Those people who say “you should go through life with no regrets” have probably never incurred water damage from an appliance or fixture.

The rest of us have learned the hard way that most home water incidents:

• Are almost entirely preventable

• Exhibit warning signs before trouble literally bursts on the scene

• Boast remedies that are never as costly as the repairs

Such are the realities that regrets are made of, especially since water damage repairs tend to be the most costly of all home repairs, the Institute for Business & Home Safety says. In a review of thousands of claims, the institute says it's common for these repairs to escalate into the five-figure range, especially if the origin of the problem resides on one floor and water flows downward to another.

Learn from the institute's five most common water-related claims and address the tasks you'll deeply regret if you forget.

These Water Problems Will Flood You With Regret

1. Problem: Plumbing supply system failure
   • Red flags: Rust stains, banging pipes, moisture in the walls or on the floor, soil erosion near the foundation, higher water bills
   • Solutions:  Schedule a plumbing inspection and  have a leak detection system installed.
2. Problem: Toilet failure
   • Red flag: A clogged or overflowing toilet
   • Solution: Inspect the toilet's key components – the fill, supply line and supply and flush valves – at least once a year and replace them if they perform sluggishly. Turn off the supply valve if a toilet is overflowing or appears that it might.
3. Problem: Water heater failure
   • Red flag: A leaking supply valve or the end of the water heater's lifespan. The institute says most water heaters last about 12 years and are most prone to leaks and bursts near the end of their lifespan.
   • Solution: Clear sediment from the bottom of the tank once a year. Sediment can form a “hot spot” that can damage the entire tank and cause it to falter prematurely. Also, check the water heater for leaks and keep track of the expiration of its warranty.
4. Problem: Plumbing drain system failure
   • Red flag: A sewer backup
   • Solution: Call a plumber to install a backflow assembly. Otherwise, refrain from pouring grease down household drains and plant trees away from exterior drain lines so that roots do not grow into and clog them.
5. Problem: Washing machine rubber hose failure
   • Red flag: A deteriorating hose or water leak
   • Solution: Inspect the hoses every year – and replace them with strong, steel-braided hoses (if you haven't already). Install an automatic shut-off valve, outfitted with an alarm, that will alert you of a drip before it turns into a deluge. As a precaution, the institute recommends turning off the washing machine water supply lines even if you're leaving home for the weekend. It has fielded claims from many homeowners who have incurred hose bursts that have flooded their homes with up to 500 gallons of water per hour and caused significant damage.

To forestall other home maintenance regrets, refer to a handy guide, The Home Maintenance Checklist, from First Quality Roofing & Insulation. First Quality knows: it's not always possible to sail through life with no regrets, but it's worth minimizing them when you can benefit from the experience of others.