IRVING, Texas, June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Water damage and mold claims have
caused homeowners insurance rates to skyrocket. The Texas Department of
Insurance reports one of every three Texas homeowner claims last year were due
to water damage, and the average cost per water claim was $8,600 -- about
twice the national average.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020625/CGTU005 )
    Luckily, homeowners can help prevent water damage by practicing
preventative maintenance. The Insurance Council of Texas, with help from
Allstate Insurance Company, identified the three most common and preventable
sources of water damage as washing machine hoses, shower tile grout and the
water heater. The ICT offers the following maintenance tips to prevent damage:

    Washing Machine Hoses
    Homeowners may not think to check the hoses on the washing machine, but
the hose carries pressurized water even when the washer isn't running and can
quickly fill a room if it bursts. It's best to check the hose for leaks or
signs of deterioration once a month and replace the hose before it fails.
Depending on the material of the hose, hoses typically last between two and
five years.
    TIPS: When replacing the hose, remember to always first shut off the water
supply to the washing machine. Make sure the new hose is free of kinks and
tight bends when it is installed. Keep at least four inches between the water
connection and the back of the washing machine. There are several thickness
levels of hoses and different materials from which to choose. Hoses with
external steel braided wire may be more costly (approx. $10) than rubber hoses
(approx. $5) but have a lower failure rate.

    Shower Tiles and Grout
    With all of the fixtures that use water, the bathroom is a breeding ground
for water-related damage. It's not hard to see if water is leaking underneath
a bathroom sink, but it is harder to see when water gets into the sheetrock
through cracks in the grout or caulk. Over time, water that seeps into the
wall can cause deterioration and rot the wooden structure of the home. If the
bathroom is located on the second floor, the floor may eventually collapse.
    TIPS: Once a month, inspect the shower for any cracks or missing grout in
between the tiles. If you see that grout is missing, repair it right away by
either re-grouting it yourself or hiring a professional. Also, it is
recommended you reseal your tile every six months with masonry sealer, which
can be purchased at any paint or home improvement store. The caulk around the
tub and sink needs to be checked and replaced periodically, as well.

    Water Heater
    Another appliance that needs to be checked is the water heater. Some water
heater tanks can hold up to 80 gallons of water and if ruptured, it can flood
an entire house. A water heater needs to be partially drained every six months
to keep sediments from building up on the bottom and causing erosion and rust
of the tank lining. If the tank starts to leak rusty water, you may not have
long before it leads to more serious problems. By periodically draining the
tank, you may prolong the life of the water heater. Also, check for leaks in
the drain valve, safety valve and plumbing connections.
    TIPS: Be extremely careful, the water in the tank is very hot! To drain
the heater, turn off the electricity or the gas supply. Attach a hose to the
drain valve at the bottom of the tank and lead it to a nearby floor drain or
into a bucket. Let the water drain until it becomes clear (typically a gallon
or more), and then close the drain valve and open the cold water supply to
refill the tank. When this is done, restore the power or gas to the heater.

    For more information on water loss prevention visit the Insurance Council
of Texas website at http://www.insurancecouncil.org .

    Allstate (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines
insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)"
slogan, Allstate provides insurance products to more than 14 million
households and has approximately 13,000 exclusive agents in the U.S. and
Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services through Allstate
agents, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800-Allstate(SM).
Encompass(SM) and Deerbrook(SM) Insurance brand property and casualty products
are sold exclusively through independent agents.  Allstate Financial Group
includes the Allstate Bank and businesses that provide life insurance,
retirement and investment products, through Allstate agents, workplace
marketing, independent agents, banks and securities firms.
    The Insurance Council of Texas is a trade association of 424 property and
casualty insurance companies operating in Texas. The Council represents its
members in regulatory matters and serves as an information clearinghouse for
consumers, the news media and public officials.

Link to this page:

  

http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/109885.html
CONTACT:
Doug Johnson of Insurance Council of Texas,
+1-512-637-5432; or Justin Schmitt of Allstate Insurance Company,
+1-972-871-6479

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