Not many families can go without a washer and dryer. So, when someone calls with a plumbing issue or leak in that area, they are usually desperate for a quick remedy.
The washer and dryer are usually located in the laundry room and create a lot of both heat and moisture. Simple maintenance is required to help to avoid water problems and mold.
The following guidelines are simple to follow and will provide good tips and indications for potential water damage that can be caused by the washer, dryer, hoses, filters, and utility sink.
Be sure to perform these inspections every few months and be thorough while performing them. If you have any questions or if something is suspect, be sure to call a good plumber (you know, like us :)) to take a look:
- The Washer - The washer is connected to both cold and hot water lines. Check them frequently. Start with the joints and fix a leak if you find it. Be sure to check both ends of the water lines. Clean or replace the filters once in a while. A blocked filter will slow the water flow into the washing machine and may cause some malfunctions. This problem is worse in areas with “hard water”. Inspect the shut-off valve by looking for drips into the washing machine while it is not in use. If you detect a leak, replace the valve.
- Hoses & Filters - Like in most appliances, problems often start in the hose. Keep at least 4 inches between the water connection and the back of the washer. This space will prevent the hose from kinking and bursting. Check the hoses and replace them if old. Consider installing steel-braided hoses.
- The Dryer - The dryer is connected to a ventilation hose. Check it carefully. The dryer ventilation hose must be connected to the outdoors. Search for lint behind and under the dryer and make sure the vent pipe is not clogged. Make the exhaust as short as possible for the dryer to vent efficiently.
- The Utility Sink - The utility sink is sometimes the source of water-related problems. Search for leaks under the sink. A drip in the trap under the sink can be a sign of problems and should be repaired immediately. Slow-draining pipes may indicate a partially blocked drain. A constantly dripping faucet must be repaired promptly. Replace sink seals if they are cracked or loose. Damped or stained walls around plumbing pipes indicate an internal leak that must be fixed before additional damage occurs.
By checking out these four items every few months, you can potentially save yourself from the headache of a leak, water damage or even a flooded laundry room. And, if you do spot any problems, give us a call and we’ll be there “quick as a Haire” to help you fix them.