6 Tips to Mitigate Potential Water Damage

July 7, 2017||inPersonal Insurance|homeowners insurance, personal insurance, water damage

As severe weather events, including torrential rains and flooding, persist nationwide, water damage claims soar. Mechanical breakdowns exacerbate these losses. Discover crucial steps to safeguard your home from such disasters.

You can protect your home from these unfortunate events in many ways, including the following.

6 Tips to Mitigate Potential Water Damage
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

  • Periodically check your washing machine hoses since these failures cause millions of water losses yearly. Hoses should be replaced at the first sign of wear. During this replacement, consider upgrading to heavy-duty wire mesh hoses or stainless steel hoses.
  • Ascertain the location of your main water shutoff valve. They should be installed on water lines under toilets, sinks, and lines leading to outside faucets.
  • Your home’s drainage system should be checked to ensure proper water drainage. For example, gutter downspouts should extend the appropriate distance from the foundation.
  • Your yard should be properly graded to slope away from your home, allowing surface water to drain adequately. French drains can also assist in this process.
  • A sump pump system should be considered in your basement to keep unwanted water out of this vulnerable part of your home.
  • Procure flood insurance, even if your home is not in a high-risk flood zone, as many of these losses occur in moderate- to low-risk flood zones. For high-value homes, also look into excess flood insurance available from private insurers.

Copyright 2015: International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI)

Read Other Blog Posts

Toast

Holiday party etiquette & serving alcohol

Read more
What is Your Jewelry Worth? When Should You Update Appraisals?

What is Your Jewelry Worth? When Should You Update Appraisals?

Valentine’s Day approaches, often marked by the exchange of jewelry as a symbol of love. While insuring every piece may not be practical, it's advisable to consider insurance for expensive items, particularly those worn frequently.
Read more
Car on road

Gap Insurance

Car owners often assume that if their car is totaled, it will be replaced at the amount they paid, or at least the amount they owe. However, that’s not always the case — learn why and what you can do to protect yourself.
Read more
Car outside of garage

Vehicle Storage Tips During Winter

As winter approaches, it’s time to think about safely storing your recreational vehicle to avoid damage from the harsh weather and roads. Utilize the following guidance to properly prepare and store your vehicle this winter.
Read more
Car stopped for pedestrian

Quiet Vehicles and Pedestrian Safety

Electric cars continue to make headlines, but anyone who’s had such a vehicle sneak up behind them while on foot knows how quiet they are. These vehicles, along with hybrid cars, run much more quietly than gas-powered cars—posing a serious risk to unaware pedestrians.
Read more
Wood-burning Stove

Wood-burning Stove Safety

The top source of fires in American homes comes from fuel-burning appliances—such as a wood-burning stove. Consider the following guidance to ensure safe operation of your stove—keeping you, your family and your home protected against the risk of a fire.
Read more
Outside lightbulbs

How to Reduce Winter Utility Bills

When outside temperatures begin to drop, one of the most costly consequences is the increased energy it takes to maintain a comfortable home temperature. With this in mind, consider these tips to reduce your monthly utility bills in the winter.
Read more
Car in snow

Tips for Driving in Extreme Weather

Driving in adverse weather conditions can be downright nerve-wracking. It can also be very dangerous. Being aware of how to modify your driving during heavy rain, snow and fog can help you stay calm and safe during your journey. Consider the following tips when driving in extreme weather.
Read more
Ice Dams

Ice Dams: A Winter Challenge for Homeowners

Read our blog post, Ice Dams: A Winter Challenge for Homeowners for some great tips on preventing ice dams and what to do in the case of ice dams on your roof. Ice dams are more than just an inconvenience—they can cause significant damage to your home. While prevention is the best strategy, ice dams can still form despite your efforts, so having a response plan is crucial. Ice dams occur when attic air warms to above freezing, causing snow on the roof to melt. As the water runs down the roof and reaches the colder edges, it refreezes, creating an ice dam. These dams block water from draining off the roof, causing it to pool and seep under shingles, into the attic, or along exterior walls.
Read more

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure that you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly-rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. Our goal is to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your unique needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.