If you were to strip your home free of drywall, what you would see is a lot of plumbing running through the studs of each wall. This plumbing is extremely important to the overall function of the home, next to its electrical work and gas lines. Without it, you wouldn’t have running water.
Of course, the plumbing throughout your home is as much a cause for concern as it is a reason to celebrate. It comes with plenty of benefits that you take full advantage of on a daily basis, but things can go wrong extremely quick — especially if you don’t act fast and contact the right help.
With plumbing comes the possibility of water damage. Especially since plumbing isn’t built to last forever — as much as we all wish it was — water damage is inevitable and you must stay prepared for when that day comes. The sooner you act, the better off you’ll be in the end.
What Home Appliances Should You Be Worried About?
Whether you think about it often or not, all of this plumbing inside the home is the reason you’re able to take advantage of the type of appliances you utilize daily. In fact, a majority of the appliances utilized daily — or even weekly — require a running water supply to function properly.
The sink, toilet, and shower are three of the most common, but they’re more considered fixtures, as opposed to a home appliance. When we talk about an appliance, we’re more or less talking about your refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, HVAC, water heater, and more.
These home appliances, much like your sink, toilet, and shower, all utilize water. Therefore, they’re all at risk of producing water damage, but don’t you worry! We’re going to detail some of the most prominent tips for preventing water damage in each of these home appliances!
1. Refrigerator
Not all refrigerators are connected to a water line, but those with a built-in water dispenser or ice maker are! If yours is connected to a water line, there’s always the possibility of that line falling apart or bursting. When this happens, you’ll notice a small water leak coming from underneath.
It might seem like a small leak, but small leaks almost always turn into larger problems when not dealt with in a timely manner. That’s not the only issue, though. Even if your refrigerator isn’t connected to a water line, your freezer can cause a leak when not defrosting properly.
To prevent water damage here, make sure the defrost drain isn’t clogged or blocked, ensure a tight seal for your doors, make sure your water supply line isn’t damaged, and always keep your refrigerator properly balanced. If a leak occurs, clean it up and get it fixed immediately.
2. Washing Machine
Most people use their washing machine on a weekly basis. Although it’s not used as often as some of the other home appliances on this list, it’s still a cause for concern when discussing water damage. In fact, there are three main causes for concern with your washing machine.
That’s because they have three different hoses — one for cold water, one for hot water, and one for drainage. A problem with any of these three hoses could potentially cause a leak and we all know what that means — a greater risk of water damage when not dealt with in a timely manner.
To prevent that from happening, make sure you inspect your washing machine before use. If you don’t use it frequently, turn off the water supply when not in-use. You can also install an emergency shut-off kit, change your water hoses every few years, and use quality hoses.
3. Dishwasher
Your dishwasher is another potential danger zone when it comes to water damage. Not only are they connected to your water supply, but they often get used daily — especially homeowners that don’t enjoy washing the dishes by hand. Without proper care, they could form a leak, too!
To prevent water damage from your dishwasher, make sure you’re using it properly (according to the manual). Maintain and clean it regularly, make sure you’re using quality hoses and seals, inspect the water lines frequently, and avoid using the dishwasher when no one is home.
4. Air Conditioner
Believe it or not, your HVAC system could cause water damage if not maintained properly. A clogged drain, faulty pipes, and frozen evaporator coils are all causes for concern with your air conditioning unit — especially if there’s too much condensation for the HVAC unit to handle.
To prevent water damage here, make sure you change your HVAC filter on a regular basis, have the condenser cleaned frequently, make sure the condensation drain line is working properly, install a condensation pump, and make sure you clean the overflow drain pan.
5. Water Heater
Your water heater houses a large amount of water at one time. Not only that, but it’s prone to extreme temperature swings throughout the day. You can experience a leak due to excessive pressure, overheating, faulty plumbing, corrosion, age, and even loose heating element bolts.
To prevent water damage caused by your home’s water heater, proper maintenance is needed. Water heaters generally last for a long time, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it checked frequently. If you notice a leak, call someone to come and fix it immediately.
What to Do When You Experience Water Damage
There’s nothing more frustrating than having to experience water damage where it matters most. If this is something you’ve been struggling with, you’re going to need quality water damage restoration in Denver. That way, you can return your home to its original condition.
If you’re looking for the best water damage repair in the Denver area, then you’ve come to the right place. At Restoration 1 of Central Denver, we have a highly-qualified and well-equipped team of specialists that can’t wait to prove their skills to you and your family — or for your commercial space.
All you need to do is contact us today and we’ll send someone to your location immediately! We can also help you with mold remediation in Denver in the event that your water damage has taken a turn for the worse!