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2018-07-26
By: Denise Koslowsky
A water leak in your home has the potential cause thousands of dollars of damage. Water flows where it wants to flow and causes damage to nearly everything in its path. Our friends at Pure Insurance have shared with us that nearly 70% of their claims come from water damage.
Drip pans can be your first line of defense
Drip Pans should be installed under HVAC systems and water producing appliances to catch water leaks if they occur. Your Water Heater, AC Unit, Dish Washer and Washing Machine are all places where a drip pan can be a lifesaver.
Keep in Mind
One key thing you should keep in mind is that drip pans are made of plastic or other man-made materials which can crack and break. This means that you should check them frequently and replace them at the first sign of wear and tear.
When it comes to AC Units, condensation is a natural by-product of an Air Conditioner so a drip pan with a drain is usually standard. Any water present usually drains away but sometimes rust or foreign debris can block the drain and cause overflow. That is why it is a good idea to have a float switch installed in the drip pan if there is not one already installed. This switch adds an extra layer of protection because it will stop the unit if an overflow is detected.
Further Protection
Sensor-based systems which rely on sensors located in high-risk locations (such as anywhere you would have a drip pan) alert your alarm carrier, and set off your central station alarm. Flow-based systems allow the user to program custom settings and when any water flow exceeds the volume and time settings, an alarm will trigger and the water flow will be shut off.
A properly installed whole-house water shut-off system connected to a central station alarm will qualify for a substantial insurance policy discount, but will not prevent water damage caused by condensation.
Educating our clients about the options available when it comes to protecting your home is a priority for us at Advocate Brokerage. We would be happy to answer any further questions you may have and you are interested in a smart technology solution for your home, we can help you locate resources for quotes and installation.
