There’s nothing better than a cold, refreshing glass of water on a hot day or being able to fill your soaker tub with warm, calming water to wash away stress.
We can’t live without water, but it’s important to recognize how destructive it can be. Did you know that water damage insurance claims are one of the most common claims for condominium owners?
In fact, insurance premiums and deductibles have increased over the last few years because of the increased frequency of these claims. It doesn’t take long for a small water leak to cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home.
You can save yourself time, effort and a whole lot of grief by taking a few steps to prevent water damage in your condo.
- Look for leaks in your pipe joints under all your sinks; repair if necessary
- Don’t leave home while the dishwasher or washing machine is running.
- Turn off the tap to washing machine when it is not in use to reduce pressure in the hose
- Keep your dishwasher drain free of debris and replace the hoses every 3-5 years
- If your refrigerator has a water dispenser/ice maker, check the water line regularly
- Caulk and/or grout the seals around your bathtub/shower as needed to prevent water from seeping through
- Know where the water shutoff valves are on your toilets; shut them off when leaving your condo for a few days
- Look for rust around your hot water tank, this could be a sign that tank failure is near. Replace the hot water tank every 10 years, or as required
- Stains on the ceiling, walls or floors is a sign of possible water leaks within the structure; contact a plumber to repair any leaks.
Taking the time for preventative maintenance can help to keep your home dry and will help to avoid future insurance claims. Contact your property manager for more advice on how to further protect your condominium.
Vionell Holdings Partnership (VHP) provides rental housing and property management for an array of residential and commercial customers, including Condominium Management. VHP currently has over 2,500 units under management in Manitoba.
