Seeing a little water on the floor may be nothing. It’s when you have a lot of water on the floor or water stains on the ceiling that you know you have a real problem. Water damage can lead to rotten floorboards; damaged carpeting, rugs, furniture and possessions; and problems with mold.

But did you know that your water heater and washing machine are the most likely culprits of serious damage – even more than Mother Nature? Water heater and washing machine failures lead to one out of every 10 water-damage-related insurance claims.

Almost two thirds of all washing machine malfunctions occur due to internal component failure, machine leaks, and leaking or bursting supply hoses. Malfunctioning supply hoses actually account for over half of all failures. The average age for hose failure is 8.7 years since hoses are rarely replaced until they fail.

Most water heaters last 8 to 15 years. Water heater failures are due to:

• Sediment deposits corroding the tank and heater elements;
• Wear and tear on the tank and pipes from moving water;
• The extreme temperature swings from constantly heating cold water.

Generally, water heaters fail gradually, but not always. Signs of impeding failure include water under the heater, hissing or whistling valves, and/or chronic hot water shortages. Once these signs occur, prompt repair action is required.

Water leaks are the most common cause of residential property damage, even more so than fire. Therefore to minimize any potential water damage in your home, you should take the following steps:

• Regularly check washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks, fraying and leaks around the hose ends. If a problem is found, replace the hose. For proactive maintenance, replace hoses every 3 to 5 years. Consider replacing hoses with stainless steel-braided or mesh hoses. Leave at least 4 inches of hose between the water connection and the back of the washing machine to ensure the hose doesn’t kink. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
• Don’t leave the washing machine running when you leave home.
• Replace your water heater once every 10 years. Install a catch pan and drain. Regularly inspect your water heater for leaks and signs of rust.
• Shut off the water to your home if you’re going to be away for several days. Make sure everyone in your family knows where your home’s water shutoff valve is and how to operate it.
• Consider installing a water leak detection system to alert you of any leaks or failures. Or install individual appliance systems to automatically shut off the water supply in case of a leak.

If you do detect a leak or have water damage, immediately turn off the water supply. Remove any standing water and begin drying the area right away to prevent further damage from mold. Contact a plumber and a water extraction company if needed. Take photos or video of the damage before repairs are done for insurance purposes. Keep any receipts from the clean up. And, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to see if your losses are covered. Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies usually cover water damage repairs caused by water heater and washing machine failure due to normal wear and tear.

Grandview Lending has your best interest in mind when it comes to your home. If you’re thinking of moving in the future, we’re here to help answer your questions.