Water damage in homes can occur due to various reasons, including heavy rains and floods, but what many people fail to realize is that their household appliances can also be a source of water damage. Refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, showers, faucets, and sinks all have the potential to cause water damage if there is a plumbing problem that goes undetected. To prevent water damage from household appliances, it is essential to check your appliances and plumbing fixtures periodically, at least once or twice a year. By doing this, you can catch any issues early on and fix them before they turn into costly disasters. Follow these helpful tips to ensure that you can prevent water damage from your household appliances in your home.

Water Damage from 5 Major Household Appliances

How To Prevent Water Damage From Your Water Heater

A water heater malfunction is a common issue and one of the leading causes of water damage in homes. Following are some ways on how we can prevent water damage from water heaters.

• Check your water heater for problems like corrosion, broken valves, or loose joints. Fix them promptly.
• Replace the water heater after 12 years or if you see rust or water leaks.
• Watch out for floor leaks near the bottom of the water heater, as they could mean a faulty valve.
• Flush the tank every six months to get rid of sediment buildup.

How To Prevent Washing Machine Water Damage

The most common cause of water damage from a washing machine is because of the supply hose failure. Do a monthly checkup of the washer to prevent water damage from happening in it.

• Inspect your hoses for any signs of damage. If you notice wear, cracks, or blisters, replace them right away. Even a small hose break can lead to a burst and significant water damage in your home.
• Ensure that all valve connections are properly tightened. If any are loose, tighten them, including the connections of the drain hose and the hoses to the washer valves and inlets.
• Replace your machine’s hoses even if the outside appearance doesn’t show signs of damage. Consider using a steel-braided hose as it can last longer and will less likely cause water damage to your home.
• Check the hoses for clogs. Over time, debris and other residues accumulate inside your machine, causing a clog. When these hoses are clogged, your machine cannot drain the water properly and can lead to catastrophic water loss.
• Turn off the water supply when not in use.

How To Prevent Dishwasher Leaks and Overflow

The hoses, valves, and switches of your dishwasher, as well as the seals, can cause water leaks from your dishwasher. Know some of the tips below on how you can prevent water damage from dishwasher leaks and overflow.

• Check the bottom of your machine for water leaks. If you see signs of water dripping at the hose clamps or along the hose, the hose might be loose or damaged. If loose, tighten all the fittings. If cracked or damaged, replace them with a new one.
• Inspect the gaskets around the dishwasher door. If damaged, it can cause water to seep out of your dishwasher. Replace the gasket immediately to prevent water damage to your home.

How To Prevent Refrigerator Leaks

The most common cause of refrigerator leaks is damaged water lines. To prevent water damage from this appliance, follow the tips below.

• Check the water supply hose for damage and replace it if necessary.
• Make sure the hose for the ice maker is properly connected.
• Replace filters once a year to prevent water leaks.

How To Prevent Leaking Air Conditioners

An air conditioner can cause a leak mainly because of a clogged or damaged drain pipe. Follow the tips below in order to prevent water damage from air conditioners.

• Install a drainpipe to prevent overflowing water and direct it outside.
• Change your air conditioner filter at least once a month.
• Clean the drain line regularly to remove clogs and debris.

Install Leak Detectors To Prevent Water Damage from Household Appliances

Leaks from appliances like your dishwasher, washing machine, water heater, and refrigerator can cause significant harm to your walls, ceilings, and floors. In addition to taking preventive measures, installing an uncomplicated leak detector can help you catch leaks early and prevent extensive damage to your home.

You can either use wired leak detectors or battery-operated leak sensors that can send you an alarm once it has detected water flow. Just install the sensors on the floor next to your appliances.

You can also consider installing a more advanced shutoff valve system that will automatically turn off the water when it has detected a leak. Install it directly to your valves so it can prevent water damage to your home and possessions.

What To Do If You Have A Leak or Flood

When your appliance leaks, water damage can occur when the problem is not addressed immediately. Don’t ignore the signs of a looming water disaster and take the proper action quickly.

1. Shut off the water supply. Whether you are dealing with a minor leak or a flood, shut off the water supply to stop the water from leaking. You can either turn off the main water shutoff valves or the valve connected to your appliances.

2. Remove the standing water from the affected area. This will help prevent water from causing further damage to the areas of a home and minimize the chance of mold growth.

3. Dry the area and repair the damage within 24 hours. This will help prevent mold from causing further damage to your home.

Contact Professionals At Superior Restoration For Cleanup And Restoration Services

In case your home’s appliances caused water damage to your property, contact Superior Restoration professionals immediately. Our professionals are experts in dealing with water damage, whether it is a minor leak, a flooded basement, or an overflowing toilet. They have all the resources and skills to clean up your home and restore it to its original state.

You can contact our local office, Water Damage Riverside, to learn more about our restoration services.