Water damage can happen at any time of the year and can be caused by a variety of reasons including heavy rainfall, snow melt, burst pipes, and ignoring house maintenance. Ensure your home is flood ready with the following list of maintenance tips and best practices which can help to protect your home from water-related damage and avoid a home insurance claim.
Repair and Protect Your Home’s Exterior
- Clear your eavestroughs and gutters of leaves and other debris to ensure that they are draining properly.
- Inspect your roof for missing, damaged, or aging shingles.
- Check for ice dams or ice build up in the winter months.
- Make sure downspouts extend at least two meters from your home. Water should drain away from your property and neighbouring properties.
- Use weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
- Install flood shields or barriers on basement windows or doors. The tops of the shields should extend above ground level.
- Check sidewalks, patios, decks, and driveways to make sure they haven't settled over time, causing water to drain toward your property.
Protect Your Basement from Water Damage
- If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working and has a battery backup in the event the power goes out.
- If possible, raise any large appliances such as washing machines, dryers, furnaces, water heaters, and chest freezers off the ground above the potential flood water level.
- Ensure basement drains aren’t blocked or covered up.
- Reseal your basement to ensure you don’t have cracks in the foundation or floor slabs.
- Make sure that your lot is properly graded. If possible, build up the ground around your property so that water drains away from basement walls.
- If you have a check valve installed to your sewer line, check that it is working properly allowing the flow of sewage water out of the home. The check value is an excellent safety item to protect from sewage water being driven back up into your home from the main city line during flooding or high rain volume days.
Maintain Indoor Plumbing
- Inspect appliance hoses and faucets that lead to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerator water/icemakers for signs of leaking.
- Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home.
- Inspect showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight.
- Check plumbing and heating pipes for cracks and leaks, and have any necessary repairs made immediately.
- Shut off the main water supply when you’re away from home for an extended period.
- Check your outdoor hose bibs that supply water to your garden hose for any leaks.
Contact your Agent to review your current home insurance policy and to discuss adding additional water damage coverages so you can have peace of mind knowing your home is adequately protected. If you would like to learn more about Ayr Farmers Mutual home insurance coverage, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as professional insurance advice. The coverage, terms, and conditions of each insurance policy are unique and subject to individual circumstances. The information provided does not guarantee the availability or suitability of any insurance policy for your specific needs. You should not rely on the information in the blog as an alternative to professional advice from your Insurance Broker or Insurance Company. If you have any specific questions about any insurance matter, please consult a Licensed Insurance Agent or Insurance Broker for personalized advice and guidance.