PROTECTION DEVICES TO HELP WITH WATER DAMAGE

You've learned some of the key points you need to know in preparation for a water accident.

A plan of action, a safer home, and flood insurance.

But there are a few more preparations you might consider making.

For one thing, you're not likely to get a great deal of coverage on accidental plumbing problems.

These are not considered "disasters", though they certainly can be disastrous. What can help to prevent water damage resulting from plumbing problems and pipe leaks?

Water Alarm Systems

There is such a thing now as a water alarm. These devices are usually battery operated stand-alone units and play alarms whenever moisture is detected.

This way, if a small leak happens while you are in another room, you won't have to waste any time is fixing the problem. Sometimes leaks can start under the sink and a homeowner never finds about it for hours. These alarms can cost between $10.00 and $50.00.



Individual Appliance Systems

Other devices are installed onto a specific appliance (like a refrigerator or dishwasher) and automatically shut off the water in the event of a leak. These devices cost from $50.00 to $100.00 and depending on the model, may require professional installation.

Whole House Systems

These devices are installed on the main water supply piping and have a valve that can be automatically shut off. This means the entire water supply can be shut off in the event of a leak. Some particular models can be connected to a local station security system to alert help.

This device is ideal for someone who travels a lot and doesn't want to come home to a flooded house. While complicated to install and expensive (as little as 500.00 and possibly three times that) given the added protection is offers, it might be a worthy investment.

Plumbing problems are hard to detect. While you can always hire an inspector to examine your set up, or inspect and clean the drains yourself, taking care of your water supply is mainly a matter of common sense and having a leakage plan in place.



Even beyond water alarms and neat devices, there are other ways to ensure that leaks don't flood your house. The next article will address ways to prevent and reduce damage from homemade floods.