Five Leak Risks that Can Flood Your Fort Mill Home

8/27/2015 (Permalink)

Appliances that you use daily can pose the largest risks of flooding.

Five Leak Risks that Can Flood Your Home

Floods often happen seemingly without warning and can cause immense Fort Mill water damage. Appliances that you use daily can pose the largest risks of flooding. Review the following five items that SERVPRO experts have identified as risks that could flood your home.

Water Heater
Because hot water heaters hold such large amounts of water, they are the biggest risks for leaks. Three-quarters of all water heaters fail before they're 12 years old. Leaks and burst tanks cause 70% of water heater failures, costing an average of $4000 to resolve the damage.

To mitigate this risk, regularly check your tank for leaks and have it professionally serviced each year. Install a catch pan with a drain so that overflows of water can drain outside the building. Replacing your water heater after ten years can significantly reduce flood risk.

Washing Machine
Broken washing machine hoses cause over half of all Fort Mill water damage incidents and the damage averages over $6000.
To mitigate this risk, inspect hoses monthly with a special focus on discoloration, kinks, bulges, blisters, or cracks. Hire a professional to replace damaged hoses you find. For additional protection, turn off the water supply while you're on vacation.

Dishwasher
Most dishwashers last 10-12 years. Resolving Fort Mill flood damage caused by a dishwasher leak can exceed $5000.
To mitigate this risk, run the dishwasher only when you're home to notice and address any issues. Tighten the drain line that connects to the plumbing below the sink. Don't ignore any small leak; immediately replace the water supply line. Steel braided hoses last longer than rubber ones.

Refrigerator
Ice makers cause the most water leaks in refrigerators. Ice makers can last for as little as five years. To mitigate this risk, replace copper water lines with an alternative one of braided steel. Each year, check the water supply line that leads to the refrigerator. With each check, ensure that the compression nut is tight so that you can prevent a slow drip from turning into a larger leak or causing unseen Fort Mill water damage.

Air Conditioner
Air conditioning units in attics pose the largest risk for widespread damage because their leaks can affect entire homes. Floods caused by a leaky air conditioner cost $5000 on average.

To mitigate this risk, install a secondary drain line and an overflow switch on the drain pan. Routine air conditioner maintenance can prevent leaks.

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