Appliances and Water Damage

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

Washing machines are one of the main sources of water damage to homes. Others that top the list include hot water heaters and dishwashers. Following are some steps you can take to help prevent these types of losses:

• Thoroughly check for leaks around appliances every 4 months.
• Check supply hoses regularly to ensure a tight connection, and no breaks or tears. It is recommended to replace supply hoses for washing machines and dishwashers every five years if there are no signs of wear.
• Refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines for types of soap and load recommendations for the washing machine and dishwasher.
• It is recommended to flush your water heater once per year to ensure you have fresh water and to remove sediment.
• Don’t leave running appliances unattended. Try to operate washing machines and dishwashers when someone is home.
• Replace hot water heater as needed. As the water heater ages, the risk of a slow leak or sudden burst increases.

Should a water leak happen to you make sure you know where your water shut-off valve is located so that water can quickly be turned off to minimize damage.