Home Appliances as Causes of Water Damage
Causes of Water Damage – A broken appliance is one of the most common causes of water damage in many homes.
Homeowners may know that fridges and air conditioners can leak; Dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances that require a water connection can also leak.
And if these common household appliances leak and aren’t fixed immediately, the water can spread without anyone noticing and cause serious water damage.
More often than not, these leaks could have been easily prevented if the equipment had been properly maintained. Please read this article to know which appliances in your home you should take care of and how to prevent them from leaking.
Home Appliances That Can Be Damaged by Water
Many appliances in your home are particularly susceptible to water damage. Below are five of them.
-
Water heater
The water heater is one of the most common causes of water damage in the home. As we all know, most heaters, especially older models, have tanks always full of water.
However, as the machine ages, rust and sediment can set in and cause equipment to malfunction and eventually leak.
Your heater should be inspected annually as this can help prevent water damage and costly repairs.
If the machine is ten years old or more, you’ll need to consider getting a replacement, and a tankless model is usually the better choice.
-
Air Conditioner
An air conditioner works by sucking in warm indoor air, cooling the air using a refrigerant agent, blowing the now cool air into your home, passing through a condenser, and expelling the warm air out of your home.
With the condensation process, the water that builds up afterward will normally be drained outside your home through a condensate drain line.
If this drain line becomes clogged with sludge, dirt, mildew and debris, the water will naturally back into your home—another reason your A/C may leak is that it is old and damaged.
Older A/C’s may have a corroded drain pan or condensate line that can leak easily. If your old A/C has a dirty air filter or is low on refrigerant, the evaporator coil will freeze, which will melt when the system is turned off, and water will eventually flow into your home.
- Washing Machine
A washing machine must be connected to a water supply using a hose to do its job. One of the main culprits of a leaking washing machine is when the hose is haphazardly connected to the water supply.
Another thing to watch for to prevent leaks is the condition of the hose. Experts recommend replacing hoses once every five years.
However, if you notice any signs of deterioration (rust, cracks, dryness), it is best to replace them immediately.
Also, leaving enough space between the wall and the machine is good, especially during the wash cycle.
If you’re on vacation, turn off the water supply to your washer to prevent water disasters. A leak in a washing machine can cause serious damage and even be dangerous.
-
Refrigerator
The invention of the first refrigerator in 1834 changed how people stored food. Today, the refrigerator is a major appliance in every modern home, and with that said, homeowners know that it sometimes leaks.
A frozen or clogged defrost drain is the most common cause of a leaking refrigerator. Hot water will flush the drain and melt the ice around it.
Another common cause of a leaking refrigerator is a faulty seal, which can lead to excessive condensation.
Check the rubber seal around the door for any gaps to ensure a tight seal for your fridge. Also, check the waterline and hose to ensure they are properly connected. (Causes of Water Damage)
-
Dishwasher
Washing dishes by hand is something that only a few people enjoy. Besides being time-consuming, manually washing dishes can be quite messy. To speed up the dish-washing process, Joel Houghton invented the first dishwasher in 1850.
However, just like any other appliance, dishwashers also break down. When they do, hoses and valves are usually the culprits. These may not connect properly to your plumbing, resulting in leaks.
Using the wrong detergent can also cause overflow. Finally, if the machine is more than nine years old and leaks a lot of water while running, it may be time to buy a new one. (Causes of Water Damage)
How to prevent water damage caused by appliance leaks
Water damage caused by leaking appliances can only be avoided by being vigilant. Check regularly under and around your equipment for any signs of moisture or pooling water. In addition, you can consider the tips listed below.
- Replace defective seals
A faulty seal can cause water to leak, especially into your refrigerator. If these seals have cracks or crevices, or their surface is not smooth, get them repaired immediately. (Causes of Water Damage)
-
Check Tubes
The water supply tubing attached to your equipment may be worn, cracked, or bursting. Since these are made of plastic, consider replacing them with stainless steel, which lasts longer.
If your tube is on the back of the device, ensure enough space between the two. Otherwise, there will be friction in the connection, which may cause the tube to kink. (Causes of Water Damage)
-
Clean Your Appliances
Many home appliances have sensitive parts that need to be cleaned regularly. These include your aircon’s condenser coil, your dishwasher’s filter, and your washer’s drain trap.
You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when cleaning them, especially if you use soap. Excessive foaming can cause problems and interfere with the seal of the equipment. (Causes of Water Damage)
-
Flush away appliance debris
Removing dirt and debris from your home appliances should also be done regularly. It would help if you referred to the manufacturer’s directions for getting these out properly.
-
Consider an Upgrade
As parts and connections suffer from wear and tear over time, the result will be leaky appliances in your home.
If repairs are taking a lot, consider investing in new appliances, as old leaky ones are one of the leading causes of water damage.
Important achievements
While water damage is often attributed to flooding and sewage backups, a leak from one or more of your home appliances should never be discounted.
A leaky home appliance can also become one of the causes of water damage, mainly if the leak is not dealt with promptly.
To prevent leak-sensitive appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, and water heaters from wreaking havoc in your home, ensure they are well-maintained and cleaned regularly.
Let Deep Water Emergency Services & Restoration help you with water damage caused by leaking home appliances.
Whether it was caused by a flood or a leaking washer that you couldn’t fix, there’s no doubt that water damage is a difficult challenge.
Deep Water Emergency Services & Restoration is here to help you cope. Contact our professional team that handles water damage restoration in Denver, CO, so we can help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. We guarantee excellent and lasting restoration service. Call us now.
Thanks for visiting US Map of State