Dishwashers, refrigerators, and other household appliances are essential to the daily routine. While many homeowners expect storms or outdoor flooding to be the primary cause of their home’s water damage, Austin Fire and Flood explains that malfunctioning household appliances are one of the most common reasons to get interior water damage.

Knowing which appliances can potentially cause water damage is crucial to protecting the home.
Refrigerators
Leaky appliances are one of the main reasons homeowners need water damage restoration. Refrigerators use delicate metal or plastic water lines for ice makers and water dispensers. If these lines become damaged from old age or moving the fridge, the unit will leak.
Alternatively, clogged drain lines can cause pooling water under the fridge. In addition, refrigerator doors that don’t seal properly can also create moisture as condensation forms. It can be difficult to spot these minor water damage, so a professional inspection may be necessary to identify and mitigate all of the damage.
Dishwashers
While dishwashers last for years, most develop problems prematurely. Dishwasher leaks damage the flooring and may warrant extensive repairs.
Between loading it too full or the unit developing hidden wear and tear, there are many ways the dishwasher can cause water damage. Water seeps through the dishwasher’s doors and underneath the unit, causing mold growth or wood and flooring rot.
Water Heaters
Regardless of the type of water heater, homeowners may need water damage restoration. A lack of maintenance can cause corrosion in water tanks, leaving wear and tear. Microscopic holes and cracks in the metal from abrasive, acidic particles may lead to leaks, while large amounts of sediment can cause blockages that result in tank bursts.
Washing Machines
The washing machine is another significant contributor to household flooding. Washing machines may last up to ten years before needing a replacement, but damaged or disconnected hoses, drains clogged with hair and other materials, and overloaded washing machines may cause leaks that require professional water cleanup.
Household Water Damage Prevention
Preventing leaks and bursts from household appliances is straightforward with regular maintenance. To keep appliances in excellent condition and avoid emergencies, homeowners should:
- Clean and inspect appliances regularly
- Get yearly maintenance from certified experts
- Schedule repairs as soon as issues become apparent
- Replace old appliances before they fail entirely
Water damage restoration professionals have the tools to inspect, maintain, and repair all issues after household appliances spread water throughout the space. They arrive quickly to mitigate the damage, stop the unit from leaking, provide individualized tips on further prevention, and can help in emergencies.

Water Damage Restoration in Austin by Austin Fire and Flood
Austin Fire and Flood is the top-rated property damage restoration company in Austin, TX. They bring years of restoration expertise with licensed, bonded, and insured professionals. Whether a dishwasher has malfunctioned and damaged floorboards or a washing machine’s hoses have caused a leak, they can help.
The Austin Fire and Flood team responds quickly, diagnoses the water damage, and implements individualized solutions for every customer. No matter the problem, no job is too big or small for these skilled professionals. Call Austin Fire and Flood in Austin, TX, today for water damage restoration services in North Shoal Creek, TX, at (512) 912-6814.