Why is Water Damage Such a Big Deal?

Water leaks can cause severe damage to your home.

Water damage is consistently a common and severe cause of loss to homeowners. It is amazing to see the damage that water can do. Water carved the Grand Canyon – just think what it does to drywall or plaster! Many potential sources of water damage lurk in the home, but the good news is that risks can be identified and prevented.

Sources of Water Damage in a Typical Home

• Water line failures that supply washing machines, sinks, toilets, icemakers and wet bars.
• Plumbing or appliance failures to items such as icemakers, washing machines, dishwashers, water softeners or water filtration systems.
• Burst pipes due to freezing, age, lack of maintenance or improper installation.
• Water heater failures and leaks due to corrosion, typically within 8-10 years. They may show no outward signs of a problem prior to failure.
• Overflow of plumbing fixtures
• Faulty construction

Water damage can and does occur in homes of all types and sizes, in all regions of the country and in all seasons. As an example, a home with four bedrooms and four bathrooms could have more than 20 water supply lines, each being a potential source of a water loss.

While any home can sustain damage from a water leak, the costs are even higher to a luxury home with high-end interior finishes or those containing fine arts, expensive appliances or other valuable articles.

Preventing Water Damage in Your Home 

While not every water loss can be avoided, many water losses could have been prevented or mitigated if an automatic water shut-off device had been installed in the home. Automatic water shut-off devices provide the best level of protection from water loss. They require no human interaction – they automatically detect a leak and turn off the water to the home when a leak is detected, preventing further ongoing damage.

Installing an automatic water shut-off device is an example of practicing proactive risk management. Consider the water damage risks in your home and prepare yourself with knowledge to prevent the hassle and cost associated with a water leak.

This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Contact your local, independent insurance agent for coverage advice and policy service.