Preventing Appliance Leaks and Water Damage

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

This leaking dishwasher in New Jersey caused extensive water damage to the floor of the kitchen and leaked down into the room below.

Did you know that water damage caused by leaking appliances can pose a significant threat to your home in New Jersey? From appliances that hold up to 120 gallons of water to those with small water supply lines, any appliance in your home which utilizes water can increase your risk for flood damage.

Here, we will review the top appliances that can cause flooding in your home, ways to prevent this damage from occurring, and when water damage caused by appliances is covered by your insurance company.

Hot Water Heater

Did you know the average life expectancy for most water heaters is only 8-15 years? And it's estimated that 75% fail before they're 12 years old?

As your water heater ages, it becomes much more likely for it to leak and damage your home. When your water heater leaks or bursts, there's the possibility of up to 40 to 120 gallons of water to flood your home, depending on the model you have.

Washing Machine

The average washing machine uses 19 gallons of water per load. This may not seem like a lot, but when a water supply hose cracks or detaches from the machine, all of this water can come pouring out into your home, seeping through floors, walls, and ceilings. The most common cause of washing machine water damage is a failed supply hose, which on average fails after 8.7 years.

Refrigerator

Like other appliance leaks and water damage, refrigerator leaks can be caused by many different things. If your fridge has a water filter or ice maker with a water supply line that was incorrectly installed, it can leak for weeks before you even realize. Another common cause is a faulty or clogged defrost drain, which will cause water to spill right on to the floor.

Dishwasher

Dishwasher leaks can be caused by many things, such as a leaky dishwasher door, a leaking or cracked tub, loose or cracked water hoses, or even overfilling your dishwasher or using too much of the wrong detergent. While dishwashers may not hold a ton of water, when they leak it can cause water to get under the flooring of your kitchen and leak into the basement below.

Air Conditioner

Depending on where your air conditioning unit is located in your home, leaking HVAC components can cause major water damage. The most common causes of an air conditioner leaking include:

• Clogged or disconnected drain
• Dirty condensate pump
• Clogged air filter
• Dirty evaporator coil
• Cracked drain pan
• Low refrigerant
• Condensation buildup within ductwork

How to Prevent Water Damage From Leaking Appliances

With regular upkeep, maintenance, and visual inspections, appliance leaks and water damage can be easily avoided in your New Jersey home.

1. Inspect Water Supply Lines - You should keep a schedule to perform visual inspections of all water supply lines in your home. This simple, recurring task can help you identify any signs of clogged, damaged, or deteriorating water lines before they begin to leak and cause damage to your home.
2. Note When Supply Line Hoses Should Be Replaced - In addition to performing visual inspections, you should replace all water hoses before the average time that they begin to fail. Replacement hoses can be purchased at your local hardware store and are usually easy to replace.
3. Have Your Water Heater Serviced Once Per Year - Over time, sediment and other debris can build up in your hot water heater which can cause the appliance to malfunction and leak. You can follow the manufacturer's directions to flush out the heater tank yourself or call a local plumber.
4. Have Your HVAC System Inspected Once Per Year - Since HVAC systems are more complex than other appliances in your home, it may be harder to tell based on visual inspections if something is wrong. Having your system inspected by an HVAC professional once per year can help prevent air conditioner leaks and water damage.
5. Follow All Manufacturer Guidelines - You can help prevent water damage from washing machines or dishwashers by simply using the correct detergents and not overloading the appliances, as these are major causes of their failures.

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage Caused By Leaking Appliances?

In most cases, homeowners insurance will cover water damage caused by appliances. Leaking appliance damage is covered by your homeowners insurance when caused by sudden and accidental water damage. This only applies if you were not negligent in maintaining the appliance or weren't ignoring the issue that caused damage to your home.

This means insurance may not cover regular wear and tear if your insurance adjuster decides that your damages could have been avoided by performing regular maintenance. Leaking appliance insurance claims can get complicated if it isn't clear the damage suddenly and unexpectedly happened.

Times when your claim should be covered include:

• Hot water heater leak or burst
• Washing machine overflow
• HVAC leaks
• Dishwasher leaks
• Ice maker line leaks

Need Help With Appliance Leaks and Water Damage in New Jersey? We Can Help!

SERVPRO of Morristown is your local water damage restoration company serving all of New Jersey. With over 15 years of experience, our team has restored countless homes and businesses after appliance water damage.

• 24/7 Emergency Response

• We Handle The Insurance Process For You

• Free Water Damage Estimates

• IICRC Certified Technicians

Call Us Today For Immediate Assistance - 800-734-3213