Washing Machine Pipe Leaks Cause Major Water Damage

There is very little that a washing machine can do to cost you money.  Getting your clothes cleaned and not having to manually do that actually will save you time and money in the long run, but what happens when your washing machine springs a leak?  The first thing that you might do is think that you can fix it quickly without any major damage.  That might be the case, but what if it happens when you are not home?  What if you are gone for a weekend vacation and your washing machine pipe leaks the entire time?  The leak would certainly cause some damage and depending on where your washing machine is located, the damage can be major.  Your washing machine could be located right near a drain and that would be ideal, but what if it is not?  This is something that you should have planned out in case of an emergency situation like you coming home to a flooded situation.

In the Orlando area, there is one company that you can call, DryFast Systems.  The property damage mitigation specialists at DryFast are available 24 hours per day and can help you clean up the water damage that came from your leaking washing machine pipe.  Many times when we have leaks or flooding inside the home, there is the threat of mold.  The experienced employees at DryFast can help you to keep the mold from growing or at least have it cleaned up for you so your family is safe.  The IICRC Certified technicians that work for the company will help you to avoid this type of disaster that can come from something so small.  Even though the company deals with commercial and industrial water damage, the leaking washing machine pipe would fall under the residential water damage restoration they are also trained in.  The DryFast team will also give you a plan of action in case you come home to a flooded basement or upper level caused by leaking pipes.

The first thing you are going to want to do is stay calm.  If you have a plan of attack, you can save many of your possessions as long as you stay calm the entire time.  Once you give the pros at DryFast a call, cutting the power might be the next thing on your list and that keep other things from happening, like injuries due to electrocution.  While you are waiting for the technicians to arrive at your location, safely get to the small items that you can save.  Items like books, photo albums, small chairs and anything else that might be damaged by water immediately.  Getting through the damaged that was caused by your leaking washing machine pipe can be a very daunting task, but the technicians are trained to accomplish those types of task, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.  Before a disaster occurs, you could follow these simple tips to make sure it does not happen to your washing machine pipes.

If you are installing a new washing machine, make sure that you buy the hoses that you need and that they are the proper length.  Make sure the hoses are the proper fit for the space you have and do not try and force the hoses into place.  In order to avoid kinks in your hose, make sure that your washing machine is more than 3 to 4 inches from the wall.  This should be enough roof to avoid any sharp bends in the hoses that can cause an issue with water pressure.  Always double check your washing machine hoses for holes or signs of wear.  The best practice would be to check the hoses two times per year.  In most areas of the country, you change the clocks in your home that many times, so it would be a nice reminder.  If you are going to be away for an extended time, turn the water off to the hoses.  This will reduce the water pressure in the hose and allow it to last longer.

Because maintaining the washing machine hoses is so important, make sure you are doing it properly.  If you do not feel that you can accomplish this task, call DryFast Systems and have them train you on the proper inspection methods.

Spotting Hidden Water Damage And Water Damaged Drywall

Water damage is a huge issue for homeowners especially in Florida. Water damage in its initial stage is often hidden away from our view. Besides posing threat to the beauty and life of our house, the moisture triggers molds, which in turn affects our health adversely. The damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor, such as water spots that could eventually surface, or it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a major contributor to loss of property and property values.

The water damage should be tracked down as fast as possible; any delay will result in unnecessary losses and mold development. While trying to spot the water damage, keep a wide eye on the following facts, which could help you locate your water damage before it becomes a bigger issue.

1.Water stains:

That water stain on the ceiling or wall can be an obvious sign of water damage beneath. If a water spot suddenly pops up, it's time to get a professional into your house to check it out and find out where the water came from. If you are looking into purchasing an old house and you see water stains, be wary. Ask for proof that the source of the damage has been repaired. While looking for stains, concentrate on common areas that are exposed to water, around windows or the bottom of exterior doors, indicating that water is entering from the outside, at the joint between the ceiling and an exterior wall, etc.

 2.Buckling floors and walls:

This is another very clear sign, and it is often the mark of an extensive problem. The drywall or wood absorbs water, which makes it swell. The result is a buckling that you can see or feel when you walk over the area. This can happen over time, such as through a small shower leak, or it can happen all at once, especially after a major storm.

3.Crumbling areas:

The crumbling of wood can indicate moisture. Pay attention to the area around the windows and doors. Any sort of crumbling could indicate the wood is falling apart because of water infiltration. You can also see wood powder just beneath the windows or doors indicating a heavier crumbling going within.

4.Dusty smell:

Odor is a good indicator of water damage. In a basement, closet, bathroom or other room any damp and musty odor is a possible warning that you have excess moisture, water leakage or the beginnings of water damage. Carefully examining the area to find the source of the moisture is the first step in getting the problem repaired and stopping the water damage from getting worse.

5.Mold growth:

Mold and mildew on fabrics, wallpaper and other things in your home, especially attic trusses and basement walls are indicators of water damage. This could be occurring due to humidity in the air, or water leaks and possibly other plumbing issues. Again, determine the source and fix the problem before attempting to repair the water-damaged materials.

6. Stagnant water:

Standing water on the floor or near a plumbing area can be a good indicator that there is damage behind a wall or from the ceiling. Any time you see water; there is a good chance that there is damage somewhere near to the water. Some of the most common places are around bathtubs, sinks and showers, basements and attics.

7.Hidden leaks:

Sometimes you can sense a water leak, but you can't see it anywhere. If you suspect a hidden leak coming from your roof, try to use your ears to locate it. When it starts to rain, turn off everything in the house, including your central heat and air. The sound of water dripping through your roof is very different from the sound of water landing on your roof; try to listen to it. This could also help you track the hidden leaks and thus protecting your attics from getting damaged.

If you need professional water damage remediation, don’t hesitate to call us here at Dryfast Systems! We are experts, and are here to help you.

Preventing the Growth of Mold in Your Bathroom

Due to the moisture in your bathroom, it is a conducive spot for the growth of mold. Here are some tips to prevent the growth of this menace in your bathroom:

1. Plumbing lines inside the exterior walls are bound to leak easily because of temperature variations. Placing plumbing lines inside interior walls will help the situation. If they have to be placed inside exterior walls, provide adequate insulation for them.

2. Such provisions in a bathroom like steam showers and whirlpool tubs are high on steam production. A high quality bath fan can salvage the situation. Use the fan whenever you are taking the steam bath and leave it on for 30 minutes after you are through with the bathroom door closed.

3. Condensation is likely to occur in the toilet tank especially during summer. This moisture is a clear recipe for mold growth. Use an insulation kit for the tank to protect your bathroom. You might also wish to use an anti-sweat valve which to channel sufficient amounts of hot water to the tank preventing condensation.

4. For tiled bathroom floors, grout lines provide an avenue for water leaks. To prevent this, you may need to reduce the number of grout lines by going for a single piece layout plan.

5. The climate of your location should inspire the kind of bathroom wall erected for you. If your locality is cold or warm, an expert should provide the best kind of design to reduce the chances of mold growth.

 

If you believe that you’re seeing some issues of mold growth in your bathroom, or believe that you’re prone to it, call our Orlando Water Damage professionals. We can look at your bathroom and tell you if there are any hazards to be aware of, or we can fix whatever problem that you’re seeing.