Can appliances really cause serious water damage? Yes, they can - and often do. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that some of the most destructive water damage starts from everyday appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters. A loose hose might not seem like much until it floods your floors and feeds mold.

In this blog, we’ll go through the most common causes of water damage from appliance leaks, warning signs to watch for, and how Swift Restoration and Remodeling can help homeowners in Ogden, UT, prevent future disasters and recover with professional water damage restoration Ogden UT.

Water Damage from Appliance Leaks: 6 Top Causes

Here’s how a faulty appliance can quickly lead to major water damage in your property:

Washing Machine Leaks

Washing machines use a large amount of water in short cycles. Cracked hoses, loose connections, or a faulty water inlet valve can leak so much water that they can flood your laundry room in just minutes. Many homeowners don’t notice a leak until water has seeped into other rooms. Learn how to safely handle these situations in our guide on how to clean up water after an appliance leak.

Dishwasher Leaks

Dishwashers are one of the most common causes of water damage in homes. But where exactly do leaks start in dishwashers? Well, the drips often start from worn-out door seals, clogged drains, or broken pumps. A tiny drip under the dishwasher can go unnoticed until the flooring becomes soft or the color starts to fade.

Broken or Leaking Water Heaters

Over time, sediment buildup and corrosion can cause your water heater tank to rust or even burst. And even though a slow leak at the base of the unit might seem harmless, it can ruin surrounding floors and walls. But how to handle the potential damage? For fast action tips, check out our post on what to do when a water heater bursts.

Refrigerator Waterline Leaks

Many modern refrigerators have built-in ice makers or water dispensers that are connected to a water supply line. If the line becomes kinked, cracked, or disconnected, it can leak behind the fridge for days without being detected.

Malfunctioning Fire Sprinklers

Though it’s not that common, malfunctioning fire sprinkler systems can accidentally activate or leak. When this happens, it’s usually from freezing or some kind of mechanical failure and it can quickly result in a flood in your home or business.

Garbage Disposal Leaks

Garbage disposals are connected to your sink’s plumbing. When the connections get loose or the gaskets wear out, it can lead to leaks inside cabinets or underneath the sink. Why is this a problem? Apart from the water damage cleanup you may need, this is a prime spot for mold that can form in as little as 24 hours.

How Can You Tell if Your Appliance Is Leaking?

You don’t always need a flood to know water is damaging your space. But catching small leaks early can save you a major headache. Look out for these early signs of water damage:

• Puddles or damp spots around or behind appliances
• Soft or warped flooring nearby
• Musty odors or mildew
• Rust on appliance components or nearby pipes
• A spike in your water bill
• Gurgling sounds, dripping, or unusual noises

Prevention Tips: How to Keep Your Appliances from Causing Water Damage

Routine maintenance and inspections are one of the main tips to prevent water damage. Here’s what you can do to avoid hidden and messy leaks:

1. Inspect hoses and connections every 6 months: Look for signs of wear, corrosion, or looseness behind your washer, dishwasher, and fridge.
2. Replace rubber hoses with braided steel lines: These are more durable and less prone to sudden failure, especially on washing machines and dishwashers.
3. Check seals and gaskets regularly: Worn seals around dishwasher doors or fridge compartments can let water leak out when the machine is in use.
4. Flush and inspect your water heater once a year: Draining the tank helps prevent sediment buildup that can lead to corrosion and leaks.
5. Never ignore small leaks or puddles: The sooner you respond, the less chance water has to seep into walls, subfloors, or cabinets.

How Swift Restoration and Remodeling Can Help in Ogden, UT

When you’re dealing with appliance-related water damage, you need fast, experienced professionals who can find the source, fix the problem, and restore your property. At Swift Restoration and Remodeling, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Ogden, UT recover from unexpected leaks caused by faulty appliances.

Whether it’s your dishwasher, water heater, or refrigerator, we’ll get to the root of the issue - and help you prevent it from happening again.

Our services include:

• 24/7 emergency water damage response
• Water extraction and drying
• Appliance inspection and leak detection
• Mold prevention and remediation
• Structural repairs and remodeling
• Insurance assistance and claims support

Call Swift Restoration and Remodeling Today for Expert Water Solutions!

A leaking appliance may seem like a small issue, but it can turn into a major restoration job if left unaddressed. If you’ve spotted water near your appliances or suspect a hidden leak, don’t wait. Call our team at Swift Restoration and Remodeling at (385) 412-8633 today for fast, professional water damage restoration in Ogden, UT, or fill out this online form for a free estimate. We’re here 24/7 to protect your home and restore your comfort!