Water Damage Prevention - Checklist

To minimize the unexpected costs and hassles that come with water damage, get started with this checklist that covers both surface water and plumbing issues.

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About this Checklist

Water damage can ruin carpeting, destroy computer equipment, and delay worship services. To save money and avoid many of the hassles associated with water damage, perform regular inspections and have professionals do routine plumbing maintenance. This checklist covers the following questions:

Surface Water

  1. Are all windows and doors securely closed each night?

  2. Are all exterior drains clean and free of debris, particularly those at the bottom of outside stairwells?

  3. Do all doors seal properly at the base?

  4. Do window wells have secure covers (no cracks or holes)?

  5. Are any wall or floor cracks sealed?

  6. Does the sump pump have a backup power supply?

  7. Does the ground slope away from the building in all areas?

Plumbing

  1. Do you inspect pipes regularly, looking around connections and

    joints for signs of corrosion, rust, or leaks?

  2. Does a professional regularly inspect and maintain fire suppression systems?

  3. Do pipes in attics, basements, and other places have enough insulation to keep them from freezing?

  4. Do all areas of each building stay above 50 degrees in winter?

  5. During extreme cold spells, does someone check church buildings

    daily for frozen or burst pipes?

  6. Are buildings equipped with alarms that alert you to water overflows?

  7. Do you check toilets regularly to ensure they flush properly, water

    supply valves close smoothly and water supply lines attach securely?

  8. Does a plumber inspect your water heater and flush sediment from

    the tank every one or two years?


Posted 2022
This is a sample document only. Your organization is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. Accordingly, this checklist should not be used or adopted by your organization without first being reviewed and approved by a licensed attorney in your state. Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company assumes no liability in the preparation and distribution of this checklist.