Water, Not Fire, a Frequent Peril for Homeowners!

Travelers Insurance recently analyzed its claims in North Carolina, excluding claims related to catastrophes, and found damage caused by water accounted for 28 percent of all property claims in the state between April 2009 and October 2009, compared to three percent for fire. Furthermore, weather accounted for only five percent of those water damage claims, meaning that proper maintenance within the home may help homeowners avoid some of these problems.

Simple maintenance techniques can help you avoid the top causes of water damage to homes. The following list provides preventative measures to help avoid the top four common causes of non-weather-related water damage:

*Leaks from washing machine hoses: Washing machine hoses should be inspected annually and replaced every five years – or immediately, if there are any signs of cracking or bulging.

*Leaky plumbing around water heaters: Plumbing should be inspected annually and repaired if there are any signs of leaks or corrosion. When possible, water heaters should be installed in an area with floor drains to minimize damage if leaks should occur.

*Leaks from refrigerator ice machines: Ice maker connections, usually located behind the refrigerator, should be inspected annually and hoses replaced if they appear cracked or corroded.

*Clogged drain lines on air conditioning units: Air conditioning drain lines should be checked yearly.

To learn more about how to protect your home from water damage you can use these resources:

Home Maintenance Guide

Loss Prevention Resources

Information for Creating a Home Inventory