As a homeowner, you’ve likely invested a large amount of your finances into your dwelling. Naturally, keeping it safe and protected is a priority. In addition to regular maintenance and upkeep, there are still things that can happen to your home which cause damage before you even had a chance to realize it’s happening. 

This is the case with one of the biggest property damage issues in the home – water damage. According to reports, almost half of all property damage claims that come in are related to issues caused by leaks and water events in the home.

Preventing water damage from happening in the first place is very important. As one of the most expensive types of damage that can occur in your home, and because it can also lead to other problems to the dwelling, it is critical to take steps to prevent the damage from happening in the first place. 

Here are some tips for preventing damage and saving you from unnecessary stress and devastation. 

Understand How Leaks Happen 

If you want to watch for and prevent water leaks you need to understand how they happen and what to look for. Some of the most common water damage in home’s is caused when a pipe leaks or bursts. There are also times when appliances can fail and water can pour out all over the home. It makes sense to get down under sinks and cabinets and even check the basement or crawl spaces for signs of moisture of slow leaks before they become a larger issue.

Get to Know Your Shut Off Valves

If you are in a situation where water suddenly starts gushing from a pipe in your home you can significantly reduce the damage that happens as a result by turning the water off and quickly drying the dampened area. To do so you must know where your main shut off valve is located and how to turn it off. These are typically located 3-5 feet from where the water main enters into the home – usually near a heater, furnace or perhaps crawl space area against the front wall of the home. 

Have a Leak Detection Device Installed 

To save time and frustration and bring peace of mind to homeowners, you can now have leak detection devices installed in the basement. These devices use level sensors to measure for accumulating water in the basement and will sound off an alarm when an issue is found. Some devices can also  detect irregular flow or moisture and automatically shut off the water supply to your home. These devices can help you have money and frustration in the long run and are worth looking into as more storms make their way into the area. 

Protect Your Home. Talk to an Agent at Petruzelo Insurance Today!