Here are answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions:

Q: How do I know if I have water damage in my kitchen?

A: The following are typical signs of water damage in the kitchen:

• Leaks under the sink
  
• Slow draining pipes
  
• Cracked tile or missing grout
  
• Soft or stained walls or floors
  
• Leaks under and around the base of the dishwasher
  
• Moisture behind the refrigerator 

Q: I can see discoloration on the wall near my utility sink and the wall is getting softer.  Does that mean there is a problem?
A: Stained or discolored walls around the utility sink probably means there is a leak in the pipes behind the stained wall.  Fixing these pipes usually requires professional help.

Q: What are the warning signs for water damage caused by the refrigerator?
A: Generally, there are three red flags for water damage originating by the refrigerator:

• Moisture behind or under the refrigerator, including water accumulating on the coils
  
• Leaks from the hose connection and seals (Commonly found in the icemaker’s water supply line) 
• Mold growth in the drain pan, which indicates an ongoing problem that must be treated immediately.  This should be checked quarterly.