The 4 Most Common Causes of Water Damage in Your Kitchen

The potential for water damage is rife in standard kitchens. Daily use of water-dependent appliances and sinks can lead to leaks that may go unnoticed until costly repairs are required. It is important to monitor and maintain everything that uses water in your kitchen to avoid water damage and ensure your kitchen remains leak-free.  

Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of water damage in your kitchen.

1. Dishwashers

Most of us depend on a dishwasher to keep our flatware, glassware, plates, and bowls sparkling. I mean, who really wants to go back to the days of pruney fingers and elbow grease? They can, however, become potential sources of leaks and water damage if they are not used and maintained properly. 

A clogged filter is a common problem that occurs from not cleaning larger bits of food from dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. This will impede draining and lead to leaks. Likewise, overloading a dishwasher with unrinsed dishes puts unnecessary strain on the appliance, causing quicker wear and tear to hoses and gaskets, and subsequent leaking.  

If the leak is under the dishwasher, it may go unnoticed until water damage has set in. If you suspect your dishwasher is clogged, or that it may be leaking from underneath, check for warping of the floor and contact a repair technician.

2. Refrigerators

These food-chilling kitchen features may be one of the most essential contemporary conveniences, but there are various reasons your refrigerator may leak and cause water damage: 

• Clogged defrost drain 
• Clogged water line 
• Uneven fridge 

Check for water pooling in or around the fridge to diagnose the leak and prevent water damage under or around the refrigerator.

3. Sinks and Faucets

As possibly the most used area in the kitchen, the sink is prone to leaks and water damage. Clogged or damaged pipes can allow water to collect and seep under the sink and in the walls, and may not be detected until mold growth or significant water damage is visible. 

Faucets are another leak source as they tend to wear out over time. This, however, can be easily spotted and fixed before any significant water damage is incurred. 

4. Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposals are great for grinding up whatever chunks of food we chuck down the drain, but if we’re not careful, they can become the leaky culprits of water damage. 

If the flange connecting your garbage disposal and sink drain is loose, you will likely experience leaking from the top of your unit. Leaking from the sides is likely caused by loose drain lines while worn-out internal seals can lead to a leak from the bottom of the disposal.

The Takeaway

In this day in age, it’s hard to imagine living without any of the aforementioned appliances. Using them properly and checking them regularly are good habits to form as some leaks may be less noticeable than others. 

If any of these sources spring a kitchen leak and significantly seep into your structure, contact the folks at 24 Hour Flood Pros to remedy any amount of water damage you may have sustained.