How to Prevent Plumbing Issues in Your Home

Plumbing issues can cause unexpected interruptions and expensive repairs for homeowners. Fortunately, many of these problems can be prevented with regular maintenance.

Tips to Avoid Plumbing Problems

The following strategies can help prevent plumbing issues in your home:

• Conduct routine inspections of your plumbing system. At least once a year, look for leaks, corrosion and signs of wear in pipes, fixtures and appliances. Routine maintenance can detect problems early, preventing them from becoming major repairs.

• Properly dispose of waste. Avoid flushing items like baby wipes, paper towels or hygiene products down the toilet, as they can cause clogs and sewage backups. Use drain strainers in sinks and showers to prevent hair and debris from clogging pipes.

• Care for drains. Refrain from pouring grease, oil or food scraps down the drain. Use drain screens to trap hair and debris, and periodically flush your drains with hot water to clear away the buildup.

• Insulate pipes. During colder months, insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics and crawl spaces to prevent freezing and burst pipes.

• Avoid chemical drain cleaners. These can corrode pipes and damage your plumbing system. Try natural alternatives, or hire a professional plumber for safe and effective drain cleaning.

How Homeowners Insurance Can Cover Plumbing-related Incidents

Despite taking preventative measures, plumbing issues can still occur. This is where homeowners insurance can offer valuable financial support. Homeowners insurance generally covers damage from sudden, accidental plumbing problems, such as burst pipes or accidental leaks. Standard policies typically include dwelling coverage, which can help pay for repairs to your house and attached structures, and personal property coverage, which can help cover damage to your belongings. Additional living expenses coverage can also help if you need to live elsewhere temporarily while repairs are made.

However, homeowners insurance does not typically cover damage caused by neglect or gradual leaks. It’s essential to maintain your plumbing system to avoid these issues. By following these preventative measures and understanding your homeowners insurance coverage, you can help protect your home from plumbing issues and minimize the financial impact if they do occur.

Learn More

For homeowners insurance near you, contact D'Arcy D Sampsell LLC.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.