10 Minutes to Avoiding Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues homeowners face, but with just 10 minutes of regular maintenance, you can prevent many potential disasters. Just like changing the batteries in your smoke detector or getting an oil change for your car, a simple water damage checkup can save you thousands in repairs and protect your home.

Here’s a quick guide to help you spot potential water-related issues before they become costly problems.

Inside Your Home

  1. Inspect Hoses: Check the hoses on your ice maker, dishwasher, sinks, garbage disposal, toilets, and washing machine. Replace washing machine hoses every 3-5 years to prevent unexpected leaks.

  2. Check Caulking: Regularly inspect and replace the caulking around sinks, tubs, and showers. Cracked or missing caulking can allow water to seep into walls, causing hidden damage.

  3. Water Heater Check: Look for any signs of rust, corrosion, or wet spots around the base of your water heater. These could indicate a slow leak that could lead to major flooding if left untreated.

  4. Fix Toilet Issues: Repair toilets that have frequent flushing problems or run continuously. This not only wastes water but can lead to larger problems with leaks.

  5. AC Unit Maintenance: Check the condensate drain on your air conditioning unit to ensure water is flowing freely to the drain and isn’t pooling, which could cause water damage.

Outside Your Home

  1. Roof Maintenance: Keep your roof in good condition by checking for missing or damaged shingles. Promptly repair any issues to prevent water from seeping into your home.

  2. Clean Gutters: Regularly clear out gutters and downspouts to ensure water flows away from your house. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool near your foundation, leading to leaks and structural damage.

  3. Adjust Irrigation: Make sure your lawn sprinklers are pointed away from your home’s foundation. Over-watering near the house can lead to foundation and basement problems.

  4. Test Water Pressure: Your home’s water pressure should be between 60-80 PSI. You can buy a pressure gauge from a home improvement store for about $10-$15 to test this. High pressure can put stress on your pipes and increase the risk of leaks.

  5. Know Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve: Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve and ensure you know how to use it in case of an emergency. Turning off the water supply can prevent a small leak from becoming a major flood.

Hidden Leaks

Sometimes water leaks are hard to detect until major damage has already occurred. One good indicator is your monthly water bill—if you notice any unexplained increases, you might have a leak. A quick test: turn off your water supply and check your water meter. If the meter is still running, you likely have a hidden leak.

By taking just 10 minutes to inspect these areas regularly, you can avoid the stress, frustration, and high costs associated with water damage. Keeping up with these simple checks will ensure that your home stays safe and dry.