Protect Your Kitchen from Water Damage – 5 Steps

Without a doubt the kitchen is probably the wettest room in your home. More so than even the bathroom, which sees sporadic use, the kitchen faces an almost constant onslaught from spills, sink overflows and appliances. Many people adhere to the idea that prevention is the best way to nip problems in the but and this is never more true than it is in the kitchen. Here we will review five simple do it yourself steps that you can use every day to monitor the water in your kitchen and take care of minor problems before they become a major crisis. Step 1 – Check the Fridge. A study by Home energy magazine found that the average refrigerator door gets opened a staggering 42 times per day. While you may not open your fridge quite that often, take a few minutes while you’re there to examine the floor around the base of the refrigerator. Once a month or so take the extra time to pull the unit away from the wall and check the connections. Many people do this while they are cleaning the floor behind the refrigerator. All in all, the entire process only takes 15 minutes and those few minutes a month will help you check for any potential problems. If connections are loose, tighten them. If the hose that runs from your water to your ice maker looks worn with age, replace it. Step 2 – Monitor the oven. The oven or stove is usually the last place you think to look when it comes to possible water damage. But pots boil over and other accidents happen. Because the stove is flush against the wall, and usually surrounded by countertop, any water that does leak down the side or underneath it is usually unnoticed until it begins to do some damage. Routinely make a point of pulling out your oven and examining the floor and surrounding areas. Looking at the floor surrounding the oven when it is in place will also allow you to see any potential problems. Just as with the refrigerator, you are looking for warped or discolored tiles which can indicate that water has become trapped between or underneath them. Step 3 – Clean Those Countertops! At the end of the day, once the dinner is done and you’re putting the kitchen back together many people make a habit of wiping down the counters. Here again, it is easy to allow for a few extra minutes to thoroughly clean and dry the area directly around the sink. Pay special attention to the backsplash area located directly behind your sink. If the grouting, sealant or tiles look discolored, warped or degraded by age dry the area thoroughly and repair or replace anything with evidence of water damage. Step 4 – Get the Air Moving. Most kitchens are equipped with ventilation fans, usually located over the oven. If you have them, make sure to use them, especially when you’re cooking. This will help to keep air circulating and prevent condensation from the steam of boiling pots and pans. Clean the grate and blades regularly to minimize wear to the motor. Step 5 – Take Care of Your Dishwasher. If you’re lucky enough to have a dishwasher in your kitchen, make sure to maintain it regularly. As with your other appliances, visually inspect the flooring and cupboards directly around the dishwasher and look for any areas that appear to have been damaged by water. Also watch the seals on the dishwasher itself, which can often get old more quickly than the rest of the machine and are usually fairly easy to replace yourself. by following these simple steps to spot and address water damage repair before it becomes a bigger problem you will be saving yourself an amazing amount of hassle and money down the road. Each step only adds a few minutes to your daily routine and even monthly checks and maintenance account for an hour or so of your time. All in all it accounts for next to nothing when compared to the amount of time large scale water damage can do.