Water damage can occur in your home in a variety of ways. Most people in Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas do an excellent job of preventing water damage to their properties due to rain and flooding. However, we may forget that water damage can also occur inside your home. Appliances in your home are often the culprit of water damage because they can go unnoticed for some time. Your washing machine, dishwasher, and HVAC unit will sometimes leak or malfunction, leading to serious (and expensive) water damage to your home or business. This water damage can lead to mold growth and even structural damage.
Mr. Restore is here to help if you suffer from water damage due to your appliances malfunctioning, but you can prevent leaks by practicing the following tips.
Routinely Check Around Appliances
All household appliances are different. Your dishwasher will need a different maintenance routine than your HVAC unit. But one thing you can easily do for all your appliances is to check around and under them for signs of leaks routinely. Look to see if the floor feels damp or if there is a sign of mildew/mold. This is a quick indicator that your appliance needs maintenance. You should also check to be sure that the appliance is properly balanced on the floor. If the appliance is not evenly distributed on the floor, it will cause the water in the appliance to leak and possibly break.
Use the Correct Type of Soap
Read the directions carefully for what type of detergent to use in your dishwasher and washing machine. Using the wrong type or amount of soap can lead to your appliance malfunctioning due to excessive soap suds. You don’t want to come home to a kitchen or laundry room filled with water and bubbles!
Check Water Supply Tubes
All appliances that use water operate using a water supply tube. These tubes are located in the back of the appliance. Water tubes can sometimes rupture or crack after years of use or high water pressure, leading to water damage that may be difficult to spot. Routinely inspect the water tubes for signs of wear and tear. If your appliance’s water supply tube is plastic, Mr. Restore suggests replacing it with a more durable stainless steel tube. Be sure that the water supply tube rests behind your appliance with plenty of room. If the tube is squished or has too much tension, it can cause the tube to break.
Drain HVAC Units/Water Heaters
Water heaters and HVAC units can often collect debris after a few years of use. This debris will lead to your unit malfunctioning, leading to leaks and water damage. You can prevent debris buildup by “flushing” out the appliance or draining some water out. Most appliances provide instructions directly on the unit for draining the water. If you can’t find it, contact the appliance manufacturer for directions.
Upgrade Old Appliances
Unfortunately, old appliances are more prone to breaking. Older appliances usually have loose fittings, broken or cracked structures, and out-of-date technology. If your appliance is past its prime, you should consider investing in a new appliance. This will help prevent thousands of dollars of damage in the long run.
If you find that one of your appliances has caused water damage to your home or business, immediately contact Mr. Restore. The longer that you wait to restore water damage, the more likely it will spread throughout your home, cause mold and mildew, and eventually lead to extensive damage. Mr. Restore’s team of experienced technicians will use the most up-to-date technology to restore your home back to normal. We will be on our way to your property within 60 minutes!
