Appliance Likely to Cause Water Damage
Broken appliances are not only an inconvenience but can also result in water damage throughout your home or business. Regular maintenance is the best preventive measure against malfunctioning appliances, but even carefully maintained appliances can leak.
Below is a list of the appliances that are often the source of leaks and flooding:
Hot Water Heaters
One of the most common sources of water damage that we see is leaky hot water heaters. Even if the leak is small, it should be addressed immediately, as the problem is likely to get worse. A steady drip of hot water provides an ideal environment for mold growth as well. If your water heater is located in your attic, the water can leak through the ceiling and damage your ceiling, walls, and floors.
An annual inspection by a professional can help prevent leaks, as the technicians can identify any potential issues before they result in leaks. It’s best to replace your water heater every ten years, as 75% of water heaters fail after 12 years. A failed water heater causes, on average, $4,500 in water damage.
Air Conditioner
Air conditioning is a necessity in Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, and as many homeowners know, it can also be a source of leaks and mold. Attic air conditioners can even lead to leaks throughout your entire home, causing damaged drywall, insulation, and floors.
To limit the risk of water damage from air conditioners, you should have them regularly maintained, including regularly changing the filter and refilling the refrigerant. Installing a secondary drain line and drain pan overflow switch can also help remove overflowing water.
Washing Machine
As with the case of other appliances, your washing machine needs regular maintenance. A broken water hose can spew hundreds of gallons of water from your washer in a short period of time, causing your home to flood. Leaks around the water hose signify that it may fail in the future. Replace your water hose every five years and turn off the water supply before you leave your home for long periods.
It’s also important to never overload your machine and keep the drains clear. Over time, residue and debris can build up in your washing machine’s drain system.
Refrigerator
Common causes of a leaky refrigerator include clogged water lines that drain water from your refrigerator, ice makers, and faulty sealing that can cause excess condensation. Ensure that the waterlines are well connected and keep an eye out for small leaks as they can lead to more severe problems.
You can even buy a battery-powered water alarm and place it under your refrigerator. With the help of this sensor, you will be alerted to potential drip problems right away. This can allow you to have you refrigerator fixed before it floods your kitchen with water and warps your floors.
Dishwasher
If you’re wondering what causes a dishwasher to leak, here are some common reasons:
- Overfilling the dishwasher
- Using the wrong detergent
- Dishwasher misalignment
- Clogged filter
- Broken door seal
- Leaky water valve
- Faulty hose clamps
- Damaged tub
Water Damage Restoration Pros
Sometimes, despite keeping appliances well maintained, leaks and floods can happen. If your home suffers from water damage in the greater Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, including McKinney, Prosper, Fairview, Lucas, Frisco, Plano and Allen, give Alpha One Restore a call. Our team of certified water damage professionals is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency.
Questions?
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