How Appliance Leaks Can Cause Hidden Water Damage

Your home relies on a few key appliances to operate smoothly. Without a washing machine, you wouldn’t have clean clothes for work. Without a refrigerator, your food would be limited to canned goods. At the same time, these appliances, and more like them, pose a hazard to your home. Most require a water connection to operate. That same connection could falter when you least expect it to, leading to immense water damage. It’s the type of concern that too few homeowners really consider.

If you have an appliance leak, don’t expect the situation to be isolated. A refrigerator leak could be isolated to the area just underneath the unit. A washing machine, however, is more likely to deposit many gallons of water that spread fast.

As a homeowner, you should know where your main water supply valve is located. It will be a lifesaver in the event of water damage anywhere in the home. If an appliance is leaking, you won’t have time for a plumber to arrive. You need to deal with the situation then and there. For that, you must shut off the water supply quickly.

There are two valves to consider when shutting off the water supply: the main valve and the supply valve. The main valve is designed to shut off water to the entire home. The supply valve will shut off the water directly to the appliance in question. In a rush, just go for the supply valve. It will be easier to manage and turn off.

With an appliance, you’ll notice the valve has a rounded handle. Turn it clockwise to stop the flow of water. If the valve is a lever, though, turn it perpendicular to the water line to shut off the water.

Learn where the valves are located and how to turn them off now before things turn serious.

The biggest problem you have from a water-based appliance is, of course, the water damage. With a washing machine, water heater, or refrigerator, the ensuing damage is often isolated to a single area for a time. Before long, however, as is common with water damage, the mess will seep into the drywall and floorboards. Then, the damage will worsen. You’ll end up with weakened supports, warped floorboards, and mold growth hidden in the walls.

You’ll need to schedule local restoration services to deal with the water damage and mold. A professional plumber can help with the appliance leak. You need to deal with the source, which would be the washing machine or water heater, before dealing with the water damage.

In the event of an appliance leak, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Northwest Houston for top-tier fixture replacement and plumbing leak detection. Please call 346-222-5262.