4 Culprits of Water Damage

February 27, 2025

These 4 culprits can quickly damage your home.

Most home insurance policies cover the damage caused by a sudden and accidental leak from an appliance like a refrigerator but not the cost of fixing the appliance itself. However, your claim may not be covered if negligence or lack of maintenance is the root cause. Regular maintenance and repair of appliances can help prevent such issues and ensure coverage when needed.

Refrigerator

A 1/4-inch supply line from an ice maker moves 1 gallon of water per minute, which equals approximately 1,440 gallons in 24 hours. This can cause substantial and costly damage to flooring, sub-flooring, and walls.

Common causes:

Damaged water line: A cracked or broken water line supplying the ice maker or water dispenser can lead to significant leaks.
- Fix: Inspect the water line and the connected valve behind the refrigerator for leaks. If you find a leak at the valve, try tightening the connection. If the hose is pinched or leaking, trim away the damaged section or replace the whole hose. It is generally recommended that it be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
Clogged defrost drain: When the defrost drain is blocked, condensation builds up and overflows, causing water to leak.
- Signs of a Clogged Defrost Drain
  - Water pooling at the bottom of the refrigerator
  - Ice buildup along the back of the fridge
  - Water leaking from the refrigerator’s bottom

- Fix: Unplug the refrigerator for safety. Locate the drain tube (each refrigerator manufacturer may have it in a different location). Free the drain tube. Manually clear the tube. Clean the drain. Empty the pan. Alternatively, using a basting syringe, you can clear visible ice from the drain hole with warm water. If the defrost drain is frozen, you can use warm water to clear it.
Faulty door seal: A worn or damaged door seal or gasket allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter the fridge, leading to excessive condensation and potential leaks.
- How to Check for Damaged Door Seals
  - To check if the door seals are causing the leak, perform a simple test. Close the refrigerator door on a piece of paper. If you can easily pull the paper out, the door seal is likely damaged and needs to be replaced.
Cracked drain pan: The pan is designed to catch condensation, which can crack, causing water to leak underneath the fridge.

- Fix: Sometimes, a refrigerator leaking water is an easy fix! Simply pull out the drain pan and inspect it for cracks. If you notice damage, replace it. Head over to your local hardware store and buy a new pan.
Water filter issues: Improperly connected or faulty water filters can leak water.

- Signs of a Malfunctioning Water Filter
  - Water pooling beneath the refrigerator
  - Low or inconsistent water pressure from the dispenser
- Fix: Remove the water filter and inspect it for cracks or damage. If the filter is cracked or damaged, replace it with a new manufacturer-recommended replacement water filter. If it does not appear damaged, keep it out for at least a few hours and up to a full day. If the ice volume improves, then the filter may be clogged or incorrectly installed. Replace the filter or reinstall it correctly.
Faulty Ice Maker: The common issues are leaking water lines, frozen or blocked water supply, and internal malfunctions
Leveling problems: If the fridge is not level, the door may not seal properly, causing water to leak.

Washing Machine

A 5/8-inch supply line for a washing machine moves 12 gallons of water per minute, approximately 17,280 gallons in 24 hours—the same amount of water an 18-foot by 4-foot swimming pool holds.

Common causes:

Hoses:

Worn, cracked, or loose inlet and drain hoses are a primary cause of leaks, as they carry water in and out of the washer.
Door seal:

A damaged or worn door seal (rubber gasket) can’t create a proper watertight seal, leading to leaks around the door.
Overloading:

Putting too many clothes in the washer can cause imbalance and excessive pressure, leading to leaks.
Drain pump:

A clogged or faulty drain pump can prevent water from draining completely, causing overflow and leaks.
Tub seal:

The seal between the inner and outer tub can deteriorate over time, causing leaks from the machine’s bottom.
Leveling:

An unlevel washer can stress the seals and hoses, causing leaks.

Other potential causes:

Broken pressure switch: A faulty pressure switch can cause the machine to overfill and leak
Cracked tub: In rare cases, a cracked washing machine tub can cause leaks
Improper installation: Incorrectly installed hoses or connections can lead to leaks
Excessive suds: Using too much detergent can create excessive suds, leading to leaks

What to do if your washing machine is leaking:

Identify the source of the leak: Check all hoses, seals, and connections for visible damage or wear.
Tighten loose connections: Ensure all hoses are securely connected to the washing machine.
Replace damaged parts: If you find a damaged hose, seal, or pump, replace it with a new one.
Clean the drain pump: Regularly clean it to remove any debris that could clog it.
Level the machine: Adjust the leveling legs to ensure the washer is level on the floor.

Toilet

A 3/8-inch supply line for a toilet moves 3 gallons of water per minute, equivalent to 4,300 gallons in 24 hours.

Common causes:

Worn-out flapper:

This is the most frequent cause of a toilet leak, as the rubber seal on the flapper can deteriorate over time, allowing water to drip continuously from the tank to the bowl.
Faulty fill valve:

If the fill valve doesn’t correctly shut off the water supply, it can lead to a constant leak into the tank.
Damaged wax ring:

The wax ring seals the toilet’s base to the drainpipe; if it’s cracked or damaged, water can leak around it.
Loose connections:

Loose bolts connecting the tank to the bowl or loose fittings on the supply line can cause leaks.
Cracks in the tank or bowl:

Visible cracks in the porcelain can result in water leaks.
Float mechanism issues:

A stuck or damaged float can cause the tank to fill up and overflow continuously.

How to identify a toilet leak:

Check for water around the toilet base:

Look for puddles or dampness around the toilet base, particularly after flushing.
Add food coloring to the tank:

Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and check the bowl for color after a short period. If color appears in the bowl, it indicates a leak from the tank.
Listen for running water sounds:

If you hear a constant running water sound even when the toilet isn’t being used, it could be a leak.

Water Heater

Common causes:

Faulty drain valve:

Check for corrosion or wear on the drain valve and tighten or replace it if necessary.
Corroded anode rod:

Regularly inspect and replace the anode rod to prevent tank corrosion and leaks.
Malfunctioning temperature and pressure relief valve:

If the pressure relief valve leaks, it may need to be replaced.
Damaged tank:

A replacement water heater is likely needed if the tank itself is cracked or corroded.
Loose connections:

Check all inlet and outlet connections for tightness and tighten any loose fittings.

Sediment buildup:

Regularly flush the water heater to remove sediment that can cause leaks.

Old age:

If the water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, leaks may be a sign it needs to be replaced. The average lifespan of a standard water heater is typically between 8 to 12 years. Gas water heaters tend to have a slightly shorter life span than electric water heaters, which can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance; however, this can vary depending on water quality and usage. Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.

High water pressure:

Adjust the water pressure if it’s too high. High pressure can strain the water heater.

Signs of a failing water heater include unusual noises, discolored water, leaks, reduced hot water output, and sediment buildup.

Regular maintenance:

Flushing the tank periodically to remove sediment can extend the lifespan of your water heater.

Stinky’s Riddles February 2025