Preventing Water Damage to Your Home
Water can cause a lot of damage. In fact, water damage claims now outnumber fire claims.
We recommend you take a few preventive steps to help protect your home against water infiltration from the roof to the foundation.
Your roof
- Inspect it every spring and fall to make sure it’s in good shape
- Check a shingled roof after storms to make sure none have blown off
- Inspect your roof closely if it’s more than 15 years old
- Make sure your skylights are always well-sealed and watertight
- Keep your gutters clear, year-round
- After a heavy snowfall, have a professional remove the extra snow from your roof
Your plumbing
- Replace your hot water tank every 14 years
- Remember that plumbing with galvanized steel pipes has a lifespan of 40-50 years
Your pool
Keep your pool well-maintained and stay on top of the repairs
Your water appliances
- Make sure your toilets, washing machine, dishwasher and hot water tank are well-maintained
- Check your flood-detector at least twice a year, if you have one
- Open and turn off your main water shut-off valve once in a while to help prevent calcium deposits
Your basement
- Cover your floors with moisture-tolerant materials (like ceramic tile)
- Choose moisture-resistant materials for your walls
- Inspect your walls often and call in an inspector if you find cracks
- Keep your things in watertight boxes stored off the floor
- Remove snow that accumulates around or against your windows and doors
Your sump pump
- Make sure your sump pump is in good working order
- Clean the sump and the filter every winter
- Check that the emergency backup system is working and the battery is charged
Your drains
- Every spring, pour a bit of water down the floor drain in your basement to check for blockage
- Check your backwater valve every spring to protect against sewer backup
- Extend your gutter downspouts so they empty at least three feet away from your foundation
Your foundation
- Keep your trees pruned to slow the growth of roots that can potentially damage your foundation
- Plant trees at least 15 feet away from your home