Appliances That Can Cause Water Damage

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Routine Maintenance of your Household Appliances Can Save You Time and Money!

A common cause of water damage are leaks, spills, or flooding from common household appliances in NYC homes. To ensure that your appliances are in good working condition, we suggest that you get all of your appliances checked at a minimum of once a year. 

Home appliances that need to be checked  

Washing Machines 

When a home washing machine happens to have a small leak, it can appear to be a small issue. Although a small leak seems to be a minor, it should not be ignored. We have experienced small pinhole leaks in a water supply line that have broken out into an all-out basement flood. For best safety practices to prevent water damage, it is best to check the connecting hoses leading to your washing machine a couple of times per year.

In some cases, our customers install an automatic shutoff valve to the water supply line for their washing machines. A shut off valve can help save a home from 500 gallons of water damage. Most water shut off valves on washing machines work because they automatically shut the water entering the washing machine once a full cycle is complete. The valve will remain closed until the next person is looking to wash the laundry. 

Refrigerators

We all appreciate the convenience of an automatic ice maker in our kitchens. But did you know it can also be the culprit of household floods? Our SERVPRO crews have had to clean water damages caused by the water line that supplies an ice maker. When the water lines get damaged, they can leak or, worse yet, become completely unattached. We know it might be a hassle to get behind your home's refrigerator, but it is essential to waterline periodically for crimps and make sure the valve connection is secure. We recommend our customers leave a four-inch gap between the refrigerator and the wall for safety from water damage. This will allow easy access to pull out the fridge and prevent future crimping in your water line.

Dishwashers

The last known home appliance that can cause severe water damage comes from dishwashers. This household appliance has a supply line just like refrigerators and washing machines. If a dishwasher water supply line was to burst, you could guarantee that your kitchen will be filled with water after a wash and rinse cycle. In some of our more severe water damages caused by dishwashers, we have seen a dishwasher back up. Backup typically occurs when debris has clogged the drain, and the water has nowhere to go but inside your home. 

SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan highly recommends annual, routine inspection of the hoses and connections for your appliances. Doing so can save homeowners significant repair costs instead of handling a water loss claim.

If your Manhattan home falls victim to a water emergency, time is of the essence. Contact SERVPRO of Midtown Manhattan at 212-768-9400 for immediate water restoration assistance.