1)Look out for any occurrence of leaking pipe below the sink. This should be done on a regular basis to avoid any major trouble later duet to sheer negligence in the earlier stage. Along with this also, see to it that there is no drainage block or clogged pipes. Check for all the pipes that do not dispense water with full force as it might be a sign of leaking water somewhere in between the walls. Pipes tend to get clogged long before you think. If needed replace the set of pipes adjoining the sink to be assured for better safety precautions against water damage.

2)Take regular water meter readings and check for any variation in the recordings after a definite period of time. Before doing this make sure that all the water outlet is fully turned off. Any drop in the noted reading implies an inherent leak and you can detect it by watching closely.

3)The major water shut off valve must be easy to locate and functional. This comes handy in case of emergency to close the water supply to the house by operating just one valve.

4)Seemingly innocent and efficient dishwasher sitting in one corner of the house can be a culprit in some cases. You need to supervise the vicinity of dishwasher at regular intervals and see if any parts of the machine are warped. Even a change in color indicates a possible internal leak. You can do this on your own.

5)Similarly washing machine is another potent cause of water damage. Monitor this continuously and specifically look out for any obvious changes in the hose pipe. If you sense something wrong, get it checked by an expert and if needed get it replaced.

6)Air conditioner is often blissfully forgotten by many and they use it conveniently unmindful of servicing it. Though it is fully functional, there might be some leaks caused by this unit. It is better to hire a professional service provider or contact the company person to service air conditioner once in every two years.

7)Refrigerators that come with an icemaker fitted to it should be watched for any leaks by the connecting pipes. The hose pipe is liable to cause water damage and replace it before it gets worn out. Do not wait for the pipe to burst and then take action as it would prove costly.

8)Bathroom with shower, bathtub, faucet and sink is a highly prone area to water damage. Not many people care to maintain the tiles. Any broken or cracked tile should be replaced immediately. Even the exposed spaced space between the tiles should be sealed fully. If done at the right time, you need to spend only a negligible amount or else be prepared to shell out after bathroom is damaged.

The above mentioned simple tips if followed seriously can rescue you to a large extent from the impact of water damage. Check for the all the important areas in bathroom, toilet, kitchen and roof that are susceptible to water damage. All these areas are exposed to water frequently and so the chances of water damage are clearly more. Seek the help of a mason or plumber to fix things professionally. They would charge only a fraction of amount compared to the large sum of money billed by the water damage restoration companies.