How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Kitchen
For many Americans, the kitchen is the home’s center of operations. It’s where you cook, clean, eat, congregate, and maybe even play board games on a Friday night. It gets a lot of use and sees a lot of spills. And between the sink and all the water-using appliances, there’s a good chance your kitchen will endure water damage at some point.
Water damage can range from minor to devastating, leading to dangerous mold, destruction to house structures, and thousands of dollars in restoration costs. It’s no small matter. Thankfully there are some things you can do to prevent or mitigate water damage in your kitchen.
Inspect Appliance Hoses
Your dishwasher, fridge water filter, and ice maker all have water supply lines which wear out over time. Make a habit of checking underneath your appliances for puddles, dampness, or water marks. If there are kinks, loose connections, or tears in the appliance hoses, water will make its way to the floor and surrounding walls and cabinetry. Replace old or busted supply lines with new ones. Opt for braided stainless steel flex hoses as these are more durable and will last longer.
Keep Your Garbage Disposal Clean
Are you using your garbage disposal properly? Many people don’t realize that there are limits to what your disposal can do. Clogs and jams in your garbage disposal can wreak havoc on your kitchen sink plumbing, leading to leaks, backups, and subsequent water damage. However, if you keep your garbage disposal clean, you can keep these issues at bay. To avoid clogs, avoid tossing in bones, seeds, fibrous foods, and starchy scraps. Also, fats, oils, and grease can coagulate and block up the unit and your drainpipe. Regularly clean your garbage disposal blades by grinding up ice cubes, salt, and citrus peels.
Replace Worn Out Caulk
Worn out caulk could be causing silent water damage to your kitchen. The purpose of caulk is to seal cracks and prevent water and debris from seeping through. If the caulk is faulty, water will slowly find its way into those crevices. Inspect the area around your kitchen sink and between the wall and countertop. If the caulk looks frayed or moldy, peel it off and apply a fresh caulk designed for kitchens and bathrooms.
Protect the Space Underneath Your Sink
The space just below your sink is probably made of wood. If your sink pipes ever leak, the water will destroy that space and generate mold growth. Coating it with a water-resistant paint will provide a protective barrier and mitigate any possible water damage. For even more protection, you can install peel-and-stick vinyl. Once you’re done, line the space with plastic storage bins to keep cleaning products off the surface.
Fix Leaks Immediately
If you do encounter a leak, do not let it go. Even slow leaks can cause extensive damage. Leaky faucets, pipes, hoses, and appliances should all be repaired or replaced immediately, preferably by a licensed plumber. As an extra precaution, never run the dishwasher when no one is home. If the dishwasher leaks and there isn’t anyone there to catch it, it will quickly flood the kitchen.
Prevent Water Damage in Your Kitchen With Restoration Services From Stephens Plumbing
Serving areas around Orange County and the South Bay, Stephens Plumbing is equipped to handle water damage from soup to nuts. We will repair leaks, remove standing water and moisture from the space, and do everything we can to restore the area. Water damage restoration can be a daunting process but Stephens Plumbing is here to make it as painless as possible. Whether you’re a new or existing customer, be sure to check our site regularly for the latest deals!