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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
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