Protecting Your Home From Water Damage

WATER DAMAGE PREVENTION FOR SPOKANE & NORTH IDAHO

Simple Steps to Reduce the Risk of Costly Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common and expensive problems homeowners face. From slow plumbing leaks to overflowing appliances and storm-driven intrusion, unwanted water can stain walls, warp flooring, weaken structures, and create mold-friendly conditions in as little as 24–48 hours. Proactive prevention is one of the best ways to protect both your home and your budget.

At ServiceMaster by Compass, we see firsthand how quickly a “small leak” can turn into a major claim. This page walks you through practical, high-impact prevention strategies—inside and outside your home—plus smart technology options and what to know about insurance and restoration costs if something does go wrong.

COMMON CAUSES OF WATER DAMAGE

Where Water Problems Usually Start

Most water damage doesn't come out of nowhere. It usually starts with a failure in one of a few high-risk systems. Knowing where problems typically begin helps you spot red flags early and prioritize maintenance.

The most common sources of water damage in homes include:

• Leaky pipes and plumbing failures that release water into walls, ceilings, and floors.
• Appliance breakdowns from washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters.
• Roof leaks and gutter problems that let water into attics and wall cavities.
• Clogged drains or poor grading that push water toward foundations and basements.
• Frozen or burst pipes during cold snaps and sewer backups during heavy storms.

Each of these sources has distinct warning signs—stains, odors, unusual sounds, or unexplained moisture. Catching them early is the difference between a small repair and a major restoration project.

PREVENTING INTERIOR LEAKS

Plumbing & Appliance Maintenance That Actually Matters

Inside the home, the biggest risk zones are your plumbing and water-using appliances. A simple inspection routine only takes a little time each month but can save you thousands of dollars in damage.

Focus on these high-impact checks to reduce your chance of interior leaks:

• Under sinks: Look for drips, corrosion, or warped cabinet bottoms.
• Toilets: Check supply lines and shutoff valves for moisture or rust.
• Washing machines: Inspect hoses and connections monthly; replace rubber hoses every 3–5 years.
• Dishwashers: Check around the base and inside cabinets for dampness or warped wood.
• Water heaters: Look for rust, sweating, or water in the drain pan.
• Refrigerators with ice makers: Inspect the small supply line for kinks, bulges, or damage.

If you see stains, soft spots, bubbling paint, or smell a musty odor around any of these areas, there may already be an active leak behind the scenes.

Best Practices for Appliance Leak Prevention

A few simple upgrades and habits dramatically reduce the risk of appliance-related water damage:

• Upgrade supply lines. Replace old rubber hoses with braided stainless-steel or manufacturer-recommended reinforced lines.
• Use drain pans. Place pans under water heaters, washing machines, and some dishwashers where possible.
• Label shutoff valves. Make sure everyone in the household can quickly shut off water to individual fixtures and the main line.
• Leave space for inspection. Don't push appliances tight against the wall—give yourself room to see behind and underneath.

These low-cost steps are some of the highest-return investments you'll make in preventing water damage inside your home.

PREVENTING FROZEN & BURST PIPES

Winter Water Damage Prevention

Spokane and North Idaho winters bring freeze risk. When water inside pipes reaches freezing temperatures, it expands and can crack the pipe. The real damage often happens later—when the ice thaws and water begins to pour out.

To reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes:

• Insulate vulnerable runs. Focus on pipes in unheated basements, crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls.
• Install heat tape where recommended. Follow manufacturer instructions and never overlap heat tape.
• Open cabinet doors on cold nights. Let warm air circulate around pipes under sinks.
• Let faucets drip. A slow trickle during extreme cold helps keep water moving.
• Shut off and drain outdoor lines. Disconnect hoses and shut off exterior spigots before the hard freeze.

If a faucet suddenly slows to a trickle during cold weather, you may already have a frozen section of pipe. Turn off the water, avoid using open flames, and consider calling a professional before the pipe bursts.

EXTERIOR DEFENSE: ROOF, GUTTERS & DRAINAGE

Keeping Water Outside Where It Belongs

A big part of water damage prevention doesn't even happen inside your home—it happens on the roof and around the foundation. Your goal is simple: keep water moving away from the structure.

Make these exterior checks part of your regular routine:

• Grade the soil away from the home. The ground should slope away so water doesn't pool against the foundation.
• Clean gutters and downspouts. Do this at least twice a year and after big wind or leaf events.
• Add downspout extensions. Aim to discharge water at least 3–5 feet away from the foundation.
• Inspect the roof. Look for missing shingles, cracked flashing, or damaged areas after storms.
• Watch basement and crawlspace walls. Efflorescence (a white, chalky residue) and damp spots can indicate exterior drainage issues.

Good exterior maintenance makes it much less likely that heavy rain or snowmelt will find its way into your basement or lower-level living spaces.

SEASONAL WATER DAMAGE PREPARATION

Winterizing & Storm-Ready Checklists

Every season brings different water risks. A bit of seasonal prep keeps your home ready for what's coming next.

Winterizing Before the First Hard Freeze

• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, and attics.
• Install or check heat tape on vulnerable lines, if applicable.
• Drain and shut off exterior spigots and irrigation lines.
• Test your sump pump and battery backup if you have one.
• Check attic insulation to help prevent ice dams.

Preparing for Heavy Rain & Storms

• Clear gutters, downspouts, and yard drains of debris.
• Move stored items off basement floors or onto shelves.
• Secure outdoor furniture and items that could block drains.
• Verify sump pumps are working and discharge lines are clear.
• Keep a simple photo inventory of valuables for insurance documentation.

After a major storm, walk around the inside and outside of your home to check for new leaks, stains, or damp areas so you can act early if there's a problem.

SMART LEAK DETECTION & AUTO SHUT-OFF

Using Technology to Catch Problems Early

Smart leak detectors and shut-off valves are becoming more common in homes across Spokane and North Idaho. They don't replace maintenance, but they add a powerful extra layer of protection.

Common types of devices include:

• Point leak sensors placed under sinks, near water heaters, and behind appliances.
• Strip or rope sensors that cover a wider area on floors or around mechanical rooms.
• Whole-home flow monitors that detect unusual water usage patterns.
• Smart shut-off valves that automatically close the main line when a leak is detected.

Most systems connect to your Wi-Fi or smart home hub and send alerts right to your phone, so you can catch a leak and shut off water even when you're not at home.

INSURANCE & RESTORATION COSTS

What Happens If Water Damage Still Occurs?

Even with great prevention, things can still go wrong—a sudden supply-line failure, a storm that overwhelms drainage, or an unexpected appliance rupture. When that happens, two things matter most: how fast you act and how well the damage is documented.

What Homeowners Insurance Often Covers

Many homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe or appliance failure. However, gradual leaks, poor maintenance, and flooding from outside sources may be excluded or require additional coverage.

It's important to review your policy and ask your agent about:

• Whether sewer or drain backup is covered or requires an endorsement.
• How mold remediation is handled.
• What deductibles apply to water claims.

Documenting Damage & Working With Restoration Pros

If water damage occurs, you'll want to document everything:

• Take photos and short videos of all affected areas.
• Keep receipts for any emergency supplies or temporary repairs.
• Save estimates and invoices from restoration and repair contractors.
• Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.

At ServiceMaster by Compass, we provide detailed moisture readings and documentation to support your claim and coordinate directly with adjusters when requested.

WATER DAMAGE PREVENTION FAQ

How Often Should I Check for Leaks?

A quick visual check of high-risk areas once a month is a good habit. That includes under sinks, around toilets, near the water heater, and around washing machines and dishwashers. Do a more thorough inspection seasonally—especially before winter and before spring rains.

When Should I Call a Professional?

Call a professional when water has spread beyond a small, isolated area, when it's inside walls or ceilings, when there may be electrical risk, or when you're seeing recurring moisture or mold. Professional mitigation helps protect your health, your structure, and your insurance coverage.

Whether you're planning ahead or dealing with active water damage, ServiceMaster by Compass is here to help you prevent, respond, and restore with confidence.