Being a homeowner has plenty of issues and responsibilities that can arise unforeseen. Water damage in your home, whether it be small or large, is an issue that needs to be acted upon quickly otherwise it can be a disaster for you in the future. One popular cause of water damage is your washing machine. Mihalko’s Fire & Water Restoration team has witnessed the damage a washing machine can do to your home.
Farmers Insurance reports that a burst water supply line causes half of all water damage incidents involving washing machines. And on average, each incident caused more than $5,000 in housing property damage. Most of these damages can be prevented. So what are the keys to keeping you washing machine from causing flooding mess?
Keep it level and replace your hoses to avoid water damage.
Washing machines can vibrate and do a little “walking” if they’re overloaded with clothes, unbalanced or not on a level surface. Over time, this can cause cracks and loosen water hoses, causing a little dripping on the floor or even a full out flood. Make sure your washing machine is level, and try running small loads of laundry to keep it from moving.
It’s also a good idea to change out your machine’s rubber water hoses every 5 or so year. Old hoses can tear and spray, so you want to change them out before they cause any water damage.
Replacing your water hoses is pretty easy. Follow these steps:
- Unplug your washing machine.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Unscrew the old hoses from the back of the machine and the water supply.
- Screw in the new hose. (consider using stainless steel, since they’re stronger and last longer)
- Turn on the water and plug the machine back in.
It should no take long, and it’s definitely easier, and less costly than dealing with water damage mess! Now if it’s too late, give us a call at any of our 3 Mihalko’s locations and we’ll provide you and your home with care during this miserable time of need. We’ll quickly restore your damaged home to have it looking the way it once did.
Thank you to Farmers Insurance for providing the tips to keep your home safe.
