11 Easy Ways to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

"Burst pipes are one of the most common sources of water leaks," says Micetich. "Clogs, pipe corrosion, freezing temperatures, and high water pressure can all lead to a burst pipe." If you notice any dramatic changes in water pressure or discover a serious clog, call a pro to sort the problem out ASAP. "You can also prevent frozen pipes—and the water damage that follows—by insulating your pipes and keeping your faucets dripping when temperatures drop below freezing," says Micetich.

"One effective measure to prevent water damage is to install a flow-based water-leak detection device that automatically shuts off the water supply when a leak is detected," says Naughton. "This preventative solution can be beneficial for all homes, regardless of their size, age, or occupancy status."

Companies like Moen and Guardian make systems that receive consistently high ratings. Contributing senior editor Elyse Moody has had the Flo by Moen system seen here since 2021, and it has come in handy already. "Once when we were out of town our cat sitter forgot to turn off the faucet," she says. "The Moen system sent me a phone alert that the water had been running for an unusual length of time, and I was able to shut off the water supply via the app. If there were a leak, I'd get the same kind of alert and be able to stop the water just as quickly." She notes that they also received a credit toward their home insurance for installing the system.

While rain isn't a leading cause of water damage, it can still damage your home nonetheless—if your roof compromised in some way. "A roof leak could be from broken or missing shingles, damaged flashing [the waterproofing material that's used under shingles, around chimneys and plumbing vents, and where different sections of the roof meet], or a damaged plumbing vent. I recommend bringing in a pro to inspect your roof at least once a year to prevent water damage from roof leaks," says Micetich.

While you're scheduling a roof check, line up a gutter cleaning. These two tasks go hand in hand. Gutters like the copper ones seen here not only protect your home's roof from damage, but they also reduce moisture around windows and redirect water away from the foundation. Most homeowners should clean the gutters at least twice a year. If your home is flanked closely by trees, your gutters may need more frequent cleanings to keep them free of leaves and pine needles. Three to four times a year isn't uncommon.

If you have storm windows, ensure they're closed all the way to prevent leaks. Even a small crack can let in enough water to cause damage to the walls. Have old windows that don't close fully? Ask a handyman to drill holes in the sill to let any moisture drain to the exterior of your home rather than dripping down inside the walls.

Many home appliances use water, which means there's always a chance for a leak. "Inspect and check your washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, and garbage disposal for leaks on a periodic basis, and replace supply hoses for these appliances as necessary," says Naughton. Placing your washing machine in a pan is a helpful backup measure too, particularly if it's on an upper story of your home.

This appliance warrants its own separate action item. You may not associate air conditioning with water, but it actually creates quite of it as condensation. If you have an air handler in your attic, you should keep a close eye on it since any overflow will leak directly into your living space. "Help maintain your HVAC systems by keeping the drip pans clean and ensuring the drain lines are free from any obstructions and flowing correctly," advises Naughton. Scheduling regular maintenance with a pro can help prevent leak-causing clogs.

Think of French drains as your gutters' cousins. Rather than your home's roofline, these gravel-frilled trenches run along its foundation and help with drainage. If you often see water pooling close to your house, French drains can help disperse and redirect it. They can help control excess water inside an unfinished or partially finished basement too; you'll often see them installed along the perimeter.

If you have a sump pump in your basement, it won't work when the power goes out—which happens pretty frequently in the kinds of storms that cause flooding. So it's always a good idea to have a backup power source for the pump in the event of an outage. "Insurance credits may also be given for whole-home generators, which ensure your sump pumps are operational in extreme rain events," says Naughton.

Everyone in your home should know the location of your water supply's main shutoff valve. "This will allow you to quickly shut off the appropriate valves in the event of a leak before calling a plumber to assess the situation," says Naughton. It may be located in your basement along an exterior wall, typically the one closest to the street (where the municipal water supply line is). If you live in an older home, it might look something like the pipes and valve seen here.

It's smart to locate appliance and fixture specific valves too so that you can turn them off if, say, a toilet or washing machine starts to overflow.

If you plan to be out of town for several weeks or live in your home only seasonally, consider turning off the water supply entirely when the home is vacant. This can reduce the risk of water damage while you're away. If you prefer to keep it on, consider hiring someone to check in on your home from time to time so they can note any issues that could cause damage.