Think of all the hours of housework that have been eliminated by the modern home: washing machines, dishwashers, clothes dryers, hot water heaters, shop vacs, carpet steamers. Now think of all those gallons of water (dirty or clean) that could damage your Atlanta home.
Keep an eye on newly replaced appliances. Make sure that all of the fittings are connected securely. Inspect underneath, as well as behind the unit, for the first several uses. Use a flashlight and look for signs of leaks. We at Serenity Restoration would like to warn you of some of the most dangerous areas.
Hardwarking heaters have a limited life. The expected usefulness of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years, depending on the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and local water quality. Replacing a hot water heater will cost you about $900- $3000. However, the average cost to repair home damage from a catastrophic failure is also $3000. So paying attention to the needs and conditions of your unit will save you money and aggravation.
Be vigilant and have faulty parts (or the entire unit) replaced at the first sign of damage. If your hot water heater or washer is located on a second story, consider placing a pan under the appliance to catch any small spills and buy you some time.
Dishwashers have an average life expectancy of 7-12 years, with 20% of them expected to break down within 3-4 years. Dishwashers typically have two different water lines, one that heads to the kitchen sink faucet, and one that leads to the disposal or drain. Observe any drips or signs of water damage under the sink where the lines enter and exit the system. If you notice a problem with the water lines, call a professional immediately.
Always replace with the proper hardware. When you first get your dishwasher, the hoses and seals you receive are the right size and material for your particular model and brand. If you must replace the hoses, ensure that you are purchasing the proper size and material type. Stainless steel braided hoses are great; they fit in tight spaces without kinking.
Many kitchen floods are caused by a broken refrigerator ice maker water supply line or connection. The typical plastic water supply line degrades and cracks; replace the inexpensive plastic with a copper or stainless steel line that offers better durability.
Be careful when moving the refrigerator. The supply line may become kinked or break if the refrigerator is shoved too close to the wall. Conversely, if the refrigerator is pulled too far from the wall when cleaning behind it, the water line or connection could be over-stressed and may rupture. The water lines on ice makers within refrigerators can be easily damaged (particularly if made from materials such as copper or plastic), it is recommended to have these lines inspected annually.
Just like having a good mechanic, a water damage restoration company is an unfortunate necessity and not necessarily easy to find. Serenity Restoration specializes in analyzing and cleaning properties that have been impacted by water, fire, smoke, mold, and pathogens in the greater Atlanta area.
Serenity Restoration works with all the major insurers. If it’s not an insurance claim, we’ll work with you on the bill. If it’s not great enough to warrant a full-blown water remediation project, they can rent you the equipment for less than that of the major equipment rental groups.
If this is an emergency, please call 678-648-1294 for 24/7 service.
