Your home insurance company insures your home against flood damage. However, even with this protection in place, you likely don't want to deal with a flood. Not only is there the issue of the damage to your home and your possessions, but you'll also need to file an insurance claim and you might end up looking at a higher premium as a result of the flood. It's possible to use a number of simple strategies to reduce the risk of large and small floods in your home – even small issues can lead to significant water damage and the need for an insurance claim. Here are some ideas to adopt.

Put A Lock On The Toilet Seat

Children playing around the toilet can increase the risk of a flood and water damage – a child who drops a toy into the toilet can cause a clog that makes the toilet overflow. If you have youngsters and you can't trust them around your toilets, the simplest strategy is to put locks on each of the toilet seats. These small locks will prevent your children from lifting the toilet seat and potentially doing something that results in an overflow.

Get Your Sump Pump Serviced

Your home's sump pump can be all that stands between a dry basement and a flooded one that results in needing to make an insurance claim. The sump pump will only be an ally in keeping your basement dry if it's working properly, and the best way to ensure its functionality is to have it serviced by a professional. You should ideally plan to service your sump pump annually.

Have Your Hot Water Tank Inspected

Newer hot water tanks are unlikely to leak, but if the unit is old and there are signs of rust, you could be eventually looking at a leak that causes major flooding in your home. Check your hot water tank to determine the maintenance schedule – or call a plumbing professional to talk about the tank and determine if it's in need of being inspected. The plumber will be able to check the tank and make sure it's not at risk of leaking.

Install A Pan Under Your Washing Machine

A specially designed pan for beneath your washing machine has sides that will capture water in the event that the machine leaks. Best of all, many of these pans have alarm systems; if the pan comes into contact with moisture, it will sound an alarm and you'll be able to shut off the machine right away. This can prevent the water from spilling out and causing major damage and the need to make an insurance claim.

For more information about measures you can take to reduce your home insurance costs, contact a company like Insure With U.S.