Appliances Leaks and Water Damage Repair
People don’t often think about needing water damage restoration for their primary home appliances like washing machines or HVAC units. Despite the convenience and comfort these machines offer, they can cause significant leaks without the proper care, maintenance, and placement. Consider the following tips to avoid the need for water damage restoration services.
1. Understand How Leaks Can Occur
Some homeowners do not realize how their major appliances can leak enough to repair water damage. When homeowners know about common problems with various machinery, they can better prevent them from occurring. Below are a few appliance leaks that could happen in a typical home:
- Washing Machine: Hose damage can lead to burst lines, and unlevel grounding can loosen hose connections and spill water.
- Dishwasher: The drain line or supply line can burst or leak slowly.
- Water Heater: Water heaters can spring leaks due to loose fittings, a cracked tank, corroded pipes, and a burst tank.
- HVAC System: Heating and cooling equipment produce condensation, but excessive moisture can create slow leaks behind walls and ceilings.
- Refrigerator: Units with built-in ice makers use a water supply line for ice production. If the line degrades or breaks, it could cause a massive leak.
2. Know the Appliance’s Life Expectancy
No appliance lasts forever. Most have an average lifespan of 8 to 19 years. Older machines are more likely to develop significant problems, including leaks that require water removal. Here are the average lifespans of common household appliances:
- Dishwashers: 12 years
- Freezers: 16 years
- Washing machines: 12 years
- Standard refrigerators: 14 years
- Compact refrigerators: 8 years
3. Keep Water-Reliant Appliances on Level Ground
Because washing machines and dishwashers use substantial amounts of water to clean garments and dishes, they can cause leaks bad enough to require water cleanup services if they aren’t level. During the machines’ installation, ensure that they are on flat, even ground, and do not rock back and forth.
If a washing machine or dishwasher runs on uneven ground, it will not function correctly. For instance, a washer on a spin cycle could rock hard enough to move out of position, damage the flooring, and spill water. By ensuring that the appliances don’t lean, the risk of a leak drops dramatically.
4. Replace Worn Parts
Sometimes parts will wear down faster than the appliance. Regularly inspecting household machines for signs of wear and tear can prevent leaks and water damage repair. If the device has loose fittings, deteriorated water supply tubing, or cracked hoses, it needs repair or replacement.
Most tubing consists of rubber, making a secure seal but deteriorating quickly. Consider replacing the dishwasher and refrigerator rubber tubing with plastic models. That variety has a longer lifespan.
5. Don’t Put Off an Upgrade
Consider installing a replacement if an appliance needs frequent repair, loses its efficiency, and nears the end of its lifespan. The longer a homeowner uses an old machine, the greater its risk of leaking water or breaking down.
Water Removal Services from DK Environmental
DK Environmental provides world-class water damage repair for leaks caused by faulty appliances, plumbing, natural disasters, and more. The team of fully certified and well-trained technicians is available 24/7 to promptly address the needs of Everett, WA, residents, including water removal and flood cleanup services.
Reach out to this water damage repair company and book an appointment by calling 425-903-4356.
