Checked your home's water-supply lines lately? On kitchen and bathsinks? Toilets? The washing machine. Here's why it's more important than ever to do so. Insurance companies today are under pressure from all sides -- like mounting toxic mold claims and huge losses from storm and flood damage, to increasing costs for replacement materials and decreasing investments like the stock market. Take steps to ensure your protection. This year be prepared for bigger premiums. Some are going up as much as 40 percent to 60 percent. Also avoid making small claims such as for water damage from leaks. Many companies now use such claims as cause not to renew. Your best homeowner's insurance insurance is to exercise preventive maintenance. Inspect, repair and replace water pipes, supply lines and all hoses regularly. And that's the On The House tip for today.