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When preparing for emergencies that can cause household water damage, heavy rains, floods, and overflowing toilets may be the first things to come to your mind. However, it pays to remember that these aren’t the only reasons you may need water clean up and water damage restoration in the future. Leaking appliances can also put your home in disarray and cause an overwhelming mess.
The good news is that water damage caused by machines or appliances is often avoidable. As long as you know the common appliances most likely to cause leaks, it becomes easier to stay one step ahead and prevent disasters before they happen.
Top Appliances That Cause Leaks and Water Damage
Washing Machines
Washing machines are among the most common culprits of water leaks and damage, and it’s easy to see why. Since these appliances use around 19 gallons of water in every load, issues with the hose, pump, gasket, or seal can easily flood any home.
Inspecting your water supply hose monthly for any sign of cracking, leaking, or rusting can help you avoid the messy aftermath of a leaking washing machine. Replacing all hoses every five years is also a good way to prevent leakage.
Hot Water Heaters
Depending on the model, water heaters can hold as much as 120 gallons of water. However, these pieces of equipment are also vulnerable to age-related wear, mineral buildup, and corrosion. If your unit breaks down or leaks due to any of these factors, an overwhelming amount of water can rush into your home and soak your possessions before you can even process the emergency.
Performing water clean up after such an event can be expensive and exhausting, so it’s best to take preventive measures, like investing in annual inspection and maintenance. Flushing the tank every six months and replacing it every ten years also spares you from experiencing leaks and the costly, stressful repairs that come with it.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers can also be the source of household water damage. However, the catch is that they are often hidden away from view, so they can leak for a long time before homeowners notice the issue. What’s worse is that by the time they are aware of the leak, the floor, and the surrounding walls and cabinetry have already been damaged.
Loose plumbing connections and malfunctioning hoses and valves are among the most common causes of dishwasher leaks. The age of the appliance also plays a significant role. Dishwashers are only meant to work for ten years, so replacing them before the end of their lifespan can help you avert malfunctions and other issues.
Refrigerators
Excess moisture naturally develops around a refrigerator’s base as it continues to operate. And while this isn’t a cause for concern under normal circumstances, it can become an issue if the unit’s drain line or defrost drain is clogged or leaking. The defrost water will have nowhere to go with a malfunctioning drain line, so it will end up flowing right onto the floor.
Since refrigerators commonly leak for weeks before homeowners realize the fact, it’s crucial to regularly inspect your appliance’s water lines for any clogs, leaks, or holes.
Tell-Tale Signs a Leak Has Occurred
Aside from checking your appliances for leaks and keeping them in good working order, you can also protect yourself from severe water clean up and further issues by looking out for these signs:
- A spike in your water bill
- Musty odors
- Microbial growth on surfaces near your appliances
After Discovering a Leak: How to Get Water Removal in Suffolk County
Household water damage is never pleasant, and while natural disasters like heavy rains and flooding are out of your control, there are plenty of measures you can take to prevent water damage from appliance leaks.
But if an unforeseen has already affected your floors, walls, ceilings, or drywall, it’s best to call experts to eliminate the mess and put things back in order as soon as possible. Since water damage is progressive, getting rid of the excess water and drying your home quickly is crucial in preventing further loss and damage.
If you are dealing with a leaking appliance, don’t hesitate to turn to Restoration 1 for swift water removal in Suffolk County. Our restoration experts can handle any mess caused by household appliances and get your home back to its pre-damaged state in no time. Contact us to get expert help 24/7!
