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Fun, Sun, and Water Damage?

State Farm reminds the public to avoid water damage to their home while away on vacation.

Greeley, Colo., June 16, 2011 – Summer is finally here, and you’ve planned a fantastic vacation packed with fun, soaking in some sun, and plenty of relaxation. Don’t add to your laundry list upon returning home by having to clean up a flooded house.

“Some of the most damaging water losses we see occur when our customers are on vacation,” said State Farm spokeswoman Angela Thorpe. “That’s why we want to remind everyone, before they leave on vacation, to add preparing your home for the getaway as part of their routine.”

Here are some tips and a room-by-room checklist to stop the leak, secure your home, and have a worry free vacation.

Stop the leak with the first sign:

• At the first sign of cracked or deteriorating pipes make the necessary repairs.
• If you notice water stains on the ceiling, find the source of the water leak and fix it immediately.
• Know where the shutoff valve is in your home, how to use it, and check it frequently for signs of leaks. If a trusted friend or neighbor is watching your home while you’re on an extended vacation, make sure they know where the shutoff valve is at and how to turn it off in an emergency.

Room-by-room checklist

Where in your home do you have a lot of water? The kitchen, right?

• Look carefully at your appliances and make sure they’re in good condition.
• Periodically check around your dishwasher and around the sink where the two connect for signs of a leak. This includes checking for warped, discolored, or soft flooring materials.
• If your refrigerator has an icemaker, check the water line for kinks and make sure the connection is securely attached.
• Around your sink replace deteriorating caulk and check the pipes underneath for cracking or leaks.

The bathroom is another water damage hot spot. Unfortunately, the repairs in the bathroom can be more than the average person can handle themself. Don’t hesitate to call in a professional. The price you pay for repairs could be a fraction of what you could pay later.

• Leaking drain pipes and shower pan leaks are common culprits of water damage. Watch for water spots on the ceiling and walls for signs of a leak.
• Take a few minutes to check carefully around your sink(s) for deteriorating caulk. Don’t forget to check the pipes beneath the sink.

The basement, laundry or utility room is loaded with water use appliances so you would want to check these on a regular basis.

• Check the hoses regularly on the washing machine. Remember the hoses should be changed about every three to five years. You should leave about four inches between the water connection and the washing machine to avoid kinking.
• Most water heaters last eight to fifteen years. Check wet spots on the floor, or a rusting tank may signal a leak.
• Test the sump pump before the wet season and remember most are intended to last about 10 years.

These and many more tips are available at statefarm.com or you can visit with a local State Farm Agent.

Contact

Angela Thorpe State Farm Insurance, (303) 264-1560

About State Farm®

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. Our 17,800 agents and more than 66,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 34 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.