I'm a carpet cleaner and I provide service to those who have water damage.  I have seen several causes of water damage that can be avoided.  The most common one is when a home owner leaves a garden hose attached to an outside faucet all winter.

These faucets are designed to drain when turned off.  If a hose is attached, it will not drain.  In cold weather it can freeze and break, but this does not cause a leak.  At least until spring when the water is turned on.  Usually when this happens the home owner doesn't know it is leaking, and filling their basement with water until after much damage is done.  I get called and clean up the mess, but it can be avoided by disconnecting the hose in the fall.

If you think you might have a cracked faucet, check it as soon as you turn the faucet on and see if you have a leak.  Leave a hose attached with a nozzle on it so the hose can reach full pressure and you can see if you have a leak.