It should go without saying that paying a little to prevent water damage is going to be significantly cheaper than have to pay for repairs. And because water damage, whether it occurs inside or out, is the number one contributor to weakened home stability and foundation damage—the core which holds our very homes together.

Just like the human body, core strength is imperative for overall health. The same can be said for your home. Without a solid foundation, structural damage due to water damage invites termites, carpenter ants, and mold/mildew; all of which encroach on the safety of your home’s core.

Let’s talk about five things you can do to prevent water damage and save money in the long run.

Dishwasher & Washing Machines

How many of you go to bed at night leaving the dishwasher running while you’re asleep, or turn on a washing machine before you head to the store? All it takes is a few moments for your house to become flooded by a broken pipe, and the amount of money you’ll have to pay for a few minutes of saved time could be devastating to your bank account.

Water Alarms

It may sound silly; another alarm in the house. But if you have older appliances or have had issues in the past, a water alarm wouldn’t be a terrible idea. Most homeowners will find that installing a water alarm is a lot more simply than it sounds. These water alarms are just like fire alarms, in that they quickly alert you if an appliance isn’t working correctly when it involves water.

Replace Water Heaters

The lifeblood of all the warm water in our house, they have their own lifespan. As a matter of fact, most water heaters only last 10-12 years, and old water heaters can burst, flooding near rooms with water. Not only will replacing them save you money and headaches, today’s systems are more energy efficient and will save you even more money over the years.

Stainless-steel Hoses

Just like replacing old water heaters, replacing rubber or plastic hoses for your water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine with stainless-steel braided or mesh hoses can save you heartache later. Rubber or plastic hoses can kink, crack, or bulge over time, resulting in localized water damage.

Swamp Coolers

If you still run a swamp cooler, most of which are attic-based air conditioners, you run the risk of damaging everything below the cooler—which is all of your items within the home. You should check these yearly to make sure there’s no wear-and-tear on any parts of the cooler before it’s run, particularly if it’s a partial or fully outside unit.