Water is essential to cooking and cleaning in the kitchen. But water, in large amounts and in the wrong areas, can lead to disastrous cases of water damage. Homeowners can prevent minor and major water damage in the kitchen by knowing its various causes.
A functional and often-utilized kitchen is filled with water damage hazards. Water boiling in a pot or from a drinking glass can spill. Soups simmering on the stove can splash. When left unaddressed, the liquids’ prolonged contact with surfaces can lead to water damage.
Kitchen appliances, too, can be a source of water damage. The refrigerator might spring a leak. The kitchen sink faucets can leak when its parts become worn over time. The dishwasher, as any other appliance, can malfunction and spew water onto the kitchen flooring.
Significant water damage, such as from a leaky dishwasher, will be readily apparent. In such cases, the water damage can be repaired right away. However, the water damage may be so minor that it is unnoticeable. Minor water damage can develop into a major problem later on.
1. Sink and Faucet
The kitchen sink is likely the most utilized area of the kitchen, and the risk for water damage in this area is high without basic maintenance. A well-installed backsplash will keep water away, and so will drying the common areas where water collects, like the sink, backsplash, and counter.
Sink faucets can also leak. Gaskets, washers, and O-rings become worn and defective as time passes and are causes for leaks. Buildup or corrosion on the faucet’s moving parts will pose an issue. Improperly installed faucets will leak from the start, even if the water intrusion is not readily apparent.
Families with children know that the sink sprayer is a fun place to play. But tugging at the sprayer nozzle during play can loosen connections. Damage to the sprayer can cause a leak in visible areas, like above the counter, or even below it. Water damage is the likely outcome.
2. Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal is a convenience. However, these useful gadgets can leak. Common areas through which the garbage disposal can leak include the spaces via which it connects to the sink or drain. Additionally, leaks can occur where the dishwasher drainpipe attaches to the garbage disposal.
3. Dishwasher
As the garbage disposal, the dishwasher is a beneficial feature of the contemporary kitchen. A dishwasher, however, must function properly—which means it should not leak. If the appliance does leak, water will spill out in either of two ways: through the door or underneath.
Dishwashers that leak water through the door may simply be caused by normal wear and tear. While appliance age is a factor, a homeowner may end up causing the leak, and subsequent water damage, when adding excess soap, loading too many dishes, or improperly loading dishes.
Leaks under the dishwasher may be a result of cracks in the hoses, gasket failure, and loose connections to the drainpipes or water source. Unnoticeable leaks may occur for a prolonged period underneath the dishwasher. The stealthy leaks cause damage to flooring and mold growth.
Signs of water intrusions from the dishwasher may not be readily apparent. However, the warping of the floor under the appliance, nearby wet spots, or unusual softness along the floor are warnings that the dishwasher is leaking. In fact, a warped floor means water damage has set in.
4. Refrigerator
Another contemporary convenience, the refrigerator is a prized possession. But broken water lines can lead to leaks and subsequent water damage. Water lines, whether copper or plastic, can develop cracks; plus, gaskets may fail. Waterline failures cause major flooding in short periods.
A harmless activity, like pulling out the refrigerator to clean, can cause breakage in the tubing. Water lines also have the potential to break when pushing the appliance back into place. The freezer’s tubing might also freeze and burst, causing water to accumulate underneath.
Some homeowners lay a mat under the water and ice dispensers to catch stray moisture droplets. While effective, the mats should be removed and dried out regularly. Without this preventive step, the mats will retain moisture and cause water damage to the floor underneath.
5. Water Cooler
A water cooler in the kitchen is a luxury. However, such indulgences should be monitored regularly to prevent water damage. Leaks can occur when spouts become loose or crack. A cracked jug may trickle small amounts of water onto the floor. A cracked gasket will allow unwanted water seepage.
6. Water Pipes
On harsh winter days, the outdoor temperature can dip to below freezing. Inside, the pipes under the kitchen sink can freeze and burst. Floodwaters will submerge the floor. Significant water damage is not too far behind. If the pipes don’t burst, the frozen water can compromise connections and cause leaks.
Water damage in the kitchen may not always be preventable. Unanticipated disasters can occur, even when the kitchen and its appliances are properly maintained. When you are faced with any level of water damage, consult the water damage restoration pros at ServiceMaster EMT.
Experienced technicians from ServiceMaster EMT arrive promptly after your call to assess the extent of water damage. After our inspection, we extract the excess water using high-tech equipment. Our advanced dehumidification process subsequently eliminates all unwanted moisture from the area.
We carefully monitor the drying process from start to finish. Upon extracting the water and drying the immediate environment, our specialists begin the cleaning and restoration of all affected materials. Your property is returned to its pre-loss condition in a swift and timely manner.
Water damage of any size is a serious issue in a home or business and must be addressed immediately.
Without attention from professional water damage restoration experts, structural damage, such as warping and swelling, and mold infestations will further destroy the property.
Contact Us
Water damage spreads fast. Choose ServiceMaster EMT in California and/or Nevada when your home or business undergoes water damage. Our water damage cleanup specialists stand by 365 days a year to respond to emergency calls from residential homeowners and area businesses.
