As a homeowner, your to-do list is already long. While roof repairs and curb appeal get a lot of attention, there is one silent threat you might not be thinking about: your water connected appliances. From the refrigerator in your kitchen to the sump pump in your basement, your home’s plumbing systems can lead to significant damage if left unchecked.
At Gibson Insurance Agency, we want to help you proactively defend your home. A few simple maintenance tasks can be the difference between a relaxing evening and an expensive restoration project.
Here are nine key areas in your home to monitor for potential water issues.
1. Refrigerator Water Supply Line
If your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser, it has a supply line. Look for kinks, cracks, or brittle spots in the tubing.
Pro Tip: If you pull the refrigerator out to clean or inspect the line, be extremely careful when pushing it back. It is very easy to kink the line against the wall, which can cause it to pinhole or burst over time.
2. Water Heater
Water heaters have a limited lifespan, and a failure often means a flooded basement. Look at the external pipes for corrosion or crystal-like deposits that appear white, blue, or green. These are early warning signs of internal trouble. Check your manufacturer’s warranty to see if your unit is nearing the end of its expected life.
3. Main Water Shut-off Valve
If a pipe bursts, every second counts. You need to know exactly where your main shut-off valve is located. Take a moment today to find it and mark it with a bright piece of tape or a hanging tag. This ensures that you, or anyone else in the house, can stop the flow of water immediately during an emergency.
4. Sink Fittings and Connections
Drips under the sink are often ignored until the cabinet base is rotted. Periodically check the connections under your kitchen and bathroom sinks.
5. Caulking Around Tubs and Showers
The sealant around your tub or shower is your first line of defense against water seeping into your subfloor or the ceiling below. Look for cracks, peeling, or missing chunks of caulk. Regularly refreshing these seals is a low cost way to prevent high cost structural damage.
6. Inside the Toilet Tank
Lift the lid of your toilet tank and look for signs of corrosion or degradation. Be wary of “drop in” chemical cleaners; while they keep the bowl clean, the harsh chemicals can prematurely rot the rubber flappers and seals inside the tank. If components look discolored or worn, replace them.
7. Washing Machine Supply Lines
Whether your laundry room is in the basement or on the second floor, a burst washing machine hose is a major disaster. These lines are typically made of rubber or braided stainless steel and can crack over time.
8. Sump Pump
Your sump pump is your home’s primary defense against groundwater. To test it, slowly pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. The float should rise, and the pump should kick on automatically. If the water rises and nothing happens, it is time to call a plumber or replace the unit.
9. Central AC Drain Pan
If your AC unit is in the attic, the extreme heat can cause the plastic drain pan to crack. If the pan leaks or the overflow sensor fails, water can soak through your ceiling. Regularly check the pan for standing water and test the overflow sensor switch to ensure it will shut the system down if a clog occurs.
Is Your Coverage Up to Date?
Taking these steps helps protect your home from non-weather related water disasters. However, even the best maintenance cannot prevent every accident.
Now is the perfect time to ensure you have the right protection in place. At Gibson Insurance Agency, we can help you review your current policy to make sure you are covered and ready for the unexpected.
