5 min read
Maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable home is an ongoing challenge for homeowners. Unfortunately, when appliance leaks arise, they disrupt your schedule and wreak havoc on your property, causing significant damage along with an overwhelming mess inside your home.
Extensive water damage can be costly to repair. Awareness of the most common leaking appliances and the signs of leaks helps you safeguard not only your property but also your budget and peace of mind. Without further ado, let’s explore the top five machines most likely to leak and discuss how to identify and address these common appliance leaks to protect your home.
1. Dishwasher
Dishwashers are invaluable in the modern home, but they can also be the source of leaks and headaches. When issues like worn-out door seals, loose or damaged valves, or faulty pumps arise, water may escape and flow into spaces where it shouldn’t be.
A leaking dishwasher can allow water to seep into surrounding cabinetry and flooring, causing warping, mold, and structural damage, especially if left unchecked. Whether or not you suspect a dishwasher leaking problem, it’s best to inspect your appliance regularly for any signs of damage or excessive moisture. Being proactive can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your kitchen in top condition.
2. Refrigerator
Kitchens are prone to becoming hubs for common appliance leaks, with refrigerators as another potential leak source. Ice makers and water dispensers rely on connected water lines, which can become loose or damaged over time. Defrost drains can also become clogged, spilling water onto the kitchen floor.
Even a tiny leak from a refrigerator can spread across kitchen floors, damaging linoleum, hardwood flooring, and subflooring. On the bright side, timely maintenance of your water lines and defrost systems is an easy yet effective way to prevent refrigerator leaks and subsequent water damage.
3. Washing Machine
Washing machines are among the appliances that work hard the most in households. With so many moving parts and water connections, they’re also especially prone to leaks. Unfortunately, getting answers to questions like “Why is my washing machine leaking?” can be challenging. This appliance leak can be caused by various reasons, including worn-out supply hoses, overflows from using too much detergent, or clogged drains.
Even a small drip can lead to significant issues if not addressed. Consistent washing machine leaking can lead to ruined flooring, mold, and even damaged electrical systems when water seeps into the wrong places. Frequently checking behind and beneath your machine, especially where the hoses connect to the wall, can help you catch and address problems before they become extensive water disasters inside your home.
4. Water Heater
Water heaters are another source of common appliance leaks, often due to age-related wear and tear on tanks and connections. Rust, corrosion, and failing temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valves can also contribute to the tank’s failure, leading to steady leaks or a sudden burst.
Unfortunately, since water heaters contain a large volume, both can lead to extensive water damage. Leaking water heating equipment can also be destructive because the problem might go unnoticed for a long time, especially for those tucked away in a basement or closet. Regular inspections allow you to detect dampness, rust, or pooling water indicative of a leak sooner than later.
5. Air Conditioner
Air conditioners work by cooling warm air, which often results in condensation. However, when drain lines are blocked or the condensate pump malfunctions, that water can back up and cause leaks. It’s also worth noting that this risk of leaks is high in humid climates or during peak use.
Air conditioner leaks can cause various problems, including water stains on ceilings and walls and swollen drywall. Persistent dampness can also invite mold and result in poor indoor air quality. Keeping your AC unit regularly serviced and promptly repaired for any problem can help prevent these leaks and safeguard your home from water damage.
Restoration 1 Is Your Dependable Partner When Emergencies Affect Your Home
The appliances you rely on daily can, unfortunately, also become the source of the mess and stress of water damage. Even so, being aware of the most common leaking appliances and how they can affect your home makes it much easier to take proactive steps to safeguard your home.
However, if leaks have already occurred and you’re dealing with an overwhelming water situation inside your home, know you’re not alone. Restoration 1 of Cary is the local team you can call for reliable water damage restoration services. With our expertise in water extraction and drying, ceiling and wall water cleanup, and mold remediation, we have the know-how and tools to get your home back on track.
Let us make your home safe, dry, and comfortable again. Contact Restoration 1 of Cary anytime for your water damage restoration needs.
