Tools and tips to avoid costly household water leaks

Tools you'll need to prevent water damage

Having the right tools can help you detect water problems before they damage your home. Whether you're dealing with clean water, grey water or black water, you need to know the basics.

Eyes and ears

The two most valuable tools homeowners have for preventing common water leaks are their eyes and ears.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, looking and listening for household leaks can reveal them in their early stages. That way you can repair them quicker.

Early detection is especially critical for slow leaks under sinks, which insurance companies typically don't cover if the leak is found to be long-standing.

Water will travel wherever it can and potentially damage everything in its path. If you have a leak in an upstairs bathroom, you can expect that the ceiling below the leak may be damaged.

When you consider the costs of removing any damaged drywall, drying out any moisture and repairs needed, it may be easy to see the impact it can have on your wallet. According to homeadvisor.com, the average water damage restoration cost can range from about $1,300 to nearly $5,500.^{See note1}

Water alarms and shutoff systems

Water alarms are sensors that detect water and sound an alarm when a leak is detected. These are typically an inexpensive way to add an alert to your home. But they have their drawbacks. With any leak, the earlier it's detected, typically the less damage it causes. If you aren't home to hear the alarm and shut off your water, you could have a big mess.

Water shutoff systems or single-point shutoff systems are devices designed to turn off the water supply line to whatever water source that could be the cause of a leak. For example, you would hook up your shutoff system to your washing machine water line and place the system's sensor in an appliance pan or on the floor. If water is detected, the sensor will send a signal to a shutoff valve on the supply line to prevent further leaking.

Connected homes and devices

Technology is making it easier for homeowners to detect water leaks and other risks. "Connected homes," or home-use smart devices, can support homeowners with ongoing monitoring and rapid alerts, so you're warned in time of a leak.

If you have in-home wireless internet, various devices can be used to provide a leak-detection system that can alert you whether you're home or away. Smart devices like internet-connected leak sensors can work with mobile-device apps to give you alerts when leaks are detected.

Granted, these systems are not perfect, either. They still depend on you being able to react and shut off the water supply to stop the leak from spreading. But they could give you an alert that gives you a quicker response to the leak.

Along with the devices, insurance and home-monitoring companies offer programs to help you prevent damage to your home. USAA Connected Home program offers homeowners insurance policyholders various smart systems with different sensors, cameras and thermostats to help you better monitor your home. The program offers device packages as well as potential savings on USAA Homeowners Insurance premiums.^{See note2}

9 steps to avoid expensive, damaging water leaks

Homeowners can take these nine proactive steps to avoid costly damages in heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, sewer lines, drains and other areas.

1. Change washing machine hoses every five years. Washing machine failure is the costliest water-related insurance claim, often setting consumers back thousands of dollars. When possible, use reinforced steel-braided hoses instead of rubber. Also consider turning off the washing machine water supply if the house will be unoccupied for an extended period.
2. Consider installing water leak detectors in your home. Installing connected home devices or enrolling in a connected home program can help improve your ability to detect leaks. More advanced water alarms will even alert users who aren't at home through preprogrammed phone numbers or a home security system. If you do this, you may also be eligible to receive a discount on your homeowners insurance policy.
3. Listen for running water in your bathroom. Toilets that phantom flush or tanks that never stop refilling can boost a monthly water bill by 50%. Be sure assemblies and cut-off valves work.
4. Inspect cabinets under sinks at least once a year for drips and larger leaks. Leaks also occur under dishwashers and refrigerators.
5. Consider leaving your fridge's icemaker unconnected. Otherwise, periodically check the plastic hose that connects it to the water line. Replace the hose if it's discolored or cracked.
6. Check for condensation and corrosion around pipes. Cracked or warped flooring is also a telltale sign of a leak.
7. Check water heaters yearly. Look for corrosion, leaks or a bulging tank. Anode rods — the long metal rods used to attract corrosive elements in the water and prevent rust — eventually succumb to corrosion, too. Have them checked by a professional every three years.
8. Clogged drain pans in attic air handlers and leaks in radiators can damage walls, floors and ceilings. Pay for regular professional inspections of HVAC units.
9. Keep gutters cleared to avoid overflow. Be sure downspouts direct water away from the house to prevent foundation damage or seepage into basements.