Simple Home Maintenance Can Help You Avoid Water Damage

*Updated October 21st, 2025

It seems that even though most homeowners fear fire damage more, homes are actually ten times more likely to suffer from water damage — even those far from coastal or riverfront areas.

While no one can control the weather, there are practical steps every homeowner can take to help prevent damage from water leaks and plumbing system failures. After analyzing a large number of insurance claims filed by Travelers policyholders in North Carolina, the company’s risk management specialists identified easy ways to prevent costly water damage from everyday maintenance issues.

Here are four key sources of leaks and what you can do to help prevent them:

1. Leaks from Washing Machine Hoses

Leaks from pipes and washing machine hoses are among the most common causes of water damage to your home. Hoses should be regularly inspected for signs of wear and tear, cracks, or bulging. Replace them every five years—or sooner if damage is visible. Consider upgrading to stainless steel braided hoses, which are more resistant to corrosion and bursting. Installing a smart leak or water monitor nearby can alert you if a leak occurs while you’re away for an extended period of time.

2. Leaky Plumbing Around Water Heaters

Even a small pipe or valve leak can lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your home if left unnoticed. Homeowners should regularly inspect plumbing connections around the water heater, looking for corrosion, seal failure, or cracks. When possible, install water heaters in areas with floor drains or a sump pump to help prevent damage if a leak is detected. It’s also wise to know where your main water shutoff is located so you can quickly shut off the main supply if needed.

3. Refrigerator and Dishwasher Leaks

Appliances like your dishwasher and refrigerator ice maker have small supply lines that can leak slowly for months before being detected. These leaks from pipes or hoses can soak the floor, cabinets, and even the basement and foundation. Check appliance connections annually, and install a leak detection sensor under or behind these units to monitor for early signs of moisture.

4. Clogged or Leaky Air Conditioning Drain Lines

Over time, drain lines in air conditioning units can become clogged, causing water to overflow and flood nearby areas. Homeowners should check these drain pipes yearly and test your sump pump if you have one in the basement. This simple DIY maintenance step can help prevent a costly repair later. Consider adding automatic shutoffs or valves that shut the water when a leak or flood is detected by the monitoring system.

Ron Stephens, Regional Vice President for Travelers, reiterates:

“When considering annual household cleaning projects, it’s a great time to inspect and perform maintenance on household systems and appliances. Checking washing machine hoses, ice maker connections, and the plumbing around water heaters are simple actions that can help prevent both water damage and a lot of headaches.”

Extra Tips to Avoid Major Damage

• Maintain your appliances and check all plumbing system connections during seasonal cleanups.

• Keep gutters and downspouts clear to direct rainwater away from the home during torrential storms.

• Inspect your roof, drain, and sewer lines after heavy rainfall to minimize the risk of leaks.

• Review your homeowner’s insurance policies to understand insurance coverage for water damage or flooding.

• If you suspect hidden leaks, contact a plumber or specialist for a comprehensive inspection.

With simple, inexpensive steps like installing a water leak detection sensor, upgrading old hoses, and performing routine maintenance, you can help prevent damage before it starts. A few proactive measures today could save you from thousands of dollars in repairs tomorrow — and keep your home dry, safe, and protected year-round.