Three Statistics That Demonstrate How Malfunctioning Household Appliances Can Lead to Water Damage

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Palo Alto explains the importance of regularly inspecting household appliances that use water in order to prevent an unexpected water damage disaster.

SERVPRO of Palo Alto understands the inconvenient disruptions, stressful environment, and unexpected expenses resulting from water damage in Palo Alto, CA. The team of professionals at SERVPRO of Palo Alto offers a positive attitude, a high level of skill, and a level of customer service that set the bar high in the damage restoration industry. To ensure customers receive the best the industry has to offer, SERVPRO of Palo Alto provides up-to-date training, advanced technology, and innovative techniques to its staff in order to tailor services to the client’s needs, including water damage restoration.

Three Important Statistics About Water Damage From Household Appliances

The statistics listed below highlight the importance of being proactive when a water leak is suspected or detected.

Statistic #1: Washing machine supply lines will fail, on average, after 8.7 years.

Because washer supply lines are out of sight, homeowners often forget to replace them. Over time, the lines wear out and develop cracks, which may lead to large-scale ruptures.

Statistic #2: 75% of water heaters fail before 12 years of service.

Water heaters are not normally visible and are usually tucked away from the main living spaces in the home. Out of sight means out of mind for repairs and routine maintenance. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety rates water heater failure as one of the top causes of water damage. Water tank corrosion can lead to a slow leak or burst. Nearly 70% of water heater failures result from corrosion and lack of maintenance.

Statistic #3: On average, washing machine failures cost around $5,308 per incident after the insurance deductible.

A resulting mold infestation could add the expense of mold removal and mitigation.

Proactive Water Damage Prevention Solutions

Many water damage disasters can be avoided with a practical and proactive approach to appliance maintenance. First, when a leak is detected, it should receive immediate attention from the homeowner or property manager. If left unresolved, a small leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage to flooring, drywall, ceilings, baseboards, and support beams. Tiny leaks can cause big mold problems. Taking care of the mold issues may be more expensive than the actual physical damage to the home or business.

Second, if a leak is suspected, take immediate action to determine if the suspicion is accurate.

• Is the water bill higher than normal?
• Look for visible signs of a leak such as puddles of water, stains under cabinets, bubbling paint, and discolorations on walls or ceilings.
• Listen for dripping, whining, or creaking that might indicate a water leak.
• Feel for soft spots in the floor, warping in sheetrock, or moisture around faucets and supply line connections.

Third, anticipate inevitable leaks from appliance failures and malfunctions. Being proactive means taking time to regularly check the condition of aging appliances. This task may take only a few seconds, or it may require a few extra steps, such as removing a panel or inspecting the supply line connections of a washing machine.

If the water heater is in a closet, in the attic, or hidden in a special compartment or alcove, the homeowner may want to create a hinged door for easy access. Simply making the removal of the panel or sheetrock easier may be adequate. If the water heater is not in a pan with a discharge or overflow drain, call in a plumber to make the improvement. A leaking hot water heater can cause untold thousands of dollars in damage by the time it is discovered. If the water heater was knowingly installed outside of code requirements, there could be issues when filing an insurance claim if a leak occurs and causes coverable damage.

Being proactive also means spending money to replace appliance supply lines or other vital parts before they rupture or become defective. As the statistics demonstrate, a washing machine is a prime example of how waiting until there is a problem can result in a much bigger problem. A ruptured supply line can spew as many as seven to nine gallons of water per minute or 450 gallons of water per hour into a home. A trip to the hardware store and a few dollars for reinforced heavy-duty supply lines can avoid a water damage nightmare. Replacing the supply lines every five to seven years might seem excessive for the homeowner who has never experienced a serious water damage disaster. However, once a water damage disaster strikes, homeowners will wish that they had.

The experts at SERVPRO of Palo Alto are committed to customer service. The water damage restoration company in Palo Alto, CA, can take on the entire project, bring it to completion, and provide the necessary documentation that work has been completed. SERVPRO of Palo Alto also offers consultation and rental options for DIY restoration projects. Whatever solution the homeowner chooses, SERVPRO of Palo Alto is ready to guide the homeowner through the process.

To learn more about water damage restoration in Atherton, CA, contact the office by phone at (650) 800-3448 or email office@SERVPROpaloalto.com.