Water damage can take several forms, from flooding caused by seasonal thaw to the silent, steady drip of a hidden leak from an appliance. Whatever its form, water can lead to significant damage to your home. Indeed, about half of all home insurance claims in Canada are related to water damage.
The burden is more than just financial. Repairs can be time-consuming and may cause significant life disruption. However, taking steps to identify and prevent water leaks can help you avoid such scenarios or, at least, manage them more effectively.
Key takeaways:
- Water leaks can stem from both indoor and outdoor sources. Indoor issues often involve plumbing and appliances, while outdoor problems include roof and gutter issues, foundation cracks and flooding in nature.
- Regular maintenance is important. Inspect plumbing and appliances, care for your roof and gutters, maintain landscaping to prevent foundation cracks and consider smart home technology for early leak detection.
- Most standard policies typically may not cover overland flooding or sewer backup. Review your insurance to ensure you have the necessary coverage and consider additional options for comprehensive protection.
The six most common causes of water leaks
Water leaks and subsequent water damage can be loosely bracketed into two categories: indoor and outdoor. While ‘outdoor’ leaks and flooding tend to be more severe, indoor issues can cause their fair share of damage too.
Indoor leaks and flooding
Indoor leaks and flooding may originate from many sources, such as a burst waterbed or a cracked aquarium. However, for most homeowners, the cause is much more mundane, like issues with the home’s plumbing and appliances. Here’s the good news: Internal leaks can often be prevented with regular maintenance and timely repairs.
1. Plumbing issues
Old or faulty pipes, pipe corrosion, burst pipes, freezing temperatures and poor plumbing installations are common culprits of water leaks. Over time, pipes can wear out, leading to small drips that can escalate into significant problems.
Sewer backups are another cause of leaks that arise due to plumbing issues. They occur when wastewater flows back into your home instead of draining away through the sewer system. This is usually because the sewer line is clogged or damaged.
2. Appliances
Water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators are frequent sources of leaks. If these appliances are not installed properly, leaks can happen when they’re new. Over time, aging appliances or loose connections can cause unexpected water damage.
- Dishwashers: Dishwashers can leak due to issues with the door seal, hoses, or the appliance itself.
- Garbage disposals: Garbage disposals can develop leaks over time due to wear and tear or improper installation. Check for leaks around the sink flange, dishwasher connection and the disposal itself.
- Washing machines: Washing machines can leak from the hoses, drum, or pump. Ensure that your washing machine is properly balanced to prevent excessive vibration, which can cause leaks.
- Refrigerators: Refrigerators with built-in ice makers or water dispensers can leak due to issues with the water supply line. Regularly inspect the water line for cracks or wear and replace it if necessary.
3. Bathroom and kitchen plumbing leaks
Leaking faucets, toilets and sinks are often overlooked but can lead to considerable water waste and damage over time.
- Faucets: Dripping faucets are not just an annoyance, they can also waste a significant amount of water and cause damage. A leaky faucet can drip gallons of water per year, leading to higher water bills and potential water damage.
- Toilets: Toilets can leak from the tank to the bowl or from the base. The former is often due to a faulty flapper or fill valve, while the latter can indicate a problem with the wax seal.
- Under-sink pipes: Leaks under the sink can go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Regularly checking for moisture or water stains around the pipes can help you catch leaks early. Ensure that the P-trap and other connections are secure and look for signs of corrosion or wear.
Outdoor leaks and flooding
External leaks often result from environmental factors and your home’s external structures. While controlling the weather is impossible, proper maintenance and inspections can help minimize damage or even prevent certain kinds of external leaks.
4. Roof and gutter problems
Clogged gutters, damaged roof shingles or poor roof maintenance can lead to rainwater or melting snow seeping into your home. When gutters are blocked, water overflows and can penetrate the roof or walls.
5. Basement and foundation cracks
Basement and foundation cracks can result from several factors, from construction issues to drainage issues. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of basement cracks:
- Natural settling and soil type: As homes age, the soil beneath them can shift or compress, causing the foundation to settle unevenly. This settling can create stress on the foundation and lead to cracks. The soil type can also factor into this stress; clay soil expands and contracts more when wet.
- Poor drainage: Poor drainage can result in water pooling around the foundation of your home. Over time, this water may erode soil and weaken the foundation, causing cracks to appear.
- Tree roots and vegetation: Tree roots can grow under your home’s foundation and exert pressure on it, potentially causing cracks.
- Heavy rainfall or snowmelt: Intense rain or rapid snowmelt can overwhelm drainage systems and cause water to seep into the foundation. Even if a leak doesn’t occur, the excess water can increase the hydrostatic pressure (i.e., the pressure of fluid in a tight space) against the basement walls, leading to cracks.
6. Seasonal thaws, heavy rains and other natural floods
Snowmelt, intense rainstorms, burst river banks and even tidal waves can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to water entering the home. While home maintenance can help protect your home from certain kinds of damage, these kinds of events are often difficult to predict and impossible to prevent.
When it comes to this type of flooding, it’s important to know what’s normally covered by insurance and what’s not:
- Overland water coverage: Overland water happens when freshwater sources like rivers or reservoirs overflow and spread onto normally dry land. Standard home insurance policies usually don’t cover this type of flooding. However, some insurers may offer optional overland flood coverage, which is available for most homes across the country.
- Flood damage caused by storm surges or tidal waves: Flood damage caused by storm surges or tidal waves is generally not covered by most insurance policies, including optional add-ons.
- Leaks/seepage: Leakage/seepage may not be covered by all insurance policies and only sudden and accidental losses are covered.
Four simple steps to prevent water leaks (or detect them quickly)
It can be overwhelming to consider all the different ways home leaks can happen. The good news is that many of these issues can be prevented with regular home maintenance. Let’s look at some of the best practices for maintaining your property and minimizing the risks of damage from water leaks.
1. Regular interior maintenance and inspections
Regular upkeep is essential to keeping your home’s plumbing and structural systems in good condition. Schedule annual inspections with a professional plumber to check for visible leaks, monitor your home's water pressure, ensure sinks and tubs drain freely and insulate exposed pipes. This proactive approach can help identify and fix small issues before they become major problems.
When it comes to your appliances, follow manufacturer maintenance guidelines, replace old hoses and inspect connections regularly. As appliances age, don’t ignore any ‘quirks’ like doors that don’t close properly, washing machines that vibrate excessively, or ice-build up in refrigerators—these are signs of something not working. Ensuring that your appliances are in good working order can prevent unexpected leaks.
2. Roof and gutter care
Similarly, follow a regular schedule of maintenance for your roof and gutters. Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and consider extending your downspouts to channel water further from your home’s foundation.
Keeping your roof in good condition is essential for preventing leaks. Check your roof for damaged shingles, especially after storms and address issues promptly. Most roofs have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years and the signs that it’s time to replace your roof include:
- Regular loss of shingles
- Asphalt granules in the gutters
- Visible dips or sagging
- Moss or algae growth, which can indicate moisture retention
3. Landscaping and foundation maintenance
Steps to prevent foundation cracks and basement flooding involve regular landscaping, including landscape grading, root and tree maintenance, and steps to ensure waterproofing and sealing.
Exterior waterproofing typically includes excavation to apply sealants or coatings directly to foundation walls. Consult with a professional to undertake this work or for advice on handling larger cracks. Other steps include:
- Regularly using appropriate sealants for minor cracks
- Installing a sump pump if necessary
4. Smart home technology
While smart home technology will not prevent a leak, it can help alert you quickly so that minimal damage is caused.
- Water leak alarms or a leak detection system can alert you to hidden leaks
- Automatic water shut-off devices can detect leaks and shut off your water main to minimize the chance of catastrophic damage
Pro tip: Keeping an eye on your water bill can also alert you to something that's not quite right—if there are unexplained spikes, do a quick sweep of your home as this could indicate a water leak you’re unaware of.
Emergency preparedness and insurance
Despite best efforts, sometimes water leaks occur. In such situations, it’s important to have a plan and protection in place.
Emergency preparedness for leaks and floods includes knowing where your water main in your home, condo or apartment is so you can promptly switch it off. You do not want to waste time figuring this out in a moment of urgency.
While no one likes thinking about extreme situations, having an emergency preparedness plan and a grab-and-go bag ready will give you peace of mind for some of the more extreme scenarios that may require a home evacuation.
Finally, if you’ve been wondering whether you are or are not covered if a water leak occurs, take this as your cue to review your home insurance:
- Review your policy to understand what types of water damage are covered. Knowing your coverage can help you make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Consider additional coverage options for risks such as sewer backup or overland water coverage. These additional coverages provide protection and peace of mind against sewer backup or overland water damage.
- Document records of maintenance, inspections and repairs to support potential claims. If a situation arises, having detailed documentation can streamline the claims process and help you get the appropriate level of compensation.
