Preventing Water Damage In Your Kitchen

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage in the kitchen gets expensive quickly, so we’re diving into ways homeowners can avoid serious damage. With a few preventative steps and a plan in place just in case, you can avoid major water damage in the kitchen.

Prevention is Key

When taking preventative measures to avoid water damage in your kitchen or home, use this preventative checklist to ensure plumbing, fixtures, and appliances are well maintained throughout the year:

• Inspect all water hose connections to ensure they’re snug.

• Look for wet spots; this may be a sign of a soon-to-burst pipe, or loose connection.

• Check dishwasher hoses for leaks.

• Clean and check the refrigerator drip pan and ice maker connections.

• Make sure the dishwasher’s float switch is clean and not corroded. This mechanism tells the dishwasher when to stop filling with water. A broken switch can lead to major flooding.

• Inspect traps and drains under the sink. If you notice any discolored or warped flooring materials or damaged cabinets, look for leaks around the base of the sink.

• If you’ve noticed that your sink is clogged and water isn’t draining properly, you may have a blocked drain which needs to be cleaned. Drains should be kept clear at all times.

• In addition to large appliances, the garbage disposal, extra freezers, etc., should also be examined to ensure optimal use and safety.

While minor leaks and mechanical failures are often fixed without a professional, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Contact a professional repair company to ensure small problems don’t become major issues.

Have a Plan

Every minute counts when you’re faced with a flood or water leak in the kitchen, so having a plan is critical.

In a worst-case scenario, homeowners will need to shut off the main water supply to the home before addressing the broken appliance or busted pipe directly.

There are two types of valves: the main valve, which stops water flow to the entire home; and supply valves that connect to specific appliances. Look for the main water valve and turn it off clockwise to stop the flow. (Note: if the valve is a lever, turn the handle perpendicular to the water line.)

Some homes have a supply valve located near the water line of the appliance. If this is easier to get to at first, turn it off; however, the main line should still be turned off.

Homeowners should make sure they know where these water supply lines are and how to properly turn them off. Homeowners should also be sure to educate family members about where these valves are located.

If there’s been a flood in the kitchen, avoid walking through the flood water. The kitchen is full of electrical outlets and equipment that could become dangerous when exposed to water or excessive moisture.

Moreover, depending on where the flood sprang from, the water could be dirty or contaminated. Homeowners should get pets and people out of the house immediately.

Once the main water value is off and everyone is accounted for, call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County at 502.241.6861. For disaster management, you can count on SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County 24 hours a day, seven days a week.