9 Expensive Home Repairs You Can Avoid with a Little Maintenance

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5. Inspect Your Water Heater Annually to Prevent Flooding

Don’t forget about checking your water heater, as you won’t want to be without a hot shower in winter. When water heaters fail they can cause a lot of wreckage, water damage can flood your house and ruin your walls and ceilings. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety say that a new water heater plus damage repairs will set you back an average of $4,444.

Signs to look for are if your water doesn’t get as hot as it used to, rust in the water, popping sounds coming from the water heater and puddles forming below it. It might just need repairing though, and a plumber can sort out replacement parts for $150 – $300.