Why take a chance? Learn where your residential or commercial property is most likely to suffer water damage, and what you can do to help prevent it.

Water Leak Prevention: Where to Start
The Kitchen/Lunch Room
A good place to start when you’re trying to prevent water damage? The kitchen: a place with a whole lot of water.
Look carefully at your major appliances, and make sure they are up to snuff.
The Dishwasher: Periodically check for leaks under the sink where the hose connects to the water supply. Look around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks, such as discolored, warped, or soft flooring materials, or water damage to nearby cabinets.
The Refrigerator: If your refrigerator has an icemaker, make sure the hose connection is securely attached to the water supply line. Also, a wet spot on the floor may be a sign of a crimped icemaker line about to burst.
The Sink: Replace deteriorated caulk around sinks, and check the pipes under the sink for leaks. A slow-draining pipe may indicate a partially blocked drain that needs cleaning. 

The Bathroom
The bathroom is another water damage hot spot. Here’s what you should examine and address:
Showers And Bathtubs: Remove and replace deteriorated or cracked caulk and grout. Water from a broken supply pipe behind the wall can leak through these damaged sealants, causing stains or soft areas around nearby walls and floors. Leaking drain pipes and shower pan leaks are also common sources of water damage. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.
Sinks: Check under the sink for leaks from water supply lines or drainpipes. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.
Toilets: Clogs can result from too much toilet paper or objects such as hanging bowl deodorants. Also, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode internal plastic or rubber parts, leading to a leak. Again, don’t hesitate to call in a professional.

Stopping Indoor Leaks
Make sure everyone in your household knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it. The quickest way to stop a leak is to turn off your home’s water. Check the valve frequently for problems, and shut off the water if you are away from your home for several days or longer.

Hardware That Can Help
To help keep an eye on these or other trouble spots, you may want to consider installing a water leak detection system, especially if you’re frequently away from the house. Leak detection systems can be either active or passive.

Active Leak Detection Systems
These systems usually generate some type of alarm, AND they also perform a function that will stop the water flow. They feature some form of shutoff valve and a means to determine that a leak is occurring. An active leak detection system can function in one or all locations where water is present (toilets, refrigerators, washing machines). For example, Dtection products, from Dtection Incorporated in San Diego, can safe-guard a location or a whole property. These products do their own self-testing to insure proper functionality at all times.

Passive Leak Detection Systems
These systems, also called “water alarms,” are intended to alert you to a possible water leak. They generally sound an audible alarm tone; some may also feature a flashing light. These can alert you to a problem IF someone is present to hear the alarm.

Individual Appliance Systems
These systems are installed on a specific appliance and will automatically shut off the water supply in case of a leak.

Whole-House Systems
These systems, like the Dtection system, have a shut-off option which features a shut-off valve installed on the main water supply pipe. When the system detects a leak, it will automatically shut off the entire water supply. If you travel often, this type of system could help you rest assured while you’re away from home.

The largest and most common claim against property insurance is water damage, which amounts to billions of dollars each year.   There is a real need for pro-active leak detection products which can respond and bring help when a water leak is detected even when noone is present.  DTection products are wireless, easy to install, and will  defray the costly damage to homes and buildings caused from unexpected water leaks.