Floods can happen in the blink of an eye. One moment everything is okay, and the next, water is everywhere. The experts at Rainbow Restoration have identified five ticking time bombs that can wreak havoc in your home in a matter of minutes. These everyday, regular household items are used every day, but in some instances, can be an accident waiting to happen.
Take a look at these five ticking time bombs and consider what you can do to disarm their damage:
HOT WATER HEATER
- About 75 percent of tank water heaters fail by the time they’re 12 years old
- 70 percent of water heater failures are from leaks or burst tanks
- Average damage is $4,000
What to do: Check the tank regularly for leaks. Have your tank maintained yearly. An inspection should include flushing the tank, inspecting the anode rod, examining shut-off values and checking water heater piping. Install a catch pan with a drain to channel water out of the building in case of a small leak. Replace your water heater every 10 years.
WASHING MACHINE
- More than half of all water damage are due to broken washing machine hoses.
- Damages average more than $6,000.
What to do: Inspect hoses once a month. Look for signs of impending leaks, such as blisters, bulges, cracks, discoloration or kinks. Have a professional replace damaged hoses. Turn off the water supply to the washing machine when you go on vacation.
DISHWASHER
- Dishwashers usually fail when they are 10-12 years old
- Flooding damage from a dishwater leak can be more than $5000
What to do: Tighten the drain line where it connects to under-sink plumbing. Replace the water supply line immediately if you run across a small leak. Choose a steel-braided hose over a rubber one. Don’t run the dishwasher while away from home.
REFRIGERATOR
- Icemakers are the primary cause for water leaks in a refrigerator
- The life expectancy of an ice maker is less than that of the refrigerator, as low as five years.
What to do: Replace copper water lines with braided steel alternatives. Check the water supply line behind the fridge yearly. Tighten the compression nut to prevent a slow drip from causing hidden damage.
AIR CONDITIONER
- Attic air conditioners can cause the most damage because water can leak throughout the entire home.
- Average loss from flooding caused by a leaky air conditioner is $5000
What to do: Install a secondary drain line and drain pan overflow switch. Have your A/C maintained regularly, which includes changing the filter and checking the refrigerant level.
Professional Water Damage Restoration Services
You can rely on Rainbow Restoration for whenever you have water damage in your home from these leaky time bombs. The quick response and efficient, professional restoration services will return your home to normal in no time.
If you are experiencing a water damage emergency, call Rainbow Restoration or schedule an appointment online for professional water damage restoration services.
