SERVPRO: Which appliances can lead to water damage at homes?

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO blog gives insight into the various appliances that can cause water damage if not maintained regularly.

Appliance failures that lead to water damage

With appliance failures accounting for 30% of residential flood claims, homeowners must understand how this water damage occurs. SERVPRO talks about those common culprits in the blog below so homeowners can prevent the potential water damage. 

• Hot Water Heater

One of the top five sources of water damage, water heaters must be inspected annually for signs of corrosion and other factors as the heater ages. The main causes of a water heater malfunction or failure are mineral deposits, thermal expansion, anode rod damage, and an incorrect-sized water heater. It has also been observed that 69% of water heater failures are due to leaks or bursts which can cause up to $4444 in damage. Ideally, water heaters must be replaced every 10 years to prevent such mishaps. 

• Air Conditioner

With an average damage of $5000, water damage caused by air conditioners can be drastic and expensive. Replacing drain pans with drain pipes that have an outlet outside or to a household sewer can help check the water overflow in air conditioners. If there is an air conditioner in the attic, homeowners must keep an eye on it for any potential water leaks as any leak in this area is sure to permeate into the complete house. The damage costs, in that case, may prove to be phenomenal. 

• Washing Machine

Almost 78 percent of washing machine failures occur in an appliance that is less than 11 years old. Homeowners must regularly inspect the hoses to catch any cracking, dryness, or rust before it leads to any water leaks. There must be adequate space between the machine and the wall for movement during the wash cycle. Hoses must be replaced every five years and all washing machine instructions must be followed to the tee. 

• Refrigerator

A defrost drain that is frozen or clogged is the usual cause of refrigerator leaks. Homeowners must thaw the ice and flush the drain with hot water. Another cause of leaks is a damaged or broken hose in the back of the refrigerator that connects the home’s water supply to the ice maker or water dispenser. Check for improper sealing due to ineffective rubber seals along the door, which can lead to excessive condensation to keep the refrigerator cool. 

• Dishwasher

From hoses and valves to switches, there are various plumbing connections that can cause the puddle of water below a dishwasher. Overfilling a dishwasher, adding too much detergent to a cycle, and failing to do a routine inspection of water inlet valves and float switches is a recipe for a water disaster. Moreover, a dishwasher older than 9 years should be replaced to avoid extensive water damage. 

Homeowners who are seeking water damage repair can contact a professional water damage restoration company like SERVPRO to help them restore their property at the earliest possible.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Hurst, Euless, Bedford, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For water damage restoration services, contact Team Shaw of SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford today at (817) 595-0004 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com