Courtesy of West Bend Mutual Insurance Company

How to Prevent or Reduce Water-Related Losses to your Home

It doesn't have to rain for days for your home to have water damage. You could discover water problems on a beautiful sunny day! Whether it's an overloaded washing machine, an overflowing toilet, or a leaking water heater, water damage and cleanup can be devastating and costly.

These are some water damage "instigators" in your home:

• Water heater. Over time they can rust on the bottom, then begin to leak.

• Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators. Hoses deteriorate from the inside out. Rubber hoses consist of two layers of rubber with a cloth fiber inside that deteriorates over time.

So what can you do to prevent water damage caused from inside your home?

• Know where the main water shutoffs are located. Install water shutoff valves on water lines under sinks and toilets and water lines leading to outside faucets.

• Repair small leaks around water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances before they become a problem.

• Know and follow the recommended maintenance procedures for your appliances, such as periodically draining the water heater to clean out the sediment at the bottom of the tank.

• Check washing machine hoses for signs of deterioration and replace hoses that show any evidence of cracking.

• Before you leave home for an extended period of time, it's a good idea to shut off the water valve leading to the washing machine.

• Run plenty of water when using your garbage disposal so it won't clog and cause a leak.

• Don't wash heavy-duty dirt down drains. Don't put extremely dirty clothes in the washing machine. Instead, use a garden hose on the soiled items outside the house so the dirt doesn't get into the drainage system inside the house.

• When a problem does occur, hire a reputable contractor.

• Don't leave the room after you've turned on the water, especially full force in the bathtub or a sink

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