Preventing Water Damage in your Home
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.