Water damage: Check the pipes in your household appliances!

1. The pipes under the sink

Plumbing under sinks is especially vulnerable breakage. The culprits? Mould and corrosion caused by humidity and exacerbated by the vapours that emanate from certain cleaning products. The following should be inspected regularly: While you're at it, make sure the joint sealings around the dishwasher door are in good condition. If you see that residue has accumulated, take a few moments to remove it.

• The dishwasher's water drainage pipe, located behind or under the appliance
• The dishwasher's water supply line, located under the sink, connected to the plumbing
• The state of drain connections under the sink

2. The toilet supply line

The flexible tubing that supplies the toilet weakens over time. Once or twice a year, you should check:

• That it's not cracked or damaged
• That the joints and nuts that hold the toilet in place are properly fastened, following the manufacturer's directions. If you’re not sure, seek advice from a professional plumber

3. Washing machine supply tube

The supply tube is subjected to frequent and significant pressure. Enough to shorten its expected life span! We suggest: The best prevention method is still closing the faucets on the wall after each use.

• Replacing it every 10 years or as soon as you see signs of deterioration, like rust or cracks
• Using high quality tubes, preferably in plaited steel, rather than rubber tubes

4. If, despite all your precautions...

The damage is done and catastrophe seems imminent. The first thing you should do is turn off the water supply. To do so, turn off the water supply valve of the sanitary system in question or the main water supply valve. If you don't know where they are, take some time now to locate them. In an emergency, you'll be able to act more quickly and sensibly with one less thing to worry about!

Your insurance broker is there to help you prevent losses. Feel free to contact him or her!