7 things you should know about water leaks in your home
According to a recent survey by Chubb, most people don’t think about shutting off the water main when they go away on vacation. However, that one small action can save you from tremendous hassle and cost due to water damage. Since water damage accounts for more claims than fire and theft, it may be wise to take a minute and shut off the water before you leave.
To see how much you know about water damage – and how likely you’ll experience it – answer the questions below:
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Do you turn off the water main before leaving on vacation?
If you said yes, you are one of only 22% who do, despite the fact that 88% know where the water main is and how to turn it off.
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In what month does the most water damage occur?
If you said August, you were among only 8% of people who got the answer correct. Evidently, most people go away on late-summer vacations and forget (or don’t know) to turn off the water main.
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Have you installed a water leak detection device in your home?
If you have, you’re a step ahead of most – and well on your way to having a dry, comfortable home to come back to after vacation. Surprisingly, only 18% of those surveyed have installed a water leak detection device.
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Have you experienced a water leak claim in the last 2 years?
According to the Chubb survey, 91% of homeowners rate themselves “vigilant” or “doing an okay job” of preventive home maintenance. However, close to half have experienced a water leak in the last two years. Let’s hope your preventive maintenance works better than most.
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How much does a typical water leak claim cost?
Of the home owners who have experienced a leak in the last two years, 57% spent $5,000 or more on cleanup and repairs, and 15% spent $20,000 or more. The cost of a water leak detection system is minimal comparatively.
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Have you ever had your appliances inspected?
If you have, that’s great. The surest way to prevent a water leak is to keep your appliances in good order – and inspect them periodically to make sure there are no issues.
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Which appliance is most likely to leak?
Plumbing supply systems post the greatest risk of water leaks. However, the majority of homeowners didn’t know this. Close to half (49%) thought the water heater was the most likely candidate for a water leak.
For more information on Chubb’s survey and to download the complete results, visit The Homeowners’ Water Risk Survey.
This document is advisory in nature and is offered as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advisors in maintaining a loss prevention program. It is an overview only, and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your insurance broker, or for legal, engineering or other professional advice.
Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited providing insurance and related services. For a list of these subsidiaries, please visit our website at www.chubb.com. Insurance provided by Chubb Insurance Company of Canada or Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada (collectively, “Chubb Canada”). All products may not be available in all provinces or territories. This communication contains product summaries only. Coverage is subject to the language of the policies as actually issued.
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