Household Appliances that can Cause Water Damage

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Technician in the kitchen

Water damage caused by heavy rain is one thing, but the damage caused by your household appliances is often preventable. To ensure that your appliances are in good working condition, SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque highly recommends you get all your appliances checked a minimum of once a year, as well as inspect the hoses and connections for your appliances.

 The most common sources of flooding in your home include the following:

Washing Machines

If you find your washing machine leaking, don’t take it lightly. If you see leaks around the clamps in the water hose, stay alert because it’s a warning sign for future failures. We have experienced small pinhole leaks in a water supply line that have broken out into an all-out basement flood. It is recommended to inspect your water hoses twice a year and search for any cracking, leaking, or rusting on the washing machine. It is advised to replace hoses every five years, no matter how exceptional they look from the outside.

Refrigerators

Our SERVPRO crews have had to clean water damages caused by the water line that supplies an ice maker. When the water lines get damaged, they can leak or, worse yet, become completely unattached. For the defrosted drain, thaw the ice and then flush it with hot water. For improper sealing, examine the rubber seal that runs along with the door.

If you don’t take enough precautions, the ice maker can become a mess maker in no time. It is also advised to check the hose and water line to ensure they are adequately connected every time.

Dishwashers

This household appliance has a supply line, just like refrigerators and washing machines. If a dishwasher water supply line was to burst, you could guarantee that your kitchen would be filled with water after a wash and rinse cycle. We have seen a dishwasher back up some of our more severe water damages caused by dishwashers. Backup typically occurs when debris has clogged the drain, and the water has nowhere to go but inside your home. Never forget that a dishwasher is designed to work for only ten years. So, if your dishwasher is nearing this threshold, it may be time to consider replacing it.

Hot Water Heater

Conventional water heaters with storage tanks are prone to corrosion, age-related wear, and mineral buildup. This can lead to a tank burst or leakage, and then gallons of water could be flooding onto your floor. Therefore, it is recommended to inspect the water heater annually to minimize the chances of excessive water damage. It is advised to flush the tank every six months to remove the sediments. Be attentive and replace your water heater every ten years.

If your home falls victim to a water emergency, time is of the essence. Contact SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque at 505-828-3567