The most destructive water damage losses in homes come from broken or burst washing machine hoses. It is recommended that you replace your machine's rubber hot-and-cold hoses with woven steel hoses. This simple upgrade could save your home from serious water damage problems. Know your water supply: Know where shutoff valves for the main water supply, certain appliances, sinks and toilets are located in your home. In the event of a leak, you can quickly shut off the appropriate valves before calling a plumber.