How To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Some policies cover sewer and drain backups, but many do not; however, you can purchase a sewer backup rider for your homeowners or renters coverage.

Typically, water coming from the bottom up—such as an overflowing river—is covered by a separate flood insurance policy, which can be purchased from the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private insurers. If you live in a flood-prone area, learn more about appropriate coverage.

Properly maintaining a home is one of the best ways to prevent water damage from water disasters.

Prevent Basement Water Seepage

• Reseal your basement. Water in the basement is often caused by cracks in building foundations or floor slabs. If you notice water seepage after heavy rain when you’ve never had a problem, it may mean that your once-waterproof cement floors and basement walls have deteriorated. Painting vulnerable areas with water sealant can prevent seepage.
• Make sure water drains away from the building. Seepage is exacerbated by settled soil that makes water flow toward the building. After a storm, and especially if the ground is already saturated, rainwater that flows toward the building goes down the outside of the foundation wall, potentially through any cracks.
• Install a backwater valve. Though less common than other causes of basement water, sewer backups are messy. Learn more about your sewer responsibilities and install and maintain a backwater valve, which allows sewage to go out but not come back in.

Maintain and Understand Your Indoor Plumbing Systems

• Inspect appliance hoses and faucets. Make it a practice every year to check hoses leading to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerator icemakers. You may also want to invest in a water leak monitoring and shut-off system to alert you to any leakage issues. Immediately replace any hoses that have cracks or leaks, and replace them all every five to seven years.
• Inspect showers and tubs. Check the seals and caulking around showers and tubs to ensure they are watertight and reseal if necessary.
• When away on vacation, shut off the water supply to the washing machine and never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running.
• Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home. A damaged hose or a burst pipe can send water racing into your home. Locating and shutting off the main water supply quickly will save stress, money, and time.
• Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
• Check plumbing and heating pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have any necessary repairs made immediately.

Repair and Protect Your Home’s Exterior

• Caulk and seal windows to guard against water seepage.
• Inspect your roof for missing, damaged, and aging shingles and make necessary repairs.
• Check your downspouts. Remove debris that may have accumulated in them and your rain gutters. Position downspouts so that they direct water away from the house.
• Check sprinklers and irrigation systems to ensure they are not damaging the walls and foundations of the house. Turn off and drain outside faucets to protect against frozen pipes.
• Install gutter guards to prevent clogs and keep water flowing away from the house instead of accumulating on the roof.

Protect Your Possessions

• Store off-season and other bulk belongings in waterproof bins, especially in areas with plumbing pipes or prone to dampness, such as basements and attics.
• Never store valuables or memorabilia where there is a risk of destruction from water. Water and dampness also bring with them the threat of mold damage.
• In basements, keep belongings stored on shelving off the floor. This will prevent damage in case of water seepage or sewer backup.
• Keep an up-to-date home inventory. Having a comprehensive list of your possessions will save time, trouble, and stress in case of loss from water damage.

Source: Insurance Information Institute