Wondering how you can protect your home from sudden flooding and water damage? Read on to find out!
A flooded home or office can be a major headache to deal with. The water seeps into every corner of every room and ruins furniture, floors, and whatnot. Water damage also leads to a lot of unexpected expenses. So, how can you protect your home from this pesky and often costly water damage?
Well, there are certain household appliances and systems that are notoriously known to cause or at least increase the risk of flooding in your home or offices. So, if you simply keep a close eye on these appliances, you will effectively be able to prevent the risk of flooding or water damage in your home. 
Here are the appliances you need to regularly inspect:
Air Conditioner
Air conditioners can be pretty annoying with the constant drip-drop of overflowing water. Attic air conditioners, in particular, cause the most water damage as if the water overflows from them, it can leak through your entire home. However, if you simply install a drainpipe in your air conditioner and direct it to a household sewer or somewhere outside of your home, it will take care of the overflowing water. It’s a much better alternative to using a drain pan, which is only effective at containing a leak for around 2 minutes.
Hot Water Heater
Your hot water heater easily ranks among the top five sources of water damage. The best way to prevent any leakage is to invest in a yearly inspection from a professional. It will also help you avoid the expensive repairs that might come with sudden leaks or bursts. Make sure to inspect your heater and look for signs of corrosion as your heater ages. Additionally, replace the heater after every 10 years and flush your tank every 6 months to get rid of sediment.
Washing Machine
Clamps in the water hose and leaks around it are clear signs that your washing machine needs a repair. Make sure to inspect the hoses and look for any cracks, rust, and dryness at least once a month. Also, leave some space between the machine and your wall for proper movement as the wash cycle runs.
Moreover, make sure to replace the hose every five years, even if they appear fine on the outside. Always follow the instructions given in the washing machine manual and turn off the water supply when you leave your home for an extended period of time.
Dishwasher
Switches, hoses, and valves are the plumbing connections in a dishwasher that cause a puddle of water to form on your floor. What’s more is that since dishwashers are run manually, you need to be super careful when adding detergent to it – too much detergent will cause the water to overflow. Replace your dishwasher when it crosses the 9-year mark. This will curtail the risk of sudden water damage.
Refrigerator
When it comes to a leaky refrigerator, the most common culprit is a clogged or frozen defrost drain. To unclog it, you’ll need to thaw the frozen water by flushing the drain with piping hot water. Make sure to also check the rubber seals along the door of your fridge; they should have a tight seal as improper sealing leads to excess condensation in an attempt to maintain the cold temperature. Also, always check the waterline or hose to ensure that they are connected properly.
