Water damage, even from small leaks, is one of the most frequent types of insurance claims \u2014 and it can happen anywhere in your home.<\/p>\n
Behind the washing machine, under the bathroom or kitchen sink or at the base of a water heater \u2014 a small leak left undetected can turn into a costly problem.<\/p>\n
That’s exactly what happened to Keith Vearil. When water came up through a drain pipe, the lower level of his home was waterlogged.<\/p>\n
“It just went in all directions,” Vearil said. “There were family photos on shelves, furniture was ruined, electronics.”<\/p>\n
In most cases, pooling or dripping water isn’t evident right away. It takes a brown water stain on the ceiling or a musty odor under the sink.<\/p>\n
That’s why water leak alarms are becoming a popular home safety accessory.<\/p>\n
Watch as a flood victim shows how water can destroy hundreds of personal items:<\/p>\n
Are water leak detectors worth buying?<\/p>\n
What is a water leak detector? <\/p>\n
For about $1,500, companies can install a leak detection system that includes an automatic shut-off valve.<\/p>\n
“Water leak detection is something that is going to help you if something goes catastrophically wrong,” said Alex Nesbit with Apollo Home<\/a>, which installs the alarms.<\/p>\n With most installed systems, homeowners or a plumber will place alarms, or sensors, in any location prone to flooding or leaks, such as:<\/p>\n Near the washing machineUnder a hot water heaterIn the basementUnder sinksInside the garageUnder the fridgeInside the attic, to sense a roof or AC leak<\/p>\n When your system detects a leak, your water valve will automatically close to prevent flooding, and an alert is sent to the homeowner’s phone.<\/p>\n There are cheaper sensors on the market ranging from $30 to $100 from companies like D-Link,<\/a> SimpliSafe,<\/a> and YoLink <\/a>\u2014 which do not require professional installation.<\/p>\n Like a detection system, most of these sets connect to Wi-Fi and alert a homeowner when moisture is detected. They do not, however, turn the water off.<\/p>\n “All it is going to do is act like a smoke alarm,” Nesbit said. “If you are out of town, it can be beeping the entire time, and you don’t know.”<\/p>\n Why spend money on water leak detectors?<\/p>\n Security company ADT says<\/a> just a few inches of water can cause more than $10,000 in damage.<\/p>\n The water damage prevention company Water Damage Defense<\/a> claims 14,000 people in the U.S. experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day.<\/p>\n And about one in 67 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water or freeze damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute.<\/a><\/p>\n For Apollo Home’s Nesbit, the value is clear.<\/p>\n “It’s something that can save you a ton of money and honestly, heartache,” Nesbit said.<\/p>\n Think of leak detectors as a small investment to potentially stop thousands of dollars in water damage. That way, you don\u2019t waste your money.<\/p>\n _______________________________<\/p>\n “Don’t Waste Your Money” is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. (“Scripps”).<\/p>\n Follow John:<\/p>\n