The most common causes for home insurance claims are already in YOUR house. We can help!

Water damage is responsible for more homeowner insurance claims then fire, storms, and theft. Any water using appliance (dishwasher, washing machine, toilet, water heater etc.) should be looked at with a high degree of suspicion, don’t kid yourself they’re trying to take you down!

Hoses can rot and fail, or lose their connections. If this happens while no one is home, or even while you’re sleeping there can be an incredible amount of water damage in just a few hours. Below we’ve listed some general tips on trying to prevent flooding from these appliances.

Washing Machines and Dishwashers

The hose(s) should be replaced every three years and inspected at the change of each season.
When inspecting the hose use a flash light and look for cracks, blisters of bulges. Also feel and look for any signs of wetness, feel the connections for water droplets.
If you find anything abnormal (or worse, wet) replace the hoses immediately.

Refrigerators with ice-makers

Inspect the water line leading to the fridge annually (at a minimum). Whenever you move the fridge, make sure to avoid kinking the line as this will significantly weaken it. When inspecting the line follow the same guidelines as for a washing machine.

Hot Water Tanks (these are the MOST common source of leaks or floods)

With hot water tanks and heaters it is not a question of “if” they will leak, just “when”. Over the course of its life sediment will fall to the bottom of the tank, rust and eventually rupture the tank (liner or no liner). You should regularly inspect the area around the tank and water heater for signs of moisture. This is especially important if the water heater is NOT on the lowest level of your home (we’ve had customer with water heaters in attics that have failed, devastating the entire interior of their home during an extended absence).

On top of the above common appliances all sinks, bathtubs and shower areas should also be annually inspected for potential leaks and updated as recommended.

Does this seem like a lot of work? It is! Fortunately we have two (2) separate, but equally effective options that can help mitigate any risk from water leaks or damages.

1. 1.       Appliance Specific Leak Sensors and Shut-Offs
   Our FLOODSTOP line of products has a sensor and shut-off valve designed for each type of common appliance. This allows you to pick and choose which appliances you’d like to monitor for leakages or floods, and shutoff the water supply to JUST that appliance in the event of a leak or flood.
2. 2.       Total Home Protection
   Our WaterCop line of products is designed to have a single shut-off valve installed on the main water supply for the home or building. Wireless sensors then can be placed all throughout the building in all areas vulnerable to water leakages or flooding. If ANY of the sensor detects water the shut-off valve is closed instantly, shutting off the water supply to the leak and preventing further damage.

You can view the full FloodStop line of products here – http://www.absoluteautomation.com/brands/Flood-Stop.html

The full WaterCop line here – http://www.absoluteautomation.com/brands/DynaQuip-WaterCop.html