Water Damage Prevention

If you think about water damaging your home, you might conjure up an image of a hurricane, torrential rain or other natural catastrophe. The unfortunate reality is that damage that is caused when ordinary household appliances fail can be just as destructive.

In fact, water damage has now surpassed fire as Canada’s leading cause of personal property claims.  Insurance companies can have specific requirements to have your home checked for that reason if you are away during the heating season.   Be sure to read your policy or call your agent if you have any questions.

  • If you will be away from home for an extended period, shut off the water supply and drain the pipes.

  • Be sure everyone in your household knows where the main water supply is located and how to turn it off in case of emergency.

  • 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 areas with floor drains to minimize damage if leaks should occur.

  • Inspect older appliances, particularly washing machine and dishwasher hoses, and replace them with steel braided hoses.

  • Check pipes for cracks and leaks. Have pipe damage fixed immediately to prevent more costly repairs in the future.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Clare Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“Clare Mutual”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Clare Mutual. By providing this information to you, Clare Mutual does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Clare Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“Clare Mutual”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Clare Mutual. By providing this information to you, Clare Mutual does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.