These Home Appliances Could Cause a Flood

We use our appliances on a daily basis and rely on them to work properly. Many require the use of water to function, and as a result, have the potential to flood and cause water damage. There are a few things you can do to prevent your household appliances from leaking and causing damage to your home. Here’s what appliances to look out for.

• Refrigerator. Refrigerators often run water lines for ice machines. If this line becomes detached, it results in a pool of water below your fridge. Standing water can cause mold, rot, wall damage, and hardwood damage. You might not always be able to see the leak, so periodically pull out your fridge and check behind and underneath it for signs of water damage.

• Dishwasher. Dishwashers have a lot of water running through them, so they can often be the cause of a kitchen flood. The drain inside the dishwasher can clog with food and cause an overflow, so make sure to empty the strainer occasionally. Floods can also occur as a result of a loose fitting. If this is the case, call in a specialist to examine the situation.

• Washing Machine. A washing machine flood can be disastrous, especially if it’s discovered after the machine has been running for a while. The best thing to do is to turn off the machine and the water main and refer to your owner’s manual to find a potential loose connection.

• Toilets. Typically toilets overflow because there is a clog in the drain and it’s not emptying properly. If you’ve done everything you can to unclog your toilet and it’s still overflowing, it may be time to call a professional.

If you’ve experienced a flood in your home, we can help. Our team is experienced in wood rot, mold, and flood clean-up.