From flooded basements to leaky pipes, water damage in the home can get costly. But here’s some great news: there are plenty of things we can all do to keep our homes dry, not to mention free from unhealthy mould and bacteria. Try the following to protect the interior of your home and your family’s health.

• Never leave running water unattended. Be in the house when running dishwashers and washing machines, or in the room when filling bathtubs and sinks. You’ll prevent overflowing and avoid the most common cause of water damage.
  
  
• Make sure your dishwashers and washing machines are working properly.
  
  
• Properly insulate your water pipes to avoid freezing, which often leads to cracks or breaks.
  
  
• Check your sinks and tub. Caulking that looks damaged, cracked or deteriorated needs to be replaced.
  
  
• From time to time, check the hose that connects your appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines to the water supply. Look out for telltale signs of water damage such as discoloured, warped or soft flooring around the base. Consider upgrading the hose to one designed for longevity and failure resistance.
  
  
• Avoid using harsh cleansers in your toilet tank, such as bleach tablets. They can break down the plastic pieces in the toilet and corrode the internal workings.
  
  
• Consider installing a water detection alarm to alert you in the event of a water leak.
  
  
• Travelling? Shut off the water supply and drain the pipes before you leave and set your water heater to vacation setting. Don’t forget to ask a neighbour or friend to check in on your home daily while you’re away.

Learn more about preventing losses and home insurance solutions to meet your needs from The Co-operators.