Water damage is sneaky. A slow leak under a sink or behind a wall can go unnoticed for months, quietly rotting wood and inviting mold. A burst pipe during a cold snap can do far more damage in a single afternoon. Either way, the cleanup and repairs can be extensive and stressful.

Learn where your main water shutoff valve is and make sure everyone in the household knows how to turn it off. Check under sinks, around toilets and near the water heater regularly for drips or moisture. In winter, insulate pipes in unheated areas, disconnect garden hoses, and keep cabinet doors open on very cold nights so warm air can reach the pipes.

Inexpensive water leak sensors can alert you to trouble near appliances or in basements. Talk with your insurance agent about which kinds of water damage your homeowners policy may cover, since sudden bursts and gradual leaks are often treated differently. A licensed plumber can inspect older pipes and suggest whether any should be replaced.