If you own a home in Indianapolis, you should be vigilant about protecting your property from water damage. Even if flooding doesn’t is a rarity in your area, small leaks from household appliances can quickly cause expensive problems. According to the Water Damage Defense, even something as simple as a water heater valve failure can cause nearly $5,000 worth of damage if it’s not caught immediately. Below are some important tips for preventing Water Damage in Indianapolis.
Replace Appliance Hoses
You should regularly inspect the hoses on your washing machine and dishwasher for signs of damage. According to experts, burst hoses are one of the most common causes of home Water Damage in Indianapolis. Worn hoses are easy and affordable to replace, and you may even qualify for home insurance discounts if you upgrade to no-burst stainless steel hoses. According to The Family Handyman, many companies will reduce your rates by around 10%.
Have Your Water Heater Professionally Maintained
Water heaters can cause become problematic if they’re not regularly maintained, and a broken water heater can cause severe water damage. In fact, a leaking water can potentially cause around $13,467 in damage, according to the Water Damage Defense. Your best defense against disaster? Leave maintenance to the professionals. Hire a plumber to perform annual maintenance on your water heater.
Watch for Frozen Pipes
Burst pipes can cause a devastating amount of water damage in the home, so be careful when the temperature drops in the winter. According to the American Red Cross, you can prevent frozen pipes by always keeping the temperature in your home above 55 degrees and letting cold water drip from your faucets when sub-zero temperatures occur. If freezing does occur, it’s best to call a professional to fix the problem. Popular home remedies can backfire and do more harm than good.
Check Your Water Bill
Examine your water bill regularly for signs of unusual increases. Often, an abnormally high bill is a sign of a water leak somewhere inside your home. According to experts, a family of 4 uses around 12,000 gallons of water each month. If your usage is a lot higher, there may be a problem.
Taking measures to prevent water damage in your home can save you a lot of hassle and expense. If a problem does occur, contact the experts at Indy General to fix water damage.
