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R&R Insurance Blog

Water Leaks: The Number One Loss When Going on Vacation

Posted by the knowledge brokers

house180% of Homeowners Overlook Costly Water Leak Exposure When Heading on Vacation

A study by Chubb Insurance shows that while on vacation, just 19% of homeowners view internal water leak damage as the most concerning threat to their home, despite the fact that water leaks are a more frequent risk than fire and theft. Homeowners are particularly vulnerable during summer travel season.

According to Chubb, "the time between when a leak occurs and when it is discovered is the single greatest factor in determining the amount of damage. As a result, leaks that occur while you're away result in greater amounts of damage in terms of both cost and severity."

Water damage claims have been rising over the last few years as well. In the last 10 years, the frequency of pipe bursts has nearly doubled. In addition to the increase in leaks, 90% of homeowners rate themselves as "vigilant" at preventative home maintenance, yet only 22% shut off the water main before heading out of town.

Before leaving on your next vacation, here are quick steps to properly protect your property:

  1. Be sure all appliances and hoses are in good working condition
  2. Inspect your sump pump 
  3. Have your gutters cleared of debris
  4. Ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your house
  5. Install a water leak detection device
  6. Add a yellow tag to your water main shut off valve in case of a water emergency. Click here to receive free tags from us!

To learn more about water leak damage and protecting your home, view the following infographic, "Don't Get Water Logged" or contact a KnowledgeBroker.

Topics: Personal Insurance, Personal Lines, water damage

Water Damage Do's and Don'ts

Posted by the knowledge brokers

sewar backupWater Damage can happen due to storms, broken water pipes, clogged drains, broken appliances, roof leaks, sewer leaks and more. Water damage requires fast action.

Here are some ways to minimize your damage before professional help arrives:

Do's

  • Always use rubber gloves to protect your hands & rubber boots to protect your feet and legs.
  • Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Call for professional help. Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting with sponges.
  • Pull up wet rugs and carpets if hardwood floors are below.
  • Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a coat hanger and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
  • Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.
  • Move photos, paintings, art objects, computers, other electronics and valuables to a safe, dry location.
  • Do not remove books from shelves. Pack them tightly to prevent page warping until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.
  • Ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for faster drying in summer (only if there is no visible mold) and winter, alternate cycles of opened windows and heating. Also, open drawers, closets and cabinet doors to enhance drying.

Don'ts

  • Do not enter rooms where there is wet and sagging ceiling!
  • Do not enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.
  • Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
  • Use heat to dry closed building interiors. Mildew and more moisture damage can occur.
  • Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring.
  • Do not disturb visible mold.

For Wisconsin residents, contact a KnowledgeBroker at R&R Insurance for information on protecting your home from water damage, floods, broke pipes. We do offer sewer backup endorsements and have up to date information for flood zone residents, including the new cost-saving flood insurance from FEMA.

Information taken in part from ServiceMaster Clean website.

Topics: R&R Insurance, Personal Insurance, flood insurance from fema, sewer backup endorsements, broken water pipes, sewer leaks, flood insurance, knowledgebroker, flood zone, water damage, roof leaks, FEMA, flood, sagging ceiling, sewer damage, moisture damage, sewer backup, clogged drains