Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Homeowner Insurance Claims
Water damage is one of the leading causes of homeowner insurance claims in the U.S. Every year, thousands of homes nationwide experience damage caused by water that overflows from pipes, hoses and other places.
If you are a New Jersey homeowner, it is always in your best interest to avoid having to file a claim against your homeowner insurance policy. There are circumstances like in the case of outside flooding from excessive rainstorms where water damage may be difficult to prevent, but on the other hand, many of the common occurrences where water damage originates from inside the home are preventable with proper maintenance.
One of the simplest forms of preventative maintenance that New Jersey homeowners often neglect is replacing the hoses on their washers. The reason these are often neglected is that they are usually out of common view, so people tend to not pay much attention to them until it’s too late. To avoid making that mistake, it is important to inspect the washer hoses at least once a year and replace them every 4 or 5 years. When inspecting the hoses, look for the following:
- Rust formation on the connectors
- Bulges that appear close to the connectors in rubber hoses
- Stainless steel hoses that are beginning to bulge or unravel
- Any kind of leakage
If you detect any of these symptoms with your washer hose or you know it’s been at least 4 years since your last replacement, it may be time to get a new one. Another thing to keep in mind-improper installation can shorten the life of the hose, so if you are unsure how to install it yourself, make sure to hire a trained professional.
With a simple washer hose replacement every 4 or 5 years or when you notice signs of wearing out, you can prevent one of the most common causes of homeowner insurance water damage claims. You will also minimize the risk of interior flooding that may destroy furniture and other valuable items inside your home.
If you have any questions about your homeowners insurance coverage, please contact us and one of our insurance experts will be glad to help answer any questions for you.
