Home Maintenance Tips: How to Protect Your Kitchen From Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most prevalent issues that affect northwest homes. Leaks from plumbing fixtures and appliances can affect or destroy cabinetry and flooring, or even worse cause swelling, warping and rot in the interior structure of the home. Because the kitchen has many possible points of failure, such damage is commonly the catalyst for a full-scale renovation Whether the client is ready for that or not. Use our handy tips to ensure your next kitchen renovation will be on your terms.
Seal around appliances that are connected to a water source. Dishwashers and refrigerators malfunction regularly and their water supply lines can be damaged during installation or removal. A silicone sealant applied to the corner of the floor and vertical surfaces surrounding the appliance will stop water from seeping behind the flooring and penetrating the walls.
Seal the interior of sink cabinets. Again, a silicone sealant is all that is necessary to ensure your leaky faucet doesn’t destroy your home. If there is a leak the water will be forced onto the floor in front of the cabinet alerting you to the problem. The majority of catastrophic leaks happen slowly over a long period of time but go unnoticed. The surface of the floor is designed to get wet and can easily be dried with a towel, the backs and underside of the cabinetry or subfloor cannot.
Rubber mats are available at many home stores and online resources. They come in a variety of sizes designed to fit cabinet interiors or under appliances. They are built with a slight pitch so that any water will roll forward, again bringing it to your attention immediately.
Don’t wait to fix the issue. Even if it seems like a slow drip they can easily be contained in a bucket, it’s hard to tell when that slow drip will turn into a raging torrent. It’s wise to research local plumbers and keep their contact information handy. The worst time to choose the right plumber for you is when your home is filling up with water.
