Plumbing emergencies can be highly inconvenient and disruptive. Idaho homeowners insurance may compensate you for losses caused by burst pipes and other leaks under certain circumstances, but it’s best to take steps to avoid the risk of plumbing problems, and know how to stop a leak or flood from getting worse.

                                                                      Image via diynetworks.com

• Keep your central heating thermostat set at 65 degrees or higher in winter to avoid the risk of pipes freezing and bursting.
• Make regular inspections of the hoses on your dishwasher and washing machine, and replace any hoses that show signs of wear or damage.
• Never drill into a wall or floor or dig in the garden without checking where the water pipes and drains run.
• Make sure that everyone in the household knows where the water shutoff valve is located and can close the valve if a pipe bursts.
• Find a good reliable local plumber that you can call on in an emergency. Don’t wait until the emergency arises to start looking for a plumber, do some research now.

Some minor plumbing repairs, like replacing tap washers, might be easily fixed on a do-it-yourself basis if you have the tools and skills. For more serious repairs it’s best to call a licensed plumber to find the cause of the problem and make sure it’s fixed.

Are you unsure what types of water damage are covered by your Idaho homeowners insurance policy? The terms and conditions of a policy generally outline what is covered and what is excluded; however, you might like to call your agent if you can’t locate this information.

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