Malfunctioning Appliances and Water Damage

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

It always seems to be the nightmare of homeowners, the dreaded leaking appliance.  The problem with appliances is there can be a leak in the back or bottom that isn't visible and results in serious water damage. You may think your washing machine, refrigerator, dishwasher, and garbage disposals are your friend but they can also betray you if you’re not careful. Here are a few tips to keep water damage at bay.

Maintenance

The lifespan of appliances can really come down to the care that you give them. If you are hard on your appliances they will malfunction sooner than later. Once a machine wears out, it is ripe for leaks and water damage. Maintenance can look like a lot of different things. Ensuring you don’t overload your washing machine will help it last longer. Making sure your refrigerator doors stay closed as much as possible in the summer will make it easier for it to stay at a low temperature. This also means having your machines repaired by a professional when you notice it is having difficulty functioning.

Update

No matter how good you are to your appliances, they all have a lifespan. Once that lifespan is coming to an end your appliances can quickly produce more complex problems than simply deciding on a new model. Old machines can become invisible sprinklers. Once the waterworks begin, the cost of replacing the machine quickly becomes more expensive. It goes from the cost of a machine to the cost of repairing water damage plus purchasing a new machine. To avoid this unpleasant situation know how old your appliances are and the average lifespan for that make and model. When it hits that mark and starts acting its age, immediately begin the search for a new appliance.

Be Aware

Sometimes it doesn’t matter if you maintain your appliances and they are still fairly new. Machines break down. That is why it is so important to be aware and keep a watchful eye on your appliances. By watching how your appliances are performing, you can catch a problem before it becomes a big problem. Notice when your appliances make new noises, are having trouble cleaning things or staying cold, or begins dripping. Watching and noticing can mean the difference between a little and a lot of water damage. 

Appliances are in our houses to make our life easier. They wash our clothes and dishes for us and keep our food at the right temperature. When they are working well, they are our friends, but it is a fragile relationship. If they start leaking and produce water damage, they have changed from helpful to harmful. You can’t avoid water damage forever. For the times when you can’t avoid water damage SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County is available 24/7. So when an appliance has changed relationship status, give us a call, (502) 241.6861.

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.