Prevent Water Damage from Toilets

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

If you experience backups or blockages regularly even after having the pipes cleaned, then you may have an underlying issue.

Common toilet problems and plumbing issues can lead to water damage. Plumbing problems can be prevented by regular plumbing maintenance. Taking care of a toilet repair as soon as toilet plumbing problems occur is the best way to prevent toilet-related water damage. Follow the IBHS recommendations below to avoid costly water damage repair and water damage restoration.

Toilet Maintenance

Water damage in your bathroom can drain your wallet, which is why IBHS urges property owners to complete preventive maintenance before trouble strikes. IBHS conducted a study of closed water damage insurance claims and used that information to identify the leading causes of water damage and develop solutions.

Toilet Failure

• The study found that toilet failures cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid.
• One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover and lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line. Make sure that you can turn off the supply. If you have older screw type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.

Tip: It is a good idea to look over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with any exclusion to your water damage coverage. For instance, most policies cover sudden damage, like water damage from a really bad storm or from an overflowing washing machine. On the other hand, any water damage that happens because you didn’t maintain the property may be excluded, as well as gradual leaks that caused water damage over time.