A little bit of proactive maintenance on your part can make all the difference. Look specifically at lines running to and from your dishwasher, water heater, refrigerator, and washing machine. Make sure any water supply lines running from appliances in your home are unobstructed and not crimped or twisted.

Excessive water pressure can cause supply lines to burst and lead to early failure of plumbing systems. Ensure pressure regulators are tested and working properly.This, in turn, can mitigate and even prevent water damage from happening. Homeowners may also want to invest in smart home devices, such as leak detectors, that can spot leaks and notify homeowners immediately. When it comes to water damage coverage most home insurance policies provide some coverage to help protect your family and home from water-related damages. Gradual water damage: Standard homeowners insurance typically will not cover water damage that occurs gradually over an extended period of time, whether that damage is visible or hidden.Most plumbing inspections also include a flush of your home's water heater, which will remove sediment that can otherwise contribute to leaks and water damage. Most standard homeowners policies help cover water damage if the cause is sudden and accidental, but there may be situations that your policy does not cover. Ideally this will include an annual plumbing inspection and tune-up from a reputable local plumber who can spot potential issues and make preventive repairs. However, damage caused by a slow leak or other gradual issues is often not covered. Make sure you're doing preventive maintenance on your home's plumbing systems. Water damage caused by an event that is out of your control, such as storm damage, is typically covered by insurance.Tips for preventing water damage in your home Likewise, when filing an insurance claim for water damage, you’ll be responsible for paying your deductible out of pocket before your coverage kicks in. It’s worth noting, however, that most homeowners insurance policies will not cover the cost of repairing or replacing an affected appliance (such as an overflowing washing machine) or plumbing system that caused the loss. If you have water damage from a sudden and/or accidental event, your homeowners insurance policy should kick in to cover any cleanup and restoration costs. A leak from a roof that has sustained storm damage.An overflow of water from a malfunctioning appliance.Generally speaking, a home insurance policy includes coverage for water damage that's caused by a sudden and accidental event. You should always read through your own homeowners insurance policy and declarations to understand exactly what's covered (and what's not covered) in your unique scenario. Home insurance and water damage: What's covered?

Hidden water damage coverage