Inspect Connections
Refrigerators with icemakers or water dispensers, dishwashers, and washing machines all have hoses that connect to your water supply. If these hoses wear out, blister, or crack, or the connections loosen, they can cause leaks that can cause a lot of damage to your home and appliances. Replace these hoses with steel-braided hoses because they are less likely to fail and can be purchased at your local hardware store for around $20. Consult your owner’s manual for hose specifications and recommended replacement intervals.
Periodically inspect the pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks for leaks. Also, if there’s a bathroom in your home that’s seldom used, turn the faucets on and off, and flush the toilet once a week to ensure water continues flowing through the pipes properly.
“Oftentimes, people will notice a brown spot on the ceiling, bulge in the wall or swelling cabinets – all indicators of water build-up or leaks – and most homeowners policies don’t cover long-term leaks,” said O’Rourke. “It’s important to address these things as soon as possible because they can create extensive damage if left untreated.”
If you suspect you may have a leak, but the source isn’t easily accessible, time is of the essence. The average cost to hire a plumber is about $300, which is less than the potential amount of damage an untreated leak might cause.