Preventing and Mitigating Water Intrusion Losses
Preventing water intrusion can help avoid costly repairs, maintain the structural integrity of buildings, and ensure uninterrupted operations. Our recent webinar highlighted some best practices for preventing and mitigating water intrusion losses. Join us as we delve into the key takeaways from this event, designed to equip you with the knowledge to enhance your water damage prevention strategies.

Presenters
- Jared Bishop, Divisional Assistant Vice President of Loss Control at Great American Insurance Group, led the session. He provided an overview of common sources of water damage, best practices for prevention, and the use of technology in mitigation. Jared also discussed winter preparedness strategies, the importance of emergency response plans, and business continuity planning to help ensure operational continuity in the event of a water intrusion incident.
Key Insights and Takeaways
- Overview of Common Sources of Water Damage
- Plumbing Issues: Pipes, drains and fixtures can deteriorate over time, leading to leaks.
- Equipment Failures: Hot water heaters, dishwashers and other appliances are common culprits.
- Building Materials: Damaged roofing and clogged gutters can allow water intrusion.
- Best Practices for Preventing Water Damage
- Regular Inspections: Routinely check plumbing connections, fittings and equipment for signs of leaks and corrosion.
- Maintenance: Ensure proper maintenance of building systems and quick repair or replacement of faulty components.
- Water Shutoff Valves: Know the location and ensure accessibility and functionality of water shutoff valves.
- Using Technology to Help Mitigate Water Damage Losses
- Electronic Leak Detection: Install and monitor leak detection systems to help identify and respond to water leaks.
- Building Telematics: Utilize continuous monitoring systems for remote locations to receive alerts and help prevent severe damage.
- Additional Considerations
- Winter Preparedness: Implement measures to help prevent frozen pipes, such as providing heat to vulnerable areas and using antifreeze solutions in sprinkler systems.
- Emergency Response Plans: Develop and regularly update plans for responding to water damage, including contact information for emergency contractors and other critical services.
- Business Continuity Planning: Assess company functions, identify critical components, and coordinate with third parties to help ensure operational continuity in the event of a water intrusion incident. Establish pre-arranged agreements, maintain payroll continuity, and regularly review and update emergency plans to better adapt to changes within the organization and its environment.