Water damage can result in the loss of valuables and disrupt your life. A study by the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) identified some areas where proper maintenance can help you avoid experiencing such loss.
ROOF LEAKS
Roof leaks were the most frequent source of water damage in the study. The likelihood of a roof leak was even more common in regions where freezing weather, severe wind, and hail were frequent.
Roof repairs are needed if:
The roof has cracked or missing shingles or loose or missing granules.
Flashing has deteriorated, particularly around chimneys and vents.
Pooling water is present on the roof.
WASHING MACHINES
In the IBHS study, a burst water supply line caused half of all water damage incidents involving washing machines. On average, these caused more than $6,000 in damage per occurrence.
SINKS
Water damage from a sink averaged more than $7,000 per incident. Of these incidents, 44% were attributed to faulty plumbing supply lines.
TOILETS
Water damage from toilets costs $2,000 to $10,000 per incident. 78% of incidents reviewed in the IBHS study were caused by faulty supply lines, toilet flanges, fill valve assemblies, or by toilets that backed up and overflowed.
WATER HEATER
The chance a water heater will leak or burst begins to dramatically increase when it is 5 years old.
75% of all water heaters fail before they are 12 years old.
PLUMBING AND SUPPLY DRAINS
Homes 30 years old were 3 times as likely to have a plumbing supply or drainage problem.
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A LOSS:
Shut off water supply to minimize any additional damage.
Contact Tower Hill or your agent to report your loss and be referred to a water extraction vendor in your area.
Prevent water damage in your home by performing a few simple tasks.
If your water bill keeps rising and your water usage hasn't significantly changed lately, your house may have a hidden leak. Reading your water meter is the first step.
Not sure where your home's water meter is located or wondering how to read it? H2ouse provides a step-by-step guide for finding your meter and reading water usage.
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Roof leaks were the most frequent source of water damage in the study. The likelihood of a roof leak was even more common in regions where freezing weather, severe wind, and hail were frequent.
In the IBHS study, a burst water supply line caused half of all water damage incidents involving washing machines. On average, these caused more than $6,000 in damage per occurrence.
Water damage from a sink averaged more than $7,000 per incident. Of these incidents, 44% were attributed to faulty plumbing supply lines.
Water damage from toilets costs $2,000 to $10,000 per incident. 78% of incidents reviewed in the IBHS study were caused by faulty supply lines, toilet flanges, fill valve assemblies, or by toilets that backed up and overflowed.
