Water damage can happen to your home in any number of ways, from floods, to burst pipes, to a leaky roof. Generally standard Massachusetts homeowners insurance does not cover floods, as flood insurance has to be purchased in a separate policy. Damage from burst pipes and leaking roofs is typically covered under a standard homeowner’s policy.
There are steps you may take to reduce your chances of experiencing water damage to your home. The Insurance Information Institute offers a number of recommendations.
- When you head off for your vacation this summer, you may want to shut off the water supply to your washing machine.
- It may be a good idea to check the hoses that lead to appliances like dishwashers, water heaters, washing machines and refrigerator icemakers every summer, and replace any that are cracked or show signs of leaking.
- Caulking the seals around bathtubs and showers to keep them watertight may prevent water leaks that could lead to mold and mildew.
- Installing an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing systems may help prevent frozen pipes from bursting.
A pipe can burst suddenly and send gallons of water rushing through your home in a matter of minutes. Knowing how to locate and shut off the valve to the main water supply may help minimize water damage to your home. It may be a good idea to keep your Massachusetts homeowners insurance agent’s contact information in a place where it can be easily accessed in an emergency.
