Most of the water losses we respond to were preventable. A little routine attention goes a long way, especially in Florida's climate. Here are the highest-impact things you can do to protect your home.
Check plumbing and appliance hoses
The rubber supply hoses behind washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators are a leading cause of sudden flooding. Inspect them yearly and replace aging hoses with braided stainless-steel lines. Watch for slow drips under sinks too.
Maintain your water heater
Water heaters typically last 8–12 years, and they often fail by leaking, sometimes catastrophically. Know the age of yours, watch for rust or moisture at the base, and don't wait until it bursts to replace an aging unit.
Keep your roof and gutters in shape
Your roof takes a beating in Florida. Have it inspected periodically, address loose or missing shingles promptly, and keep gutters and downspouts clear so water drains away from the house rather than pooling against it.
Know your main shut-off valve
When a pipe lets go, seconds matter. Make sure everyone in the household knows where the main water shut-off is and how to use it. It's the cheapest insurance there is.
Control humidity and consider leak detectors
Keep indoor humidity in check to discourage mold, and consider inexpensive water-leak detectors near water heaters, under sinks, and behind appliances. Some will alert your phone the moment they sense moisture.
Prep before hurricane season
Before June, run through a storm-prep checklist, roof, openings, drainage, and documentation. The same steps that limit storm damage also limit the water intrusion that follows it.