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Water Damage Can Start From Your Appliances | SERVPRO® of Spring Valley/Jamul
4/11/2023 (Permalink)
Think about the appliances in your home and the conveniences they afford you: cold water filtered straight from the fridge, an endless supply of ice from the ice maker or even clean clothes from the washing machine. These appliances certainly make life easier, but they also put your home at risk for leaks that could lead to pretty extreme damages.
Water damage is one of the more common ways homes are damaged, particularly because there are so many places the water can originate from. When it comes to an appliance leak, it can be particularly challenging to catch before extreme damages set in.
There is hope, though! With some additions to your regular maintenance routine and a better understanding of what to look for, you can protect your home and enjoy the gift that your appliances are.
The best way to protect your home from water damage is to look for it regularly. Something as simple as running your hand around your appliances to feel for excess moisture can help you catch a problem before it becomes extreme.
Leaks from appliances like your refrigerator or dishwasher often start underneath the unit. Always check the source when you find unexplained water drops on the floor. Pull these away from the wall once a year and clean under and behind them. Look for spots of mold or soft places in the floor as additional indicators that there is a problem.
Your HVAC is an appliance that already requires some special care of its own, but you can still keep a close eye on it to catch a problem quickly. Change your filter regularly and have your unit serviced at least once a year, and watch the vents for water droplets or dampness. Look for puddles near the unit—these are all indicators there could be a hidden issue causing damage in your house.
Don’t leave out your water heater when you check your appliances. This is a common source of leaks, so treat it just like the rest of your appliances and watch it often for signs of a problem.
Weekly or even monthly maintenance that keeps a close eye on your appliances can do a lot in protecting your home, but consider adding some long-term maintenance to your routine as well. Check manufacturer guidelines in order to schedule a professional as needed, and take on some things you can do yourself to prevent a disaster.
Take a visual look at hoses and other plumbing attachments to check for signs of aging. Anything that is peeling, has a hole or is kinked should be replaced with high-quality parts. Every appliance has a different lifespan, but plan to upgrade every 10 to 15 years in order to have the safest products available.
Appliance leaks can start off small but lead to some pretty extreme damages. Find and correct things quickly in order to avoid the need for costly repairs. Enjoy all the luxuries of each of your appliances worry-free knowing your home is safe.
Have water damage in your home from an appliance or another source? Our team is here to help, so call us day or night.