Appliances Can Lead to Gainesville Water Disasters

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Checking your appliance supply and drain lines regularly is a good way to prevent leaks from occurring.

When people think of water damage, they assume it will be a storm, broken pipe or overflowing toilet that causes it. But sometimes it is the items in our house that we take for granite day-in and day-out that can lead to our biggest problems.

Many of us do not think about the household appliances that we use every single day. For most, they probably become a passing thought about how much wear and tear they are receiving, but we fail to realize how many utilize water. This means they are prone to leaks at some point if they are not caught early on.  

According to Water Damage Defense, the average cost of damage from appliances leaks is $12,308. Water damage can slowly start occurring drip by drip under the appliance or a cabinet, therefore regular inspections are important for prevention.

Inspect These Appliances for Leaks Often

• Hot Water Heater
• A hot water heater’s lifetime usually spans 10 to 15 years, but leaks can start much earlier than this. The seals and pipes connected to the hot water heater can often break down, so keeping an eye out for any accumulation both during and after use is a smart move.
  
  
• Refrigerator
• The rarity with which refrigerators are moved can lead to secret water damage that festers for ages before it is brought to light. A refrigerator’s water lines are typically made from a soft plastic that can easily fail, so checking for leaks behind and under the fridge as part of your annual home maintenance is wise.
  
  
• Dishwasher
• A dishwasher’s tubing is just as problematic as a refrigerator but is even more isolated and utilizes far more water. Additionally, homeowner’s insurance often does not cover water damage caused by older models of dishwashers, so regular checks are extremely important.
  
  
• Washing Machine
• Washing machine hoses are some of the most common sources of leaks. Because they are notorious for this, it is recommended that they are inspected at least once a month by homeowners so you can be sure no issues have arisen. In addition to these regular checks, they should be fully replaced every five years to prevent hidden deterioration.
  
  
• Air Conditioner
• The drain in your HVAC unit is designed to keep condensation from pooling in and around the unit, but if this drain malfunctions, water damage can quickly be caused. Reference your manufacturer’s manual to determine how often your unit should be inspected and serviced. Having a professional technician evaluate your machine annually is the best defense against HVAC-created water damage.

Call SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West today at 352-374-6589 if you notice your appliances are spewing unwanted water onto your floor. And we want to help you get through your disaster and make it “Like it never even happened.”