The Top Five Appliances That Cause The Most Damage

Certain appliances or systems in your home or business can actually increase your risk of flooding. Below are the top five sources of water damage culprits. Here's how to check on this appliances and make sure you won't be impacted.

Your Water Heater

Among the top five sources leading to water damage is your water heater. A small investment in an annual inspection will help prevent leaks and the expensive repairs that come with it. Be attentive to corrosion and other factors as your heater ages and replace it every 10 years.

• 69 percent of failures are due to a leak or a burst
• After 12 years, 75 percent of water heaters will fail and cost an average of $4,444 in damage
• Flush your tank every 6 months to remove sediment.

Air Conditioner

Installing a drainpipe will remove the overflowing water and direct it outside or to a household sewer. This is an alternative to using a drain pan, which will only help contain any leaks that may occur for about two minutes

• Attic air conditioners can cause the most damage because water can leak throughout the entire home.
• The average cost of flooding damage from an air conditioning leak is $5,000.

We recommend an semi-annual service of the drain line, along with a drain pan with a float switch installed that will automatically cut off the A/C if the pan become's full. 

Washing Machine

Leaks around or clamps in the water hose are a warning sign of future failure. Do a monthly personal inspection on your hoses to look out for cracking, dryness or rust, leaving space between the machine and the wall for movement as the wash cycle is running. Replace your hoses every five years despite their outward appearance. Don’t forget to follow your washing machine instructions and turn off water supply when you leave home for vacation!

• 6 percent of failures occur when a home is unoccupied and end up being two and a half times more severe than a house that is occupied.
• 78 percent of hose failures occur in an appliance that is less than 11 years old.

Refrigerator

The most common cause of a leaky refrigerator is the defrost drain having a freeze or clog. You’ll need to thaw the ice and flush your drain with hot water. Improper sealing can cause excess condensation in attempt to keep cool. Check the rubber seals along the door to assure a tight close. Your ice-maker can become the mess maker, check the hose or waterline to assure they are connected properly.

Also make sure to check the water house that connects from the sink area to the refrigerator itself. Just make sure it's nice and tight. While you are at it, vacuum under that fridge, and clean any collected dust on the back of the fridge.

Dishwasher

Hoses, valves, switches are the plumbing connections that could be causing the puddle of water on your floor. Let’s not forget that dishwashers are manually run and an overflow of water can come from adding too much detergent to each cycle. If your dishwater is over nine years old it may be time for a replacement. 

If you suffer water damage from any of these culprits, don’t hesitate a second… call for help immediately. Water damage is progressive and pervasive if delayed beyond the first 48 hours. If you have any questions or need advice make sure to call us. We are always here to help. 

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