Water damage is common in kitchens and leads to expensive repairs due to damage to counters, cupboards, floors, and even walls. In addition to this, water damage can lead to mold, which may require expensive mold remediation. However, most of these problems could be prevented with some preventative care and maintenance. We will give you some tips on how to do this in this article.

Sinks

Since your kitchen sink is used so frequently, it is easy to end up with water all around it. Then, if the water ends up sitting for a while, it can easily lead to water damage on the countertops or even the cabinets or wall near the sink. Under the sink is another common spot for water damage. If your faucet is leaking or your drain gets clogged, water could leak into the cabinet under the sink. If this is not fixed promptly, the dark, damp area under the sink could quickly develop mold. So, make sure you check for leaks in and around your sink.

Refrigerators

You probably see your refrigerator every day, but most people do not often look behind it. This means you often will not notice when a leak develops. This area should be regularly inspected to check for leaks and mold growth.

Many refrigerators have built-in ice makers, and the water supply needs to be checked to ensure it is correctly attached and snug. The refrigerator’s drip pan should also be inspected to ensure it isn’t overflowing or leaking.

If there are any issues that cannot be immediately resolved, a repair service will need to quickly address them before mold develops. If mold is already present, you should contact a mold remediation service to help.

Garbage Disposals

The garbage disposal can be another common source of kitchen leaks. Like other drains, garbage disposals can clog, leading to leaks, backups, and water damage. But in a garbage disposal, water can also leak from damaged seals, hoses, and connections.

Be sure to visibly inspect all of these things regularly, as well as signs they may be leaking. But, remember, for garbage disposals, prevention is key. Make sure to only run the disposal with water running and only dispose of soft food products. Other foods or items do not belong in your disposal and should be disposed of properly instead.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers are probably the most common source of kitchen leaks. Whenever your dishwasher does not empty correctly, leaks are nearly guaranteed. For this reason, it is essential to inspect it regularly.

First of all, check the drain filter to ensure it is not blocked and then the float switch. The drain needs to be cleaned regularly when debris builds up, but if for some reason it does, the float switch should operate to turn the water off before it overflows.  If the float switch appears rusty or stuck up with debris, this will need to be corrected.

Next, check the door seal, hoses, and connections for damage. Finally, examine the base of the dishwasher for signs of leakage. For dishwasher’s the most important thing to remember is regularly emptying your drain filter to prevent clogs.

Conclusion

Your kitchen has more sources of water than any other part of your home. This makes it more likely to develop leaks and water damage requiring costly repairs. For this reason, prevention and regular maintenance are important to prevent costly repair bills. By committing to making regular inspections of your sinks and appliances, you may save yourself a lot on repair bills down the line.

Contact Us

For more information on preventing water damage or for help with restoration, call us at 1-800-847-0114 or connect with us on Facebook.