Water damage accounts for about 25 percent of all property insurance claims. In fact, 2012 Travelers Claim data suggests that water is ten times more likely to damage your home than fire. While you probably know that weather-related water damage can be significant, you may not know that damage caused when ordinary household appliances fail can be just as destructive.¹

Common causes of water damage include leaky baseboard heating, air conditioning condensation drains, water heaters, washing machine hoses and plumbing.

You may not realize that trouble is brewing until it is too late. That is why it is important to regularly check your household appliances. The simple steps below can help you protect your home from the most common causes of water damage:

• Know where the main water supply is in case of emergency.
• If you will be away for a while, shut off the water supply and drain the pipes.
• Consider having your air conditioning system inspected regularly by a professional. Check the drain lines annually and clean them if they are clogged.
• Inspect water heaters, showers, tubs, toilets, sinks and dishwashers annually, and have them repaired if there are any signs of leaks or corrosion. When possible, install water heaters in an area with floor drains to minimize damage if leaks should occur.
• Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet bases, and make repairs as needed.
• If your refrigerator has an ice machine or water dispenser, the hose between the wall and the refrigerator should be made of braided copper, which will help with cracking and corrosion.
• Check pipes for cracks and leaks. Have minor pipe damage fixed immediately to prevent much costlier repairs in the future.
• Check appliance hoses and plumbing fittings for breakage, crimping or bending

​Prevent claims on your Long Island Homeowners Insurance by following these simple steps.