Take these steps to prevent the water damage caused by household appliances.
When you think of water damage, you probably associate it with a major storm, flood, or another natural disaster. However, many homeowners will be surprised to learn that most household water damage is actually caused by everyday appliances. Fortunately, keeping up with regular maintenance can prevent leaks and other damaging malfunctions. Here are some of the steps that you should take to prevent the water damage caused by household appliances.
- Watch Out for Leaks
Check the areas around your appliances for signs of leakage every four months or so. Undetected leaks are one of the worst culprits when it comes to household water damage.
- Inspect Your Supply Hoses
You should also check the supply hoses leading to your appliances to ensure that their connections are water-tight and that they do not show signs of damage. Keep in mind that damage to these hoses may not be visible, so you should replace the supply hoses on your washing machine and dishwasher every five years.
- Do Not Leave Running Appliances Unattended
You should only run your washing machine and dishwasher when someone is at home to monitor things. This way you can stop running your appliance at the first sign of a leak or other malfunction.
- Read Your Appliance Manuals
You should read the owner’s manual for your washing machine and dishwasher to ensure that you are using the right detergents and operating your appliances in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. This will reduce the chance of you accidentally damaging your appliances and suffering from water damage.
- Flush Out Your Water Heater
You should flush out your water heater once a year to remove built-up sediment and other debris. This will keep your home’s water heater functioning properly and will reduce the chances of water damage to your property.
These are some of the steps that you should take around your property to prevent the water damage caused by household appliances. Want another way to protect your home? Then make sure you have the right homeowners insurance protections in place. For help with your personal insurance needs, contact us at Mike Leonard Insurance Agency. Our dedicated team is eager to find you the right coverage from one of our many carriers including: Kemper, MetLife, Nationwide, Travelers, The Hartford, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance.