How To Prevent Water Damage From Household Fixtures

The best way to avoid water damage is to stop it before it starts, and there are many ways to prevent leaks and floods from causing damage to your home. In our detailed guide, we’ll tell you how to prevent water damage from household fixtures. We’ve also included a video in which This Old House’s Kevin O’Connor and plumbing and heating expert, Richard Trethewey, show you several methods to detect and stop common plumbing leaks.

Understanding the Risks of Water Damage

We depend so much on our everyday appliances to heat our water and clean our clothes that they experience a lot of wear and tear. Unfortunately, this causes our household fixtures to break or malfunction, often leading to floods. The three most common sources of water damage are:

• Washing machines
• Water heaters
• Toilets

We’ll explain how these appliances can cause extensive damage if you don’t maintain and monitor them and share a few tips to help the fixtures function properly.

Washing Machine Risks

Washing machines use a lot of water to clean our clothes, so when they fail, they can cause significant damage. Here’s how: 

• Hoses can deteriorate over time, leading to leaks or bursts.
• Overloading the machine can cause water to overflow.
• Poor installation can result in loose connections.

You can reduce the risk of water damage from washing machines by using good-quality hoses and washing clothes in smaller batches.

Water Heater Concerns

Water heaters can leak or burst, leading to damage, especially when they’re on upper floors. Reasons a water heater malfunctions include:

• Pressure relief valve failures
• Sediment buildup affecting performance 
• Tank corrosion leading to leaks

You can install a drip pan under your water heater and maintain it on a regular basis to reduce the risk of a leak or burst. 

Toilet-Related Water Damage

It may come as a surprise that toilets are the number one culprit for water damage in homes. Common problems include:

• Cracked tanks or bowls
• Faulty fill valves causing continuous running
• Loose supply line connections

Checking your toilet regularly can help you prevent these issues from turning into major problems.

Early Detection Methods To Prevent Water Damage

We’ve shared some tips to help you reduce the risk of leaks, bursts, and other problems, but there’s a lot more you can do to protect your home. Catching leaks early can prevent extensive water damage. As Trethewey showcases in the video, several detection methods can alert homeowners to water problems before they get out of control.

Battery-Powered Moisture Sensors

A battery-powered moisture sensor is a simple and cost-effective detection device. They’re really easy to use and provide basic protection. Here’s how they work:

1. Place it near a water heater, washing machine, sink, or other potential leak source.
2. Put the sensor on the floor.
3. If there is a leak, the sensor will detect the moisture and sound an alarm.

One problem with these sensors is that you do have to be home in order to hear the alarm and take action. 

Wireless Shutoff Systems

Although they cost more to buy and install, wireless shutoff systems offer more protection than battery-powered moisture sensors because they:

• Connect to the main water supply and automatically shut off the water flow when a leak is detected.
• Send alerts to your phone or alarm company.
• Use multiple wireless moisture sensors throughout the home.

These systems provide peace of mind, especially when you’re away from home.

Integrated Home Monitoring Systems

Integrated home monitoring systems can do more than just detect water. You can connect them to sensors throughout your home, including those for smoke, carbon monoxide, and even temperature fluctuations. If your monitoring system uses smart technology, you can receive notifications directly to your smartphone. This real-time information can help you to respond quickly. 

Water Damage Preventive Measures for Water Heaters

Your water heater may provide you with a nice, hot shower in the morning, but it can also give you a big headache if it leaks or bursts. Take the preventive measures outlined below to reduce the risk of water damage.

Install Drip Pans

A simple yet effective way to protect from a leak is to use a drip pan beneath your water heater. Below are the steps to use one:

1. Find a pan that fits your water heater’s dimensions.
2. Connect the pan to a nearby drain.
3. Check the pan for any collected water often.

A drip pan can catch small leaks, but you’ll need a more comprehensive solution to prevent damage from a major burst.

Automatic Shutoff Valves

In addition to that drip pan, consider installing an automatic shutoff valve with a moisture sensor. Here’s how they work:

1. The plumber installs the valve on the cold water supply line.
2. They place a moisture sensor at the base of the water heater.
3. If a leak is detected, the valve automatically shuts off the water supply.

Water Dams for Existing Installations

Sometimes you can’t raise your water heater to install a drip pan, especially if you don’t have much space around it or it’s on an upper floor. If that’s the case, you can opt for a flexible water dam. Here’s how to use one:

1. Wrap the dam around the base of the water heater.
2. Place a water sensor inside the dam.
3. Then, the dam creates a reservoir to contain leaks and trigger the sensor.

Regular Professional Inspections

A professional plumber can inspect your water heater regularly so that they can identify potential issues early on. They’ll check for signs of wear, corrosion, and proper functioning of valves and other parts. This regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your water heater and reduce unexpected failures.

Protecting Your Washing Machine From Leaking Water

Washing machines use a lot of water, and their hoses can fail after just a few years of use, so they require specific preventive measures to avoid water damage.

Washing Machine Pans

Similar to a water heater’s drip pan, a washing machine pan is a simple yet effective preventive measure. Here’s how to use one:

1. Find a pan that fits your washing machine’s dimensions.
2. Check that the pan has a drain connection.
3. Run a drainpipe from the pan to a nearby floor drain.

This pan will catch small leaks, but they won’t stop damage from major hose bursts.

Automatic Shutoff Systems

A shutoff system is a more comprehensive solution because:

• A plumber installs the system behind the washing machine, which includes electrical connections for the appliance.
• They’ll place moisture sensors on the floor behind the machine.
• The system automatically shuts off the water supply if a leak is detected.

This system is especially helpful when you aren’t home during a machine or hose malfunction. 

Hose Maintenance and Replacement

Trethewey emphasizes how important it is to replace your hose, but unfortunately, many homeowners don’t know when to do it. We’ve included the hose replacement timeline and a few other tips to help you prevent leaks.

• Consider using braided stainless steel hoses for added durability.
• Inspect hoses regularly for signs of wear or damage.
• Replace hoses every three to five years.

Stable Installation

Another important leak prevention strategy is installing your washing machine on a stable, level surface. If the washing machine is on an uneven surface, it can vibrate during use, which could shake loose hoses and their connections. Adjust the machine’s feet or consider installing vibration-dampening pads if needed.

Advanced Leak Prevention Technologies

Every day technology advances, which means you can find more advanced solutions to protect your home against leaks and floods. Some of the newest tech features include the following:

In-Line Automatic Shutoff Valves

In-line automatic shutoff valves provide an additional layer of protection. Here are a few details about how they work:

• In-line valves work well on many appliances and fixtures. 
• They’re installed directly in the water supply line.
• They detect unusual water flow patterns.
• Your water supply automatically shuts off if a leak is detected.

Smart Water Monitoring Systems

Not only do these systems prevent water damage, but they help to lower your utility bills by conserving water. These intuitive systems:

1. Monitor water usage throughout your home.
2. Detect unusual patterns that may indicate leaks.
3. Send alerts to your smartphone.
4. Some systems can automatically shut off the water supply.

Temperature Sensors for Freeze Protection

Frozen pipes are an issue in colder climates because they can burst if not properly maintained. Temperature sensors can prevent this issue by:

• Clipping onto pipes in vulnerable areas
• Monitoring pipe temperature
• Sending alerts or trigger shutoff valves if temperatures approach freezing

These sensors are helpful in areas prone to extreme cold or for vacation homes that may be unoccupied during the winter months.

Comprehensive Home Water Management Systems

Advanced water management systems include many devices and sensors as an all-in-one solution. They keep track of your entire plumbing system and can detect inconsistencies. When they do, they can take steps to reduce the risk of water damage.

Homeowners can manage water usage, detect patterns, and schedule maintenance with the help of these water management systems. Investing in home water management systems can provide long-term benefits, including lowered insurance premiums and improved home value.

Tools