From Kitchen to Laundry Room: Appliances That Pose the Biggest Water Damage Risk

At PuroClean of Charleston, we know how much Lowcountry homeowners rely on household appliances to simplify their daily routines. However, without proper maintenance, some of these helpful machines can become serious threats to your home. Water damage caused by appliances is one of the leading culprits behind costly repairs and major disruptions to everyday life.

Understanding which appliances are most at risk—and taking proactive steps to maintain them—can help prevent major headaches down the road. Here’s what you need to know.

Washing Machines: A Top Offender

Washing machines are a common source of residential water damage. The usual suspects? Faulty hoses—especially rubber ones—that degrade over time. These hoses can crack and leak, causing water to seep into floors and walls.

PuroClean Tip: Replace rubber hoses with steel-braided versions. These are far more durable and reliable. Regularly inspect hoses and connections for wear, and tighten fittings as needed.

Regularly performing cleaning cycles and completing maintenance checklists for your appliances could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Refrigerators: Hidden Leaks, Major Damage

Refrigerators with water dispensers or ice makers may cause slow, unnoticed leaks. Water supply lines—especially if they’re aging or poorly installed—can drip quietly for months, causing extensive damage behind or beneath the unit.

PuroClean Tip: Routinely inspect the water line for any cracks or signs of corrosion. Replace filters as recommended to maintain optimal water pressure and flow.

Dishwashers: Leaks Lurking Under the Counter

Dishwasher leaks often start around the door seal or from the water supply line. Over time, door seals can break down or become obstructed by debris, allowing water to escape and damage your kitchen floors and cabinets.

PuroClean Tip: Keep the seal clean and check it for signs of deterioration. Make sure supply lines are tight and free of leaks.

Water Heaters: A Silent Source of Damage

Water heaters, especially when tucked away in garages or utility rooms, can leak without being detected. Corrosion or sediment buildup inside the tank can lead to ruptures or gradual leaks.

PuroClean Tip: Schedule routine maintenance and flush your tank annually to remove sediment. Watch for rust stains or pooling water near the base of the unit.

Mold and moisture can build up from a leaking water heater!

HVAC Units: Condensate Line Complications

In humid areas like Charleston, AC systems work hard—and that means a lot of condensation. If the condensate drain line becomes clogged, it can overflow, soaking ceilings, walls, and floors near the unit.

PuroClean Tip: Clear the drain line regularly and consider installing a float switch or water alarm in the drip pan to catch overflows early.

Leaking air conditioning units can cause significant roof damage.

Toilets: Constant Use, Constant Risk

Toilets can be deceptively problematic. Worn flapper valves, old supply lines, or even small cracks in the tank can allow leaks to develop slowly over time.

PuroClean Tip: Check around the toilet base for moisture or signs of movement. Make sure the flapper valve seals properly and inspect the supply line for wear.

Sinks: Small Leaks, Big Problems

Leaks under kitchen and bathroom sinks can often go unnoticed until the damage is severe. Whether from loose connections, faulty pipes, or issues with garbage disposals, the cabinetry and flooring underneath are at risk.

PuroClean Tip: Periodically check under all sinks and around pipe joints. Tighten fittings and look for any signs of mold or musty odors.

Ice Makers & Water Filters: Don’t Overlook the Extras

Standalone ice makers and water filtration systems can spring leaks just like any other water-connected appliance—especially if the tubing isn’t installed correctly or the filters are overdue for replacement.

PuroClean Tip: Replace filters as advised by the manufacturer and inspect connections during each replacement cycle.

Be Proactive: Protect Your Charleston Home from Water Damage

Water damage can happen fast—but with a little vigilance and routine maintenance, it can often be avoided. Here are a few essential steps:

✅ Inspect Regularly: Check hoses, seals, and fittings for signs of aging or leaks.
✅ Upgrade Parts: Swap out outdated or weak components like rubber hoses.
✅ Clean and Replace Filters: Maintain clean filters to ensure proper flow and pressure.
✅ Schedule Professional Maintenance: Have your HVAC system and water heater checked by professionals annually.
✅ Install Water Alarms: Early detection is key. Install alarms near high-risk appliances for peace of mind.

Trust PuroClean of Charleston for 24/7 Property Damage Response

Even with the best maintenance, leaks can still happen. That’s where we come in. At PuroClean of Charleston, our expert team is ready around the clock to handle water damage emergencies throughout the Charleston area—from Mount Pleasant to Summerville and everywhere in between.

Don’t wait until a small leak becomes a major issue. If you notice signs of water damage in your home, call PuroClean of Charleston at (843) 972-4200 or visit puroclean247.com to request immediate help.

We’re the Paramedics of Property Damage®, here to restore your home—and your peace of mind.