Protecting Your Home Against Water Damage (NAPSA)—Did you know that one broken washing machine hose can dump approximately 6,500 gallons of water into a home over a weekend—creating several thousand dollars in damage and considerable inconvenience? 4 Following some simple tips for protecting your home from water damage may keep water from disrupting yourlife and ruining your posessions. Here are some tips from the experts at State Farm Insurance: Know how and whereto turn off the water to the house. Make sure a wrenchis handy as well as a flashlight. Could you turn the water off quickly in the middle of the night? Regularly inspect washing machine hoses andreplace them if you see bulging, crackingor fraying. Watch your water heater. Generally, some leaks occur before a big blowout. Wet spots may be evidence a seal is leaking or the tank itself is deteriorating. Call a plumber. Remember to keep all small objects, rags and children’s toys from the toilet. Keep the lid closed if articles are kept on the tank. Toilets are often accidentally clogged by foreign objects. Hanging bowl deordorants are often the culprit. These objects can lodge deep in the plumbing system, and can block the line or create an obstruction that grease and other materials can cling to—eventually causing blockage. No one wants to come home to water damage. Turn off water at the main valve. Keep pipes clear and flowing. Slow-draining sinks could be the result of grease or hair deposits lodged in a plumbing junction or drain. Specially developed products designed for use with metal and PVC pipes can be used to keep pipes clear and flowing. Problem clogs should always be referred to a qualified plumber. e Extra precautions should be taken when leaving on vacation. Turn off the water at the main valve or at major appliances if you will be away from homefor an extendedperiodof time. Be alert. The wet spot you see on the floor near the refrigerator may be melted ice cubes, or it maybe a crimped ice maker about to burst. For more information on how to prevent water damage and improve home safety, contact your State Farm agent or visit www.statefarm.com.
