The Risk of Water Leaks From Appliances | SERVPRO of Russellville, Hamilton & Fayette
11/30/2023 (Permalink)
We all rely on our appliances every day to help us accomplish tasks and—frankly—to get everyone fed, clothed and out of the house on time. We are so grateful for the advancements in technology to have things like dishwashers and washing machines in our homes to help us along the way!
While these appliances are an essential part of our daily lives, they can also create serious headaches from time to time if they leak. Water leaks are always frustrating and should be handled right away to prevent serious damage, but you have to know where to look for them.
The Effects of Leaking Water
Water leaks can happen at any point. They can occur if your dishwasher malfunctions, a water line gets clogged or your washing machine drain line becomes disconnected. While we can’t always predict when they will occur, you can check your appliances often for signs of any emerging issues.
Run your hands along the underside of each appliance before you turn it on to check for drips or signs of moisture, and check underneath them regularly for any water spots or mold growth. Pull your appliances away from the wall often as well, as water leaks typically start in the back or underneath appliances.
Once water has started leaking from your appliance, it can seep into every crack and crevice in your floors and can become virtually impossible to dry up on your own.
What to Do First
If you do discover moisture during a routine check or come home to a shockingly large puddle of water, try to stay calm and locate the connecting water valve. Depending on the appliance, this is usually in the back of the machine or is coming out of the cupboard underneath your sink.
Once the water is turned off, consider either unplugging the appliance or shutting off electricity to the specific room for the time being. This helps keep you safe from the dangers of water and electricity mixing, but it can also prevent the machine from starting back up again unexpectedly and pouring the rest of the water in the pipes all over the place.
Taking Care of Your Appliances
We can help you recover from water damage faster! Simply call us as soon as you discover the situation, and we will get started on removing excess water and addressing structural repairs. We will put your home back together in no time at all.
Once we have helped you recover, you should create a maintenance routine for each appliance that you follow carefully. Check your appliances often for signs of wear and tear and inspect water lines and seals. Repair any old caulk lines or replace connections as necessary. You should also try to replace aging appliances as you see fit, as older machines are often more unreliable and prone to creating disasters.
Has an appliance caused water damage at home? Contact SERVPRO of Russellville, Hamilton & Fayette right away.