Why Home Watch is Essential for Catching Water Leaks Early

Water damage is one of the most common and expensive problems homeowners face. Unfortunately, water damage often begins quietly, slowly and unnoticeably.  A small drip under the sink, a tiny crack in a pipe, or a leak around a hot water tank can go unnoticed for weeks if no one is regularly checking the home. By the time it’s discovered, the damage can be extensive.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, water damage now accounts for over 50% of home insurance claims, with the average claim costing more than $11,000. In some cases, a burst pipe can cause tens of thousands of dollars in repairs, not to mention the stress of mold remediation, damaged belongings, and disrupted living arrangements.

Irrigation Systems: A Hidden Risk

One of the most overlooked sources of leaks comes from outdoor irrigation systems. If an irrigation line develops a leak underground, thousands of gallons of water can be wasted before it’s even noticed. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leak as small as 1/32 of an inch in diameter (about the thickness of a dime) can waste more than 6,000 gallons of water per month. That not only drives up utility costs but can also cause soil erosion and foundation damages.

Here in the Kootenays, proper fall irrigation shutdown is critical. If sprinkler systems aren’t blown out before freezing temperatures arrive, water left inside the lines can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst. Repairing these underground lines in the spring can be extremely costly, and the damage isn’t always visible until you turn the system back on and discover soggy landscaping or water pooling where it shouldn’t be.

How Moore Than Maintenance Helps

This is where Moore Than Maintenance Home Watch Services makes all the difference. As a locally owned business serving Nelson and the surrounding communities, we know how quickly small leaks can escalate, especially in homes that sit vacant for weeks or months at a time. During our routine Home Watch visits, we check for:

• Water stains on ceilings and walls

• Drips or pooling under sinks and appliances

• Unusual dampness near water heaters or sump pumps

• Musty odors that could signal hidden moisture

• Outdoor issues such as irrigation leaks or damage from improper fall shutdown

Catching these issues early allows us to notify homeowners right away, preventing major damage before it spirals out of control.

With Moore Than Maintenance, you can rest easy knowing that your property is being monitored by trained eyes who care about protecting your investment. Our goal is simple: to save you money, stress, and heartache by spotting problems before they become emergencies.