10 Tips To Reduce The Risk Of Water Damage

How to Reduce the Risk of Water Damage

• Keep all of your floor drains clear of obstructions.
• Clean out and adjust your eaves troughs and downspouts so that water is directed away from your home. If there are storm drains in front of your home make sure to clear them of debris.
• If you're planning to be away from your home for an extended period, arrange for someone to check your property in case there is severe weather.
• Ensure there is proper grading around your home so that surface water flows away from your foundation.
• Install a sump pump or make sure the one that you have is working properly.
• Install backflow valves or plugs in drains and other sewer connections.
• Make sure that the furnace, hot water heater and electrical panel are elevated.
• Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects where they cannot be damaged by water.
• Do not finish areas, such as the basement, that may be prone to flooding.
• If you have a finished basement and it's susceptible to flooding, don't keep any expensive items there.

What's Covered?

• Damage caused by water that enters the home by seeping through windows, siding or the foundation is typically not covered.
• Most standard insurance companies do not cover overland flooding. Overland flooding occurs when water from rivers, streams or other water bodies flows onto dry land. Review your policy and check with us for potential coverage availability.
• A sewer backup may be covered by home insurance policies if this coverage was purchased as an add-on.
• Water damage to vehicles is usually covered by a package policy. This coverage isn't mandatory so please feel free to give us a call.