6 Tips to Mitigate Potential Water Damage

• Periodically check your washing machine hoses since these failures cause millions of water losses yearly. Hoses should be replaced at the first sign of wear. During this replacement, consider upgrading to heavy-duty wire mesh hoses or stainless steel hoses.
• Ascertain the location of your main water shutoff valve. They should be installed on water lines under toilets, sinks, and lines leading to outside faucets.
• Your home’s drainage system should be checked to ensure proper water drainage. For example, gutter downspouts should extend the appropriate distance from the foundation.
• Your yard should be properly graded to slope away from your home, allowing surface water to drain adequately. French drains can also assist in this process.
• A sump pump system should be considered in your basement to keep unwanted water out of this vulnerable part of your home.
• Procure flood insurance, even if your home is not in a high-risk flood zone, as many of these losses occur in moderate- to low-risk flood zones. For high-value homes, also look into excess flood insurance available from private insurers.

Copyright 2015: International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI)