Water leaks and plumbing related floods can cost thousands of dollars to repair. From washing machines with busted hoses to leaking water heaters, it can happen in a heartbeat. It is vital that you use the tools at your disposal to prevent this from happening to you!
Knowledge: Here a few tips to avoid water related floods.
- Install drip tray under the water heater. (Do this when you install a new one)
- Put a back up battery system on sump pumps. (requires some intermediate plumbing DIY skill)
- Install a water alarm. This is ideal for water heaters, washing machines, water softeners, and even refrigerators with water supply lines. Washers and water heaters are the biggest leakers so alarm them at a minimum.
- Check hoses and supply lines on major appliances every few years.
- Run washing machine only when you are home.
- Turn off main water supply to the whole house when you travel. – I do this every time we leave home overnight.
- Try this one from Water Dog. Easy to install, under $15 for a simple alert system.
Installing a water alarm is easy.
SKILL
The Water Dog requires basic DIY skills to screw the base to the wall. The 6 ft cord allows you to reach the side of the water device easily. Some alarms have a sticky back application. YOU can do this project and relax that you will be alerted to leaks before they become a BIG flood. Be sure to check batteries twice a year.
GUTS
To be a really HIP Chick, add this to your weekend project list and then add checking you alarm to your bi annual home maintenance checklist. Download my list here.
