Posted by: Chris Laney on April 16, 2019

Are Your Appliances a Water Damage Threat? Check These Steps to Prevent Flooding from Household Appliances

Dishwashers and washing machines are part of our everyday life, and we rarely give them a second thought as we use them regularly.

Did you know that an overflowing washing machine is one of the main sources of water damage in homes? You guessed it – dishwashers are second on that list, followed by hot water heaters. The good news is there are a few different ways to try to prevent water damage from these basic appliances.

Six Ways to Prevent Appliances from Causing a Flood

1. Replace your hot water heater when it needs it. Even if the hot water heater isn't experiencing any problems, professionals do recommend that you replace the appliance when the life of the water heater has expired. As the heater gets older the chances of it bursting or a crack forming increase.
2. Flush out your water heater at least once a year. This will keep the water fresh and remove any sediment that built up over the months.
3. Read the manuals of your appliances. As humans, we tend to skip over the "how to" of how things work. Before you use a new appliance like a washing machine, read the manual and discover what types of soap are meant for your machine. Stick to the recommended load amount to prevent excess water and flooding.
4. Check the supply hoses that connect your appliances to the water supply and your home. Tighten the hoses and check for no cracks, tears, or breaks in the materials. Replace them as necessary, or after 5 years, regardless of issues.
5. Check for leaks around all the appliances in your home. Every quarter make it a habit to look for leaks (large and small) around the appliances. If you notice excess water on the floor, call in a professional to assess the situation.
6. Never let appliances run when you aren't around. While this may not be possible all the time, it's best to run dishwashers and washing machines when someone is in the house. In the event of a flood, someone will be around to stop the appliance and clean up the mess!

Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent water damage from creeping into your home through an everyday appliance. While some machines do come with an auto-shut off at the first sign of flooding, it is worth checking each of the above steps yourself for peace of mind.

Regardless of how much you prepare, water damage can still hit your home. In the unfortunate event that this happens, Water Out is here to get your home clean and dry! We offer emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when flooding occurs at the wrong time – call us and let us get your home restored quickly and easily.