Updated September 5, 2024 . AmFam Team
You may not realize it, but that leaky faucet is trying to tell you something, and it’s probably not what you think. Slow leaks can lead to corrosion issues, which can result in compromised plumbing and, eventually, hidden water damage. Prevent water leaks by staying on top of your plumbing, checking for warning signs and acting quickly when you find trouble.
Because your homeowners insurance only covers water damage in specific ways, you can best prevent water damage by knowing what to look for. By performing routine maintenance on your water supply and plumbing systems, you’ll better understand when an issue is big enough to justify hiring a contractor.It’s a great idea to get in the habit of exploring your plumbing on a regular basis. Burst pipes are easy to spot, but your nose can also help you locate problems.
The first thing you need to know is how to turn off the water in case there’s an emergency and you need to stop the water flow quickly. Usually located in the basement, the water main will have a shut-off valve close to it and your water meter. Sometimes, it’s found near the water heater or furnace. Other times, it’s just outside your home or in the crawl space.
Leaking faucets and pipes can do a lot of damage so put on your detective hat, grab a flashlight and look at exposed pipes for clues of corrosion or leaks.
Look in the basement — underneath the toilet — for signs of leaks, water stains or corrosion.
Lasting about 10 years or more, your water heater can potentially be a big source for water damage in the home, but other issues may emerge too. Here are a few ways to explore your water heater for signs of trouble.
Consider relocating your water heater if leaking or flooding may damage or destroy expensive nearby items.
Your domestic appliances can quietly make trouble, slowly leaking and hiding the evidence. Look for the following water damage clues when reviewing their condition:
The stack is your home’s outbound waste pipe, connecting your home to the outside world. It typically runs directly up and down and into the basement floor. Take a careful look at these tips to verify it’s not leaking.
It’s too late once your pipes freeze and burst. But there’s a lot you can do to help insulate yourself from winter weather plumbing issues.
Home insurance typically covers appliance or plumbing-related water damage — that occurs due to sudden and accidental events — and originates in your home. It’s additional coverage that helps to cover the costs to remediate water damage and rebuild your home after a covered loss.
Our emergency water removal program will work with the claims department to help get your life back on track in no time.
From flood emergencies to burst pipes, you’ll need an insurance company that can help you protect what matters most. If you’re worried about seasonal flooding, consider picking up added flood insurance protection provided by the National Flood Insurance Program.
While you’re inspecting your plumbing, take a few minutes and review your homeowners policy with an American Family Insurance agent. You can customize a policy that helps to protect your finances from the unexpected. You’ll feel great knowing you have the right insurance coverage in place to help keep your home safe from plumbing troubles.
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information. This article does not afford, offer, or guarantee any coverage.
JSS component is missing React implementation. See the developer console for more information.