According to a recent survey by Chubb, the insurance firm, most of us don’t think about shutting off the water main when we go away on vacation. Just this one small step could save you from the mess, cost and inconvenience of water damage when you return. According to the firm, water damage accounts for more claims than fire and theft. Too see how much you know, check out the brief quiz below.
Do you turn off the water main before leaving on vacation?
If you said yes, you are one of only 22% who do.
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 either forget – or don’t know – to turn off the water main.
Have you experienced a water leak claim in the last 2 years?
According to the 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.
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 (something only 18% of those surveyed have installed) is minimal comparatively.
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.
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.
Source: Chubb.com
