Safeco Reports Most Homeowners’ Pain Isn’t from the Rain

With hurricane season still generating powerful storms, and cold weather rain and snow not too far away, homeowners might be surprised to learn the most common cause of water damage to personal property isn’t from Mother Nature; it’s from the leaky hose in their kitchen or laundry room, according to Seattle-based Safeco.

“On average, almost three-fourths of our home water-loss claims each year are caused by an appliance people use every day, such as a washing machine, water heater or refrigerator,” said Jim Arciere, vice president of Safeco Claims. “A majority of these losses are easily avoidable. A $10 hose replacement on a washing machine can prevent thousands of dollars in property damage and the hassle of cleanup and repairs.”

Safeco has launched a guide to water damage prevention giving homeowners easy steps they can take to avoid costly water losses and repairs. ‘Preventing Water Damage in Your Home’ is a Web-based program that includes an interactive, room-by-room house tour that highlights potential trouble spots.

The program can be accessed at www.safeco.com/drip.