Sitetitle

Prevent Water Damage in the Laundry Room

 The washer and drier are usually located in the laundry room and create heat and moisture. Simple maintenance is required to help avoiding water problems and mold.

The Washer

The washer is connected to both cold and hot water lines. Check them frequently. Start with the joints and fix a leak if you find it. Be sure to check both ends of the water lines. Clean or replace the filters once in a while. A blocked filter will slow the water flow into the washing machine, and may cause some malfunctions. This problem is worse in areas with "hard water". Inspect the shut off valve by looking for drips into the washing machine while it is not in use. If you detect a leak, replace the valve.

Hoses & Filters

Like in most appliances, problems often start in the hose. Keep at least 4 inches between the water connection and the back of the washer. This space will prevent the hose from kinking and bursting. Check the hoses and replace them if old. Consider installing steel-braided hoses.

The Dryer

The dryer is connected to a ventilation hose. Check it carefully. The dryer ventilation hose must be connected to the outdoors. Search for lint behind and under the dryer and make sure the vent pipe is not clogged. Make the exhaust short as possible for the dryer to vent efficiently,

Utility Sink

The utility sink is sometimes the source for water related problems. Search for leaks under the sink. A drip in the trap under the sink can be a sign for problems and should be repaired immediately. Slow draining pipes may indicate a partially blocked drain. A constantly dripping faucet must me repaired promptly. Replace sink seals if they are cracked or loose. Damped or stained walls around plumbing pipes indicate an internal leak that must be fixed before additional damage occurs.

For more information visit www.RestorationSOS.com Free guides are available



About the author:

The author is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS™, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water and fire damage prevention, visit  Terry Allen

More Articles 

Home Pest Control: Battling Against Mosquitoes on the Home Front - Sarah Yee
In addition to the fact that mosquitoes are both annoying and cause some level of discomfort when you’re unfortunate enough to be the entree on their daily menu, they also carry disease which can affect the animal, bird and human populations. In...

Used But Not Used Up - Gene Miller
Some DIY Maintence will put Used tools back in Main Stream Operation: Professional grade tools are made to withstand long hours of use and abuse. Many home shops have a number of Professional grad tools but for the most part most home shops...

Basement Dehumidifier Basics - Carlo Morelli
When constructed properly and with the appropriate air conditioning and ventilation, a basement should be dry. But many basements are particularly prone to dampness because of their poor design and ventilation. Dampness like this is a...

The Central Fireplace Difference - Daniel Gipe
Since the start of using gas to fuel the fireplaces instead of the standard wood fuel, there has been many obstacles to over come with this fairly new view on fireplace technology. Maintenance is the most important reason to go with this type of...

Owning vs. Renting - Kirsten Hawkins
In the recipe known as the American Dream, it’s one of the main ingredients: Owning your own home. With the real estate market of America in constant flux, it’s not as simple as it sounds to obtain. For those who are just starting out in the credit...

Notions of Home Improvement - Tony Robinson
Home improvement is affordable at times, yet at other times, it could cost you a fortune. Home improvement plans do not have to be expensive, yet when homeowners let go of repairs it can lead to outrageous results. If you are considering...

Real Estate Terms – From Home Inspections To Personal Property - Raynor James
When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “home inspection.” 1) Home Inspection – an inspection of the...

Digging Out of Paper Clutter - Part 2 - Marc Rifkin
We previously noted that papers must be sorted before they can be properly filed. Continuing from our last article, your sort has left you with two piles - ‘to file’ and ‘to throw away/recycle.’ You’ve tossed the garbage/recycling, so now you...

Patio Maintenance in Fall - Ross MacIver
Patio Maintenance in Fall Ahh fall! Crisp air, beautiful colors, and -- oh no! -- winter preparation! It's true that fall brings many household maintenance tasks, but the pleasant weather makes it enjoyable to be outside, and the time spent...

Save Money With Tankless Water Heaters - Harvey Juric
Hot water heating accounts for about 20% (or more) of the average North American household’s annual energy costs. With energy prices rising day by day it is becoming important to take a closer look at where the money is going. The average...