When homeowners think about potential water damage risks, causes like flooding, burst pipes, and roof leaks likely come to mind first. However, one commonly overlooked culprit is your home’s washing machine. These hardworking appliances can pose significant water exposure risks if not properly maintained and monitored.
What seems like a handy time-saving appliance can quickly become a major headache when even minor leaks and spills go undetected. Washing machine water damage is particularly insidious because the appliance connects to both hot and cold water lines under high pressure. That pressurized flow can rapidly flood floors, walls, and ceilings before you even realize there’s an issue. Older machines with plastic drain hoses are especially exposed to cracks and blowouts.
Like any significant flooding, washing machine failures can lead to wood floor buckling, drywall destruction, mold issues, appliance and furniture damage, and even structural compromises if water travels between floors or into crawlspaces.
An Ounce of Prevention
While washing machine supply hoses should be replaced every 3-5 years as recommended by manufacturers, that’s often neglected until it’s too late. Upgrading to reinforced steel braided hoses and routinely inspecting hose connections can prevent leaks or blowout failures. Installing a leak detection system or washing machine overflow pan can also provide critical early warning of any water line disasters brewing.
It is crucial to regularly inspect your washing machine for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks in the hoses or loose fittings. Additionally, ensure that the machine is properly leveled to prevent it from excessively shaking during spin cycles, which can lead to leaks.
In case of a water leak, immediately turn off the water supply to the washing machine to prevent further damage. Clean up the water and thoroughly dry the affected areas to minimize the risk of mold growth.
It is also recommended to contact a professional water damage restoration company to assess the extent of the damage and carry out necessary repairs.
The Costly Aftermath
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding water damage from a washing machine. By staying awake and addressing any issues promptly, you can protect your home from the costly and stressful effects of water damage. According to insurance industry estimates, the average cost of washing machine water damage claims exceeds $5,000 after mitigations and repairs.
Stop relying on just the washer drain to control water—be proactive about potential failure points.
If the water damage is extensive, it’s best to contact a professional water damage restoration company to assess the situation, mitigate the damage, and restore your home to its pre-damaged condition.
In this case, Water’s Fault restoration company is the right choice.