Top 10 Costliest Homeowners Insurance Claims

What can you do?

Insurance claims have ranked as the most common, yet preventable, homeowner problems. Five of them - that's half the list - are plumbing related. This is a busy time for everyone and the last thing you need is an unexpected plumbing breakdown. Unless you enjoy the excitement of a flooded laundry room or having a toilet take a one-way trip through the floor, the answer lies in smart preventative maintenance.

Top Ten Claims to Avoid

• Burst washing machine hose – Plastic or rubber washing machine hoses eventually leak and even burst. Damage is often extensive and expensive, which is why it's ranked #1.

• Solution: Plastic hoses should be replaced at least every three years, and frequently inspected for leaks. ALL PRO PLUMBING offers a specially designed stainless hose, (not the same as the “cheapie discount store” model that looks substantial but often isn’t).

• Slow leaks around tub/shower grout and edges – Grout and caulking decay over time, and cracks can develop. The problem greatly accelerates as more water intrudes, leading to major repairs in plumbing, carpentry, tile work and more. Insurance rarely covers these expenses.

• Solution: Make sure that all water from the shower or bath stays there. Let ALL PRO PLUMBING inspect your tub and shower seals for you. A little time now can save thousands of dollars later.

1-909-941-0436 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

1. Toilet seal leaks – If your toilet wobbles it could mean that the seal is worn, or that it was improperly installed. Since the seal prevents sewage gases and other waste from leaking into your home, this is not just a costly repair—it’s a health issue.
   Solution: ALL PRO PLUMBING can insure that no harmful gases come into your home by properly installing a new seal.

2. Refrigerator water-supply line leaks – The small water line from your refrigerator—called a capillary line—can easily become kinked or brittle from use.Rarely noticed leaks can cause extensive damage to your walls, floor, and cabinets near the refrigerator. Solution: If lines become brittle, replace them as soon as possible. Be sure to check metal lines for crimps or kinks that can cause the line to form a leak.

3. Roof leaks – Signs of a leaking roof include spots or stains that appear on the ceiling, or curled, upturned shingles around the edges of your home. Solution: Don’t try to stretch the life of your roof past its time.To ensure a longer life, make sure that gutters are cleaned regularly and check for loose or missing shingles, especially after storms with high winds.

4. Chimney/fireplace fires – It’s easy to think that starting a fire in the fireplace is as simple as throwing a few longs and matches together and watching it burn. Before your next family weenie roast, you should know that dirty or plugged chimneys regularly cause home fires. Solution: Practice fire safety. Before you start a fire, clean any excessive amounts of soot and ashes from the chimney. Also, maintain a regular chimney-cleaning schedule.

5. Hot water tank leaks – Since hot water tanks develop leaks and rust as they age, an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality can lead to major home damage.Solution: Periodically check for water damage in the flooring around your hot water heater. If your water heater was installed more than five years ago, a qualified technician should check it at least annually. ALL PRO PLUMBING can inspect your tank. It may only need cleaning and servicing. (Some companies “replace” these prematurely.)

6. Electrical cord fires – Do you have a lot of “gadgets” and appliances plugged into a few outlets? Electrical cord fires result primarily from overloaded circuits, cords under throw rugs, and baseboard heaters. Solution: Minimize the number of appliances in use or plugged in at the same time. Also, route cords around throw rugs to reduce the likelihood of fire. Make sure all furniture is a safe distance from baseboard heaters, and that they are properly ventilated.

7. Unattended cooking or candle fires – Contained fires can become ‘uncontained’ quickly and violently due to lack of attention. Solution: Be aware of your candles or cooking fires at all times. Is a candle burning too closely to a flammable object? Is it in a non-flammable holder?

8. Garage door opener theft – You want your home to be comfortable, safe, and secure. You may lock your doors, but sly criminals often snatch garage door openers, gaining access to garages and homes.
   Solution: If you’re not parking your car in the garage, take the garage door opener out of the car.

   *OUR GOAL IS TO HELP YOU NOT EXPERIENCEA MAJOR FLOOD! 99% OF ALL THE FLOODS WE SEE COULD BE AVOIDED WITH A LITTLE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION. WE ARE HIGHLY TRAINED TO RECOGNIZE A SYSTEM WEAKNESS AND PROVIDE A PREDICTIVE ASSESSMENT OF YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM. IT IS ALWAYS MUCH MORE AFFORDABLE TO PREVENT THAN IT IS TO REACT AND SUFFER CONSEQUENTIAL PROPERTY DAMAGE!