Appliances that can Cause Water Damage in your Home
Water damage after a heavy rain is no surprise, but there’s a real feeling of betrayal when you come home to find water damage from one of your trusted household appliances.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers are likely culprits, and can cause a great deal of damage before they’re discovered. Most dishwashers run overnight or while everyone is out for the day, so leaked water has plenty of time to ruin floors and cabinetry. To cut down on the chances of a kitchen flood, check water lines and connections regularly, and use a steel braided hose instead of rubber.
Washing Machines
Another appliance that can turn on you is the washing machine. Those old top loading models use 40 gallons for a full load and while the Energy Star washers only use 14 gallons per full load, that’s still a lot when it’s all over the floor. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking hoses on a regular basis for kinks, bulges, and cracks.
Hot Water Heaters
Hot water heaters can cause a big mess if they leak. With residential models available up to 80 gallons, a leak can look more like a flood. Keep the area around your water heater clean and dry, and give it a quick check any time you’re nearby. Inspect it more thoroughly on a regular basis and have it maintained yearly.
One easy way to avoid a nasty end to a vacation is shutting the water off to your appliances before you leave. It’s bad enough to deal with cooking or laundry, let alone water everywhere.
If you have water damage in your home or business in Albuquerque, NM for any reason, call the experts at RestorationMaster. We’ll be onsite within two to four hours of your call, because we understand what’s at stake. Our technicians are trained and certified using the most advanced methods and equipment. Our three phase cleanup process includes responding quickly, removing the water and thoroughly drying the area, and replacing structural elements or furnishings that were removed.
While you’re waiting for our technicians to arrive, here are a few things to do:
- Remove wet area rugs and floor coverings. Don’t try to remove installed carpet or flooring.
- Move paintings, photos, valuables and sentimental items to a safe location.
- Slide drapery bottoms over a coat hanger, then hang it from the curtain rod to keep them out of the water.
- Keep doors, drawers and cabinets open so air can circulate.
Many things affect the cost of cleaning water damage, including how much the water has spread and whether mold has started to grow. According to HomeAdvisor.com, the national average is $2,153.00.