My New Apartment Had Thousands Worth of Water Damage, Here’s What I Wish I Knew Before It Flooded

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I should have moved in mid-September, but thanks to water damage from flooding in our new apartment, the date got pushed to the end of November. While nobody was hurt, and none of my belongings were destroyed, there were plenty of sleepless nights, emails, and contractor-related woes that I could have done without. There was one particularly fun juncture during Floodgate that I’ll never forget when a contractor came over to assess the damage. Within 30 seconds of his arrival, he flipped over an oak floor panel to reveal mold spread all over the base in lacy abstract art. The best part? We were previously told there was no mold damage. Joy!

As icing on the cake, this whole monthslong headache could have been avoided if the previous tenants had dealt with their air conditioner maintenance better (if at all). But, in the words of filmmaker Nora Ephron, “everything is copy.” So, rather than spend another night biting my nails over the flood, I decided to turn this fiasco into a learning experience. Throughout the painful process, I’ve learned some valuable lessons about protecting my home from water damage, so if I can help others from preventing their own version of Noah’s ark, then it was all worth it.

Homeowners and renters may be surprised to learn that water damage is far more common than you’d think. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), this issue affects nearly 1 in 50 insured homes annually. Plus, per III, water damage and freezing account for nearly 30% of all homeowner insurance claims. “Surprisingly, most of these incidents aren’t caused by natural disasters, but by everyday issues like HVAC malfunctions, leaking sinks, or burst pipes,” says Alex Panasyuk, chief operations officer of Provision Property Restoration in Buford, Georgia. He strongly recommends taking preventative steps like inspecting plumbing systems, monitoring appliances, and installing safeguards which can potentially save you thousands.

Jordan Fleming, owner of That HVAC Guy in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, notes that “common sources like leaky pipes, malfunctioning appliances, and roof leaks can lead to repair costs averaging $1,300 to $5,300,” as well. What’s even worse is that costs can escalate into tens of thousands if structural repairs or mold remediation are required. “A little diligence now can save you a lot of heartache later,” Panasyuk adds.

For financial considerations and personal sanity’s sake, Fleming and Panasyuk both stress the importance of homeowners proactively protecting their homes from potential water damage. “Simple steps like sealing cracks, installing leak detectors, ensuring proper drainage, and routine plumbing and HVAC inspections can not only save you thousands of dollars but also provide peace of mind, knowing your home is safeguarded against future costly repairs,” Fleming explains. If you own a rental property, caring for your home in this way is even more important, as it’s common for leaks to only be discovered after a tenant has moved out and the problem has had plenty of time to worsen much more than it should have, as Panasyuk points out.

Ahead, these industry pros share what steps you can take to shield your home from flooding and other forms of water damage. As I type this from my new mold-free digs with a fresh installation of hardwood floors, trust me when I say you should put this advice into action—your future self will be so glad you did. (Note: It still helps to follow the steps outlined below, but always check your homeowners’ insurance to see what might be covered.)

1. Install a water sensor next to your HVAC unit

Ding, ding, ding! This is an absolute must for me for every home I move into from here on out. Had the previous residents had this set up in our home, there’s a very good chance that the HVAC unit in the bedroom that caused the flood would have automatically shut down once water levels reached a certain threshold. “These water sensors detect excess water and can automatically shut off your HVAC system to prevent flooding,” Fleming says.

2. Set up water sensors in other key areas of your home

In addition to installing smart water sensors near HVAC units, Panasyuk highly recommends putting these devices underneath sinks and near the water heater. “These sensors detect leaks early and can even send alerts to your phone, helping you act before the issue escalates,” he says.

As highlighted above, some of the more sophisticated water sensor systems can shut off the water supply automatically when they detect significant leaks. Along with this proactive step being beneficial for frequent travelers and rental property owners, having these sensors is particularly valuable if the leak occurs in lesser-used areas such as a basement bathroom or utility room sink.

For people who often travel for business or pleasure, Panasyuk also suggests shutting off the water supply to your home whenever you’re leaving for an extended period of time. “Many leaks happen when no one is around to catch them early,” he adds.

3. Hire a professional to inspect your plumbing and HVAC system

As Panasyuk puts it, prevention begins with routine maintenance. “Hiring an experienced, licensed contractor to perform an annual plumbing and HVAC inspection can identify potential vulnerabilities before they lead to flooding,” he explains while citing examples as diverse as an aging water heater corroding and bursting or a clogged condensate line in your HVAC system overflowing. (Take it from this plumbing pro who has seen “everything under the sun” relating to water damage.)

A professional inspection includes checks for pipe leaks, appliance connections, and even drainage issues around your home’s foundation, Panasyuk adds. Fleming also calls this task essential. “An experienced HVAC technician can identify potential issues such as worn out pipes, clogged drains, or leaks before they escalate into bigger problems,” he says.

In Provision Property Restoration’s greater Atlanta region, the cost for an inspection ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the level of service you request. Prices vary by area, but you can check with local contractors or use sites like Angi to get accurate quotes.

4. Don’t forget to check your washing machine hose

According to Panasyuk, a burst washing machine hose is one of the most overlooked causes of water damage. “These hoses are under constant pressure and over time they can weaken and crack,” he explains. “Given that they’re usually hidden out of sight and forgotten, they can gradually worsen over time without ever being noticed.”

To make sure this issue doesn’t happen in your own home, Panasyuk advises regularly checking the hose for any signs of wear like bulges, cracks, or rust on the connectors and replacing it every three to five years as a preventative measure. You could also consider investing in stainless steel braided hoses, which are much more durable and less likely to fail than rubber ones.

5. Remember “KIK”

This is my own personal acronym, but it’s also the mantra I wish my apartment’s previous owners had kept in mind. These are also the three guidelines that Panasyuk finds himself telling people all the time when it comes to avoiding water damage:

• Keep an eye on your water bill: “An unusually high water bill might indicate a hidden leak. Investigate any sudden spikes.”

• Invest in a sump pump: “If your home has a basement, a sump pump can be a lifesaver during heavy rains or unexpected plumbing failures. “Make sure it has a battery backup in case of power outages.”

• Know where your main water shutoff is located: In an emergency, Panasyuk notes that shutting off the main water line can minimize damage. “It’s a very simple thing that surprisingly many homeowners don’t even know exists. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to do this,” he says.

6. Got leaks? Get a mold inspection!

If you didn’t catch a leak before it happened, you should get a mold inspection for damage done ASAP. “If water damage has occurred, particularly in areas where moisture lingers (like behind walls or under flooring), mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours,” Panasyuk says. He also notes that paying for a mold inspection ensures that hidden mold is identified and treated early, preventing health issues, ruined materials in your home, and so on.

Panasyuk suggests hiring a certified mold remediation expert who uses moisture meters and infrared cameras to pinpoint hidden dampness. It’s a swift and non-invasive process, and you have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain from gleaning the intel from the report. When I searched on Angi for an NYC contractor, I was quoted about $600; Panasyuk estimates the range for a basic mold inspection is at $300 to $500. “If mold is detected, prompt remediation prevents it from spreading and becoming a much more expensive problem,” he adds.

7. Act quickly

If you suspect that your home has water damage, don’t delay jumping into action. “Even small leaks or minor water intrusion can escalate into significant problems like mold growth, weakened foundations, or damaged insulation if not addressed promptly,” Fleming warns. He always emphasizes early detection and immediate action, “whether you use water sensors, schedule routine inspections, or repair minor issues before they become costly disasters.” Fleming continues, “Remember, proactive and ongoing maintenance not only safeguards your home, but also saves you from unnecessary worry, stress, and expense down the road.”

As soon as my husband and I walked out of our closing, our real estate broker casually mentioned that, by the way, you might want to call ConEd to make sure the electricity is transferred to your name immediately at your new apartment, so if power is shut off and the home has an ice maker in the fridge, flooding doesn’t ensue. You can bet that was one of the quickest phone calls we ever made. Afterward, we had crushed ice on deck when we were ready to toast—finally—to settling in our new digs that night.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest