Key Takeaways

• Rubber washer hoses are a common cause of water damage; upgrading to stainless steel adds durability and peace of mind.
• Water detection alarms are a low-cost way to catch leaks early and prevent widespread damage.
• Electrical fire sensors like Ting can detect hidden hazards in your wiring system before problems occur.
• Carbon monoxide detectors are essential in any home and should be tested regularly and replaced every 5 to 7 years.
• These small, affordable tools add an extra layer of protection that complements your homeowners insurance coverage.

Owning a home comes with a long list of responsibilities, but some of the most important ones don’t take much time, effort, or money. In fact, many of the most expensive types of home damage can be prevented with a few simple safety upgrades.

At NorthEast Insurance Services, we often see water and electrical damage claims that could have been avoided with small proactive steps. Below are four smart home maintenance tips that can help you reduce risk, avoid costly repairs, and stay safer year-round.

1. Replace Rubber Washer Hoses with Stainless Steel

Your washing machine hoses may not seem like a risk factor, but they’re one of the most common causes of indoor flooding. Traditional rubber hoses are inexpensive and flexible, but they’re vulnerable to cracking, bulging, and deterioration over time, especially when exposed to heat and constant water pressure.

If a hose fails, it can release hundreds of gallons of water in just an hour, damaging flooring, drywall, furniture, and even the home’s foundation.

Upgrading to Stainless Steel

Upgrade to braided stainless steel washing machine hoses. These are reinforced with a woven metal exterior that helps protect against bursts, kinks, and deterioration. They’re more durable, resistant to corrosion, and better suited for high-pressure environments.

Most plumbers recommend replacing rubber hoses every 3 to 5 years, but stainless steel hoses can last significantly longer when properly installed. Make sure to inspect your washing machine hoses once a year. If you notice any bulging, corrosion, or signs of wear, replace them immediately, regardless of material.

2. Install Water Detection Alarms in High-Risk Areas

Slow leaks can be just as damaging as major floods, especially if they go unnoticed for days or weeks. Water damage from a leaky pipe under a sink or behind a washing machine can lead to warped floors, mold growth, and long-term structural issues.

Install battery-powered water detection alarms. These small devices sit on the floor near plumbing fixtures, appliances, or in your basement. When they sense moisture, they sound a loud alarm to alert you before significant damage occurs.

You can place water detectors in the following locations:

• Behind the washing machine
• Under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms
• Next to the water heater or HVAC unit
• Near basement sump pumps
• Around the dishwasher and refrigerator

Some models also include smart sensors that can send alerts to your phone. While optional, these are particularly helpful if you’re often away from home.

3. Use a Ting Sensor to Prevent Electrical Fires

Electrical issues are a leading cause of house fires—and they often happen silently, with no obvious signs of danger. Faulty wiring, loose outlets, and overloaded circuits can all create heat behind walls before smoke ever appears.

One of the most innovative tools available today is a Ting sensor. This small device plugs into any standard wall outlet and monitors the entire home’s electrical system for unusual activity. It detects potential fire hazards like sparking wires, arcing, or other hidden malfunctions that aren’t visible during normal inspections.

Many insurance providers offer this service as part of a fire prevention initiative, sometimes at no cost. It’s worth checking with your insurer to see if you’re eligible.

Please note that while Ting is a powerful tool, it should be used alongside traditional electrical safety practices—like avoiding overloading outlets, unplugging appliances when not in use, and scheduling routine electrical inspections, especially in older homes.

4. Maintain Carbon Monoxide Detectors Throughout Your Home

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal if left undetected. It’s produced when fuel-burning appliances like gas furnaces, stoves, water heaters, or fireplaces don’t vent properly. Even something as simple as a blocked flue or a cracked heat exchanger can create a deadly situation.

Every home should have carbon monoxide detectors installed. At a minimum, place one near every sleeping area and on each level of your home. Combination smoke/CO alarms are also available and offer dual protection.

Best practices for CO detectors:

• Test them monthly to ensure they’re working
• Replace the batteries twice a year
• Replace the entire unit every 5–7 years, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines

If your home has an attached garage, install a detector near the door connecting the garage to the home. CO can easily seep in if a car is left idling, even briefly.

A Safer Home Starts with Simple Prevention

You don’t have to wait for a leak or fire to take action. Most of the preventative upgrades listed above are affordable, take under an hour to install, and require no special skills.

At NorthEast Insurance Agency, we believe that strong insurance coverage should be paired with smart homeownership practices. Making small upgrades now could help you avoid filing a claim later—and give you peace of mind that your home and family are protected.

Need help understanding how your homeowners policy responds to water or electrical damage?

Get in touch with our team. We’re happy to walk you through your current coverage and help you identify areas where extra protection might make sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I place water leak detection sensors in my home?

Ideal locations include behind the washing machine, under sinks, near the water heater, and in basements or crawlspaces.

What does a Ting electrical fire sensor do?

It monitors your home’s electrical network for irregular activity that could signal a fire risk, such as sparking or overheating wires.

How many carbon monoxide detectors does my home need?

At least one on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area; more may be needed for larger homes or those with fuel-burning appliances.