How to Prevent Water Damage from Dishwashers

Name: SERVPRO of Dallas Love
Address: 6333 Denton Drive, Dallas, TX, 75235
Telephone: (214) 272-7600

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Water Damage from Dishwashers

At SERVPRO of Dallas Love, we’ve been helping homeowners resolve all sorts of water damage and mold problems.

A dishwasher is one of the most useful appliances in your home. It saves time and keeps your dishes clean. But did you know a dishwasher has the potential for causing water damage to your home?

The damage from a dishwasher could be from a burst pipe, causing your kitchen to flood. Or there could be a small leak that goes unnoticed. And before you know it, there is mold growth in your kitchen.

How can you prevent a dishwasher from causing expensive water damage in your home? Here are seven helpful tips.

How to Prevent Dishwasher Flooding

It’s vital to promptly address any leaks from a dishwasher. Minor issues can quickly become major problems if they go unnoticed and unattended for an extended period. The resulting damage can destroy ceilings, flooring, walls creating structural damage increasing the risks for mold growth and infestation.

Here are the top tips on preventing a flood from your dishwasher.

1. Read your dishwasher manual.

This might include the best loading instructions, soap types, and cleaning maintenance. These recommendations can prevent your dishwasher from causing water damage to your house.

2. Regularly check the float switch.

Since a float switch indicates the water level inside the dishwasher, it should be checked regularly. The float switch shuts down the flow when the water reaches the appropriate level. If the float switch is faulty, it can cause the dishwasher to overflow, causing extensive water damage.

3. Check for clogs.

Keeping the kitchen and drain pipe clear and free from blockages is essential. For example, a blocked drain hose can burst, causing dishwasher water damage to your home. Therefore, it’s good practice to inspect the pipes regularly for signs of leakage. In addition, ensure the waste disposal is in proper operational condition.

4. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on dishwasher maintenance.

This will keep it functioning correctly, minimizing the chance of a leak. Check the rubber seals and unclog nozzles that might cause leakage from a dishwasher.

5. Install the proper equipment and parts for the dishwasher.

If you replace the drain hoses during your routine maintenance checks, ensure that you purchase the correct type of hose and size. Preferably, use recommended replacement parts, not cheap imports, because they will last longer.

6. Check the plumbing.

Check your dishwasher after six months to ensure your plumbing is in good condition.

Dishwashers have two main water lines — one heading to the drain and another supplying water. A regular inspection of the supply line, drainage, drain pump, and the water inlet valve will ensure no hidden leaks causing unnoticeable water damage.

7. Operate your dishwasher when someone’s home.

Dishwashers give a warning sign there is excess water and a risk of flooding. Unattended dishwashers may put you in for a big shock when you find the home flooding causing severe water damage. Dishwashers should run when someone is at home before much damage occurs.

Does Your Dishwasher Leak and Cause Water Damage?

Have you noticed signs of water damage from a dishwasher or another household appliance? If so, it’s vital to call a local water damage restoration company to assess and mitigate the damage.