No one could argue the great benefits we get from our appliances. They have become our life partners, making things easier and comfortable for us. Though we rely so much upon them, they can also cause havoc in our homes.  When the appliances become faulty, serious water damage from appliances may happen. 

According to the National Flood Insurance Agency, about 30% of residential flood claims are caused by appliance failure, which means that other causes of water damage can be prevented. 

The Appliances That Commonly Cause Water Damage

These are the appliances that can potentially cause serious water damage in your home.

1.     Washing Machine

Washing machine water damage can be very catastrophic since it can contain a large amount of water. The most common cause of water damage from a washing machine is the supply hose failure. Over time, it deteriorates. 

A clogged drain that was caused by pieces of fabric or debris that were accumulated under the drain is another reason for a leaky washing machine. You might need a lint trap to prevent this from happening.

Overloading your washer can also cause serious water damage. Washing with smaller loads might have disadvantages but it can lengthen the life span of your washer.

2.     Refrigerator

A leaky refrigerator happens for several reasons. One of these is the clogged defrost drain. Food particles in the drain prevent water from draining into the pan. Water builds up and will eventually start to leak out of the refrigerator. You might need to flush the drain with hot water or use a stiff wire to remove the blockage. 

Another cause of a leaky refrigerator is a broken drain pan. Water automatically gathers in the drain pan, but when water escapes from it, that means your drain pan has a problem. This problem can be fixed by replacing your drain pan.

A loose ice maker supply line is another culprit for a leaky refrigerator. If the connection is loose, you will be facing tremendous water damage at home.

3.     Water Heater

 Among the top five appliances, your water heater is the leading cause of water damage in your home. The leak from the water heater can be the cause of a malfunctioned temperature and pressure relief valve, a loose connection, and a corroded storage tank. 

Check the entire parts of your water heater, the inlet, and outlet connection, the drain valve and the bottom part of it. When the leak is due to a corroded water tank, then you have to replace the entire water heater. 

Since water heater issues can normally go unnoticed, it is best to hire a professional plumber every year to inspect your water heater. 

4.     Dishwasher

In most cases, a dishwasher causes water damage when someone puts too much or the wrong type of detergent into the dispenser. This type of damage can be avoided by just reading your manual for the proper type of detergent and the right amount. 

In some cases, the leak can be because of a damaged or broken gasket or loose latches and hinges. If the gasket is broken it needs to be replaced, while loose hinges or latches can be fixed by tightening the screws. 

However, if you think that the above-mentioned are not the causes of the water damage, better check the water lines. The leak could be from the pipes that connect the dishwasher from the main water supply line or it could be from the line that drains water out of the dishwasher.  

5.     Air Conditioners

A malfunctioned drain pipe is the common culprit of water damage from your air conditioner. Water overflows and will start leaking in your entire home. Installing a secondary drain pipeline can help in removing overflowing water.

Preventing Water Damage from Appliances

Some sources of water damage can happen accidentally, but in most cases, water damage from appliances can be prevented. Should you want to maintain the function of these appliances, schedule plumbing maintenance and do prompt repairs. It is also best to have your appliances inspected by professionals to see any signs of future damage.

If you notice any signs of a leak, direct yourself to the main supply water valve. Shut it off and check the cause of the leak. Do not let water sit for a long time because it can result in extensive water damage.

You may also use some smart devices such as a water monitoring device or a leak detection system that can automatically shut off the main water when a water leak is detected.

If these appliances have caused severe water damage to your home, don’t wait any longer. Water damage that is left untreated for a long time can be even costlier. Call in professionals to fix the damage. At Temecula, we have a local water damage restoration company that provides emergency services. We perform the best solutions in town. Call us today.