Safeguarding Your Laundry Room: Tips to Prevent Water Damage

Introduction:

Your laundry room may not be the first place you think of when considering potential sources of water damage in your home, but it's a location where water-related mishaps can occur. From leaky hoses to overflowing machines, a laundry room is susceptible to water damage if not properly maintained. In this article, we will explore various strategies to help you protect your laundry room from water damage, ensuring a safe and dry space for your appliances and belongings.

Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Appliances:
Start by inspecting your washing machine, dryer, and water supply lines for any signs of wear, rust, or leaks. Replace old or damaged hoses with stainless steel braided ones, which are more durable and less prone to leaks. Be sure to check the hoses and connections behind your appliances as well.

Position Appliances Properly:
Ensure that your washing machine and dryer are level and properly aligned. A washer that is not level can cause vibrations during the spin cycle, potentially loosening connections or hoses and leading to leaks.

Install a Drain Pan:
Consider placing a drain pan beneath your washing machine. These pans are designed to catch any water that may leak from the machine, preventing it from seeping into your flooring. Make sure the drain pan is connected to a floor drain or has a pump to remove collected water.

Inspect the Floor Drain:
Ensure that the floor drain in your laundry room is clear and functional. If it becomes clogged, water may not drain properly in the event of a leak or overflow.

Use a Drip Tray:
A drip tray can be placed under your laundry appliances to catch any spills or leaks. These trays are particularly useful if you have an older washing machine that may be more prone to leaks.

Regularly Clean Lint Filters and Dryer Vents:
Built-up lint in your dryer's lint filter or vent can lead to overheating and, in some cases, fires. Clean the lint filter after every load and have your dryer vent professionally cleaned annually.

Check Water Supply Connections:
Periodically inspect the water supply connections to your washing machine. Make sure they are secure and free from leaks. If you notice any moisture or dampness, address the issue promptly.

Monitor the Water Level Setting:
When using your washing machine, select the appropriate water level setting based on the load size. Avoid overloading the machine, as this can lead to water spillover during the wash cycle.

Consider a Water Alarm:
Install a water alarm in your laundry room. These devices can alert you to the presence of water on the floor, helping you detect leaks early and prevent significant damage. These are relatively inexpensive and some alarms have wifi alerts to immediately notify homeowners through their phone.

Install a Manual or Automatic Shut Off Valve:

These devices stop the source of water doing directly to your laundry machine. Manual shut off valve allow you to simple cut the flow of water with the pull of a lever. The more sophisticated but highly expensive automatic shut off valves can shut off water right after a laundry load is done or when it senses a water leak. 

Regularly Inspect the Seals and Gaskets:
Check the door seals and gaskets on your washing machine and dryer for signs of wear or damage. Damaged seals can allow water to escape during operation.

How EZ Laundry can help protect your home:

Our unique Laundry Pedestal System is the only product available that combines two features into one product, a pedestal and a drain pan. A typical drawer pedestal cannot accommodate most commonly sold drain/drip pans as they do not allow pedestal drawers to open. A custom drain pan with an open front would allow you to use both products however, it would require separately purchasing two expensive products. Our pedestal combines both features at one price.

The EZ Laundry Universal Pedestal also provides the ability to divert potential water leaks directly to a floor drain with ease. No floor drain? No problem, you can divert water leaks to another large container to capture as much water as possible. In conjunction with a water alarm placed inside this container, you can be alerted just in time to fix the water leak before it can do serious damage.   

The EZ Laundry Pedestal drainage feature in action

Conclusion:
Protecting your laundry room from water damage involves proactive maintenance and regular inspections. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can minimize the risk of water-related mishaps and ensure a safe, dry, and functional space for your laundry appliances. Preventative measures not only save you from costly repairs but also provide peace of mind, knowing that your laundry room is safeguarded against potential water damage.