Insurance premiums and deductibles are mainly driven by the number and cost of claims. As a top insurance claim, water damage contributes to rate increases for everyone.

Although some situations are beyond control, there are low-cost ways to prevent water damage within a single unit, as well as steps to contain it should it spread to other units.

It’s smart for owners to secure their own insurance to cover any damages to their units, but there’s more that can be done. Both condo owners and strata corporations should work together to create a proactive plan before any water incident occurs. It’s also important to have a response action plan in place should the need arise.

In fact, there are many ways to prevent and/or fix water damage at little to no cost.

The following tips focus on preventing and minimizing indoor water loss: 

Recommendations for condo and strata corporations: 

  • Show and remind residents where the water shut-off valves are located within their units. 
  • Upgrade to steel-braided hoses on dishwashers and washing machines and replace every five years.
  • Install protective cages on all sprinkler heads in common hallways.
  • Consider a bylaw to restrict the size of aquariums.
  • Keep all common areas, including mechanical/electrical rooms, clean and clutter-free.

Recommendations for individual unit owners: 

  • Know the location of shut-off valves to minimize water loss.
  • Shut the water supply off when the unit is vacant (e.g., on holiday).
  • Arrange for someone to check the conditions in your unit when you are away, especially during winter. 
  • Do not flush any non-flushable items, such as cat litter. 
  • Do not hang anything on sprinkler heads; install protective cages on sprinkler heads. 
  • Replace damaged hoses.
  • Replace water supply lines to the washer, dishwasher, refrigerator and toilet with steel-braided hoses every five years.
  • Install water alarm devices by the dishwasher, refrigerator, washer and behind the toilet. Low-cost options are available from online stores. 
  • Do not run the dishwasher when you leave your unit.
  • Replace the shower cartridge and tub drain gasket and inspect caulking around the shower / tub every five years. 
  • Replace toilet wax seal every 10 years.

Tip: For unit owners, know the lifespan of your appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines. If you have a hot water tank in your unit and it is 10 years or older, consider replacing it.

This article is intended to provide readers with general information only. Readers are urged not to rely solely on the content of the bulletin, but to consult with appropriate professionals on a case-by-case basis.