Hidden Home Hazards Could Cost You $5K This Winter

Autumn’s here and winter’s right around the corner, bringing colder days, wetter weather – and the kind of hidden leaks that have Americans forking out thousands in repairs. 

According to Kaylyn Tanner, a flood restoration specialist at Water Damage Specialist, the average household water-damage claim now sits between $3,000 and $5,000. And worst of all? Most of it is avoidable, she says.  

“People tend to imagine floods as big events like storms or burst pipes,” Tanner says. “But most of the time it’s the small things you don’t think about – such as a cracked hose, a blocked gutter, a slow drip – that end up causing the real mess.” 

Her golden rule? A few minutes of checking before winter really kicks in. Here’s what she says homeowners should be checking now, before the worst of winter sets in. 

Most of us don’t think twice about our washing machine – until we’re standing in a puddle wondering what just happened. One burst hose can drench a kitchen or living room before you’ve even realized there’s a problem. 

“Those rubber hoses at the back wear out faster than people think,” Tanner explains. “They can start to split five years in.” 

It costs about $20 to replace them, but a burst hose can mean up to $5,000 in repairs. “If it goes while you’re out, it won’t stop at one room,” she says. “Water spreads fast and it doesn’t care what it ruins.” 

Her fix? “Give the hoses a feel – if they’re soft, blistered or rusty at the ends, swap them out. And always turn off the water if you’re heading away. It’s the easiest five-minute job that could save you thousands, especially with the holidays fast approaching.” 

Your hot-water tank works harder in winter than at any other time of year. And while it’s quietly keeping your showers warm, it could also be building up problems you can’t see. 

“Over time, minerals settle at the bottom of the tank,” Tanner explains. “That makes it less efficient and puts pressure on the metal. Eventually, the tank can start to leak – and it often happens without warning.” 

When a tank goes, it goes fast. More than 100 liters of hot water can rush through your home in minutes, ruining carpets, walls and wiring – and before you know it, you’re looking at a $1,500-$3,000 bill to put it all right. 

Tanner says prevention takes less time than a cup of tea. “Once a year, flush the tank and test the pressure-relief valve. If you start hearing banging noises or notice rusty water, don’t ignore it – that’s your early warning to get a plumber in.” 

They’re easy to forget – until they start overflowing. “Leaves and moss block the flow of water, forcing it to run down your walls instead,” Tanner says. “That’s when you get damp patches, cracked plaster and mold creeping in.” 

She suggests clearing them twice a year – once after the leaves fall, and again before spring. “Professional cleaning costs around $100. If you ignore it, you could be looking at $3,000 or more in repair work to fix damp and insulation damage.” 

If you’re tackling it yourself, wait for a dry day, use gloves and make sure your ladder’s steady. “It’s a quick job – and it’ll keep your walls dry all winter,” she adds. 

The cold weather can be tough in many different aspects, but for pipes it can be particularly troublesome. 

“They expand when frozen, and that’s when they burst – this can flood your home in a matter of minutes,” Tanner says.   

But the problem is not only that, as slow leaks can be just as bad. “A single dripping joint can waste 20,000 liters a year,” she warns. “By the time you smell damp or see bubbling paint, the water’s already done the damage – and the repair most likely won’t be cheap.” 

Tanner’s advice: keep your heating on low if you’re away, open cupboard doors under sinks so warm air can circulate and check under basins and along skirting boards regularly.  

“If you spot a leak, don’t wait – call someone. $50 for a plumber now is better than $5,000 later.” 

What’s the first thing you do after a storm? Probably check your fences, garden or any other damage outside, right? 

But according to the expert, you should really be looking at your roof. “That’s where water finds its way in,” she says. “A few missing tiles or loose flashing around chimneys can let in enough rain to soak insulation and ceilings. Even a small leak can cause hundreds of pounds in hidden damage before you notice.” 

So, if you spot dark patches on the ceiling or notice a damp, musty smell, you’d better get a roofer to take a look – this isn’t the sort of problem that fixes itself. 

She also recommends a quick roof check now, before winter and the rain really set in. “It’s always easier to fix things before anything happens than after the damage has been done,” she notes.