Inventions like washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, and dishwashers have made so many tasks easy and lives very comfortable.
However, as much as they’re useful, they can wreak havoc on your floor through water leaks if they’re not taken proper care of and certain preventive measures are not followed. This can result in water damage.
Many homeowners know about the protective measures against excess moisture issues due to rain or snow but don’t know the actionable steps to address the problems caused by the machines they use daily.
So, this post equips you with 8 practical ways to prevent water damage from leaking appliances and keep your home beautiful and comfortable.
Eight Ways To Prevent Water Damage From Leaky Appliances
Carefully Read The Appliance Manual
A thorough reading of the manufacturer manual of all the appliances is quite crucial to their effective performance in the long run. It will inform you about the correct way of operation, maintenance schedule, professional inspection requirements, troubleshooting tips, etc.
Knowing all the above details of each appliance can help them stay at their best and prevent water leaks.
Use Stronger Water Supply Hoses
Your appliances receive water from the main pipeline through the water supply hoses or lines for their functioning. These hoses can leak due to incorrect installation, wear and tear, or cracking due to pressure.
The material of the supply tubes also plays an important role in preventing water leaks. The most commonly used ones by homeowners are made of plastic which is more prone to getting damaged than other comparatively durable materials like PEX(cross-linked polyethylene) and stainless which better withstand pressure and degradation.
Of course, the stronger hose types are expensive, but that’s an investment you can make for preventing leaks as well as the effective functioning of your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine.
Level and Stable Installation
Ensure your appliances stay flat and stable on the floor. If they’re titled or unbalanced in some other way, they may malfunction and leak water. Many machines these days come with adjustable legs to increase their height and make them balanced.
If yours don’t have them, you use a piece of shim to raise a side of the appliance and make it level.
Check For Clogged Drain Lines
Clogged drain lines are among the common causes of water damage from leaking appliances. Food, dish soap, mineral deposits, oil, and hair can block the drains and even damage them, causing the water to overflow.
If you notice your washing machine or dishwasher draining water slowly, making gurgling sounds, or having standing puddles of water, it’s time to get the drains cleaned.
Before you try to remove the blocks yourself with any cleaning solution, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results and to not damage the drainage pipe while cleaning.
However, in the case of major blocks, it’s advisable to hire professional cleaners because they are trained in removing various types of materials that are causing the problem.
Check Appliance Seals
The seals in your appliances ensure that the cold air stays inside and the warm air outside. Damaged seals keep the warm air inside, causing condensation and leading to water leaks.
Warm air inside your fridge makes it work much harder to maintain optimal temperature, resulting in increased electricity bills.
Repair or change seals that are broken, incomplete, or aren’t smooth to prevent water damage and save money.
Install Water Leak Detection Sensors
These devices are kept in common places for water damage and are paired with home ecosystems like Alexa and Google Home. The sensors raise an alert when a leak is detected, allowing the homeowner to take the required action to prevent major damage.
Use The Correct Type Of Laundry Detergent
Only the type and quantity of laundry detergent recommended by the manufacturer in the appliance manual should be used to keep your washing machine safe and prevent leaks. An incorrect detergent can cause the suds (bubbles formed after water mixes with the detergent) to overflow and leak out.
Regularly Inspect Your HVAC system
One important but often overlooked step to prevent water damage is the inspection of the HVAC system.
Dust, debris, bacteria, and wear and tear can all harm the parts of air conditioners and heaters like coils, drain pipes, and condensate pans. The damaged components don’t just leak water but also hamper the HVAC’s efficiency to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
You should get your AC and heater inspected by professionals at least once a year, because some subtle signs of damage develop over time and may escape your notice.
Conclusion
While water from a leaky fridge, or washing machine can strike unexpectedly and may cause severe damage, it can be prevented by following the manufacturer’s guidelines, using durable supply tubes, stable installation, inspecting seals, etc.
If you would rather get your household devices checked by reputed experts for the best results and fix any existing leaks before it’s too late, hire certified water damage restoration teams like PNW Restoration in Hillsboro, Oregon.