Hidden Water Leaks

Water damage in condos is a commonly reported claim according to insurance companies. Many times, the culprit is something you use every day. If you have a refrigerator with an ice maker or water dispenser, check the tubing on the back to see if it’s leaking. A small leak left unnoticed can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your apartment and the units below you.

Avoid using plastic tubing. Plastic will eventually deteriorate and spring a leak. The average life span is 5-10 years but may spring a leak sooner if improperly installed or is pinched. Copper tubing is usually used because it’s durable and won’t leave a bad taste in your water or ice, but it can kink easily on bends or at the fitting when moving the refrigerator. The best type of tubing to use is 1/4” braided stainless steel. It’s strong, durable, won’t kink, and the water or ice won’t leave a funny taste in your mouth. Just make sure to leave plenty of extra line so you can pull the refrigerator out to clean or inspect the back periodically.

Of course, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive. To minimize water damage resulting from a broken pipe in your condo, invest in several water alarm leak detectors. This device will emit loud beeps when it comes in contact with water.  Place them on the floor next to your washer, under the sink, or behind the refrigerator. If you have WiFi in your apartment, you can get one that notifies you via email. You can find these at Amazon or other online retailers by searching for “wifi water detector”.

If you plan to be off-island for more than a couple of days, and no one else but you has a key to your apartment, it’s advisable to turn off water supply lines to the washing machine, toilets, and sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms.  Receiving an email alert will do you no good if no one can enter your apartment to check on the situation.

Finally, check your HO-6 insurance policy and be sure you know what it says about water damage caused by plumbing failures. This way you can be prepared to remedy situations if you notice water leaks originating in your apartment or coming from the unit above you.

Be Akamai.  Stay Dry.