The past few weeks, people in Central Pennsylvania have experienced a lot of flooding in their homes and businesses. Unfortunately, property owners forget that there are a variety of ways your home and property can become flooded. Water damage in the home is a common problem but not the kind you might think. It’s not just storms or natural flooding that causes flood and water damage in the home. The appliances you use daily can become culprits. One of the biggest problems a home has from flooding is due to appliances. Yes, common household appliances can cause flood damage too. In these situations, there is a potential for mold growth, damage to drywall, carpet, and flooring, wood rot, and even expensive structural damage. Below are the more common sources of water damage:
Toilets
Clogged and overflowing toilets are generally easy to fix but leaving an overflowing toilet for later is a great way to come home to a freshly flooded bathroom. If you catch your toilet overflowing turn off the valve allowing water to fill the toilets reservoir. Sometimes, your float chain can get caught under the trap in your reservoir and simply jiggling the chain will prevent further overflowing. Or the problem could lie from a blocked drain, which is the biggest reason for a toilet to overflow and flood the home. When the problem has increased enough to cause flooding to the bathroom and beyond, it’s best to call Xtreme Home Improvement to deal with the damaged flooring.
Dishwashers
This is one of the most common appliances in a household today and it can start leaking without warning. Sometimes the dishwasher can overflow because of the wrong detergent being used though there are many factors that could become faulty. A dishwasher leak will generally be caused by the drain line or the supply line. Drain line leaks can either be slow or fast, and they often contain bacteria in the line. Supply lines are under heavy water pressure. When the dishwasher overflows, it sends out water from the doors or even underneath causing water damage.
Refrigerators
Most households have at least one refrigerator in their home and while these are common appliances, they can actually be a big problem. Warm air passes through into the cold temperatures of the refrigerator when the door is opened, which causes moisture to form. This moisture then creates condensation, creating a pool of water at the bottom of the appliance. Sometimes, the drains of the refrigerator will be able to deal with this, but the defrost drain can be frozen or clogged. You’ll need to thaw the ice and flush your drain with hot water. Improper sealing can cause excess condensation in attempt to keep cool. Check the rubber seals along the door to assure a tight close. Your icemaker can become the mess maker, check the hose or waterline to assure they are connected properly.
Washing Machines
In many cases, the problems lie with the floor drain being clogged up, though it could also be caused by the air dome seal. Washing machine hoses are pressurized, and many homeowners leave the water supply on when it’s not in use. This can lead to burst lines that spill large amounts of water on the floor. Slower leaks from worn hoses and loose fittings can also cause water damage and mold growth on the walls behind the machine. Do a monthly personal inspection on your hoses to look out for cracking, dryness or rust, leaving space between the machine and the wall for movement as the wash cycle is running. Replace your hoses every five years despite their outward appearance. Don’t forget to follow your washing machine instructions and turn off water supply when you leave home for vacation.
Water Heaters
Water heaters can have several leak issues, including cracked or damaged pipes, loose fittings, or a leaking tank. Water heaters can also burst and pour dozens of gallons of water into your home instantly. Keep in mind that hot water is more damaging than cold water. Sometimes the cause can be debris. This can be easy, but tricky to repair, so it’s best to call the professionals. A small investment in an annual inspection will help prevent leaks and the expensive repairs that come with it. Flush your tank every 6 months to remove sediment. Check for corrosion and other factors as your heater ages and replace it every 10 years.
If you check your appliances regularly for signs of damage or leaks, you can prevent widespread water damage that will require restoration services. There are there are some appliances that are more prone to leaking than others. But, in most cases, the appliance has a fault. It’s important to conduct routine maintenance on your appliances to prevent a catastrophe. If you do experience flooding due to a faulty or leaking appliance, contact us. As a locally owned and operated business, Xtreme Home Improvement is strategically located to respond when needed – we’ll take the stress out of the mess!