Water damage is the number one homeowner’s insurance claim in California. Learn how you can protect your home from expensive repairs with these tips.
Protect Your Home from Water Damage
Water damage is the number one homeowner’s insurance claim in California. El Nino events occur about every two to seven years in California, and they can bring a significant amount of rain that dramatically affects our homes. Other events can occur that can cause water damage, too, such as broken pipes, a sewer backup, or a leaky roof. The insurance experts at Media Benefits Insurance Services* share these tips on protecting your home from water damage and expensive repairs.
How to Prevent Water Damage
Keep an eye on your water bill. If you see a significant uptick in your usage month over month, there is most likely a water issue somewhere in your home.
Know where your water shut-off valve is located. It’s essential to know where your water shut-off valve is before you have a burst pipe or other plumbing issue so you can quickly stop the flow of water. Also, if you’re going on vacation, it’s wise to turn off your water main to prevent a flooding catastrophe while you’re away. This simple step protects your home and will save you money on your insurance deductible.
Test your water pressure regularly. Pipes can burst when the water pressure is too high. You can buy a water pressure gauge at a hardware store to test the force, which should be around 40 to 70 pounds per square inch (PSI).
Install water leak detectors. Water leak detectors find low moisture levels or slow leaks that may go unnoticed for long periods of time. Install them where water damage could start, such as in the laundry room, bathroom, under your sinks, or near the water heater. The electronic detectors range in cost from $30 to several hundred dollars, but they’re well worth it.
Take care of your pipes. Inspect the pipes for leaks and make sure they’re insulated to prevent damage from cold weather. Also, disconnect outside hoses so that freezing water doesn’t enter your home, damaging floors and walls.
Look for other outdoor hazards. Clean your gutters twice a year so that standing water doesn’t damage your roof or foundation, and make sure downspouts point away from your home. Also, look for possible problems with tree or shrub roots, as they can wrap around your pipes and break them.
Be aware of flood zones. If you’re building or buying a new home, you may not want to purchase it if it’s in a flood zone. Work with a home inspector to identify potential water problems.
Check your appliances. Refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines are common culprits for water damage. Inspect them regularly for leaks and have them repaired.
Keep in mind that water damage from a lack of maintenance typically isn’t covered by homeowners insurance, so it’s important to mitigate the potential for water damage. Also, if you have a flood in your home, don’t touch electrical devices, and never use your vacuum to remove water.
Let First Entertainment Help Protect Your Home from Water Damage
As a homeowner, you will likely experience some level of water damage. And as climate change increases, it brings more risk of flooding. It’s essential to have a homeowners insurance policy to protect your home against water damage. Let our knowledgeable Media Benefits Insurance Services agents help you find the best options at the best price. Contact any one of our agents to schedule an appointment.
Cynthia Padilla, Insurance Agent, MBIS (Hollywood Branch)
323.845.4489
cpadi@firstent.org
Maria Okafor, Insurance Agent, MBIS (Hollywood Branch)
323.845.4494
mokaf@firstent.org
Monique Garcia, Insurance Agent, MBIS (Culver City Branch)
323.845.4495
mgarc@firstent.org
Media Benefits Insurance Services
6735 Forest Lawn Dr., Hollywood, CA 90068
insurance@firstent.org
www.firstent.org
