Are Hiding Appliance Leaks Causing Damage Right Under Your Nose? | SERVPRO of East Cobb

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business experiences water damage call SERVPRO of East Cobb. We make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Most homeowners assume that if there were a leak in their home, they would know about it—and in many cases, that may be true. Leaking pipes that are exposed, water seepage around faucets and other types of water damage can pop up in places that are quite noticeable and easy to address. Unfortunately, however, it is not always this apparent when a leak arises.

Hidden water leaks are a dreaded occurrence, as they can cause a significant amount of damage before they are ever detected by a homeowner. While there are some signs of water damage you can look out for, when leaks occur behind appliances, they can be impossible to spot.

Below, we have a list of the appliances to check so you do not have any sneaky leaks causing you a headache!

Indicators That You May Have a Hidden Leak

Increased Water Usage on Your Bill | A family of four uses about 12,000 gallons of water per month on average, so if you notice your bills reflect more than this, you may have a leak. To check, monitor your water meter over a two-hour span when nothing is in use—this will tell you quickly if there is a leak present.

Give to Your Subfloor | If you walk near your appliances and notice that the subfloor has more give to it than normal, this may indicate a leak. When the subfloor absorbs water, it can become soggy and squishy.

An Odd Odor | The first hint of water damage will typically be an odd odor near the impacted area, which can be caused by mold and mildew growth. If you notice this odor near any of your appliances, that may be a sign that water damage is afoot.

The Appliances to Check Regularly for Hidden Leaks

• The Refrigerator: Check under it, behind it and where the water line connects.
• The Washing Machine: Make sure all hoses are connected properly and there is no sign of water damage on the wall.
• The Dishwasher: Watch under the dishwasher when it is in use for any signs of water dripping onto the floor below.

*If you discover that your home is impacted by water damage, let SERVPRO of East Cobb help. Contact us today to learn more about water restoration or to get details on our process.