Water damage prevention tips

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

There are preventative measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a water leak event in your White Plains, Harrison, Rye,Rye Brook, Purchase, Port Chester, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Larchmont or Pelham home.

The following are the five leading causes of water damage insurance claim and came up with solutions to help prevent them.

Plumbing Supply System Failure

The average cost was more than $5,000 after the deductible was paid.

Reducing the Damage

• Some indicators are increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Reduce risk of frozen pipes by raising your thermostat to 60 degrees or higher in the winter, insulate pipes, or let faucets drip so that water isn't sitting still in the pipes.
• Install a leak detection system, just in case.

Toilet Failure

The average cost was over $5,500 after the deductible was paid. 1/3 of these incidents were caused by overflowing or clogged toilets.

Reducing the Damage

• Wait for the valve to completely refill the tank and bowl. If it looks like it may overflow, turn off the supply valve.
• Inspect a toilets components twice a year.
• Consider upgrading the supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

Water Heater Failure

Reducing the Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Make sure to maintain the heater. Flushing sediments and inspecting the heater's anode rod may lead to an increase in life expectancy of your heater.
• Inspect valves and use ball valves instead of gate valves whenever possible.

Plumbing Drain System Failure

The average cost per incident is $4,000 after the deductible was paid.

Reducing the Damage

• If the sewer system is connected to the city's sewer system or you are located downhill or below street level, contact a professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home's sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping
• Never pour grease down the drain.

Washing Machine Failure

Washing machine claims averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Reducing the Damage

• One burst inlet hose and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.
• Don't try to cut corners by overloading the machine, and use it only while someone is at home.

If you do experience a water damage in your home, give us a call here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. Call us 24 hours a day (914)684-1560 or toll free at 800-967-6663.