. A leaking pan or malfunctioning sensor can lead to a bigger issue.
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Check the drain pan and test the overflow sensor switch regularly.
HELPFUL TIP
Sealants (caulking) used to seal the perimeter of a tub or shower can fail over time. Look for cracks, missing caulking or other signs of wear and tear.
Regularly check sealants to ensure they are properly sealing against unwanted water intrusion.
Supply lines are made of rubber or braided stainless steel. A cracked line could lead to damage to the room where the leak occurred, as well as the floor below.
Turn off water supply, whether your washer is on an upper floor or in the basement, when you’re not running the machine.
Look for corrosion, degradation or discoloration. Remember that some cleaning products that can be added to the tank can prematurely degrade the components.
Check the components in your toilet tank regularly and if they show signs of wear and tear, replace them.
Look for kinks, cracks and other signs of wear and tear in the water supply line.
If you move your refrigerator to inspect the supply line, be careful not to damage or kink the line when you put it back into place.
If you notice a drip or signs of a leak or other potential plumbing problems, call a professional immediately.
Install a smart water sensor under your sink to be alerted early to signs of a leak.
To test your sump pump to see if it’s functioning properly, pour water into the sump (pit) to make sure the pump kicks on.
The float inside the sump will begin to rise with the water and activate the pump, an indication that it’s working.
Corrosion on the external pipe on the tank could be a sign of internal problems. Signs include crystal-like deposits that may be white, blue or green.
Hot water heaters don’t last forever. Check the manufacturer’s warranty for guidance about the lifespan of your water heater.
It’s a good idea to locate your main water valve and flag it with tape or a tag to help people spot it.
In the event of a sudden water leak, the main shut-off valve can stop the flow of water to your home and help mitigate resulting damage.
