Here are tips to prevent water damage in your home:
Investigate new water stains immediately to determine the damage it has caused.
Make sure everyone knows where the main water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.
Shut the water off at the main valve whenever you will be away from home for more than a day.
Rubber hoses in dishwashers and washing machines are under constant pressure and deteriorate over time. They should be checked frequently and replaced every three to five years as a preventive measure.
When you replace your water heater, consider placing it in a drain pan with a hose piped to your floor drain.
Source: SGI