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Prevent Water Damage in the Kitchen - part 1

By Terry Allen
Published: November 27, 2005

Although frequently used and cleaned, the kitchen is often neglected and warning signs of excess moisture and impending water damage are ignored.

Watching the following moisture sources will help in preventing water damage in high risk areas.

Sink and Countertop

The kitchen sink and countertop area are some of the areas exposed to the most water in the house. They are often the source of many water related problems.

Start by checking regularly under the sink. Remove the trash can and other stored items and search for leaks. A drip in the trap under the sink can be a sign of drain problems and should be repaired immediately.

Now, look around the sink. Slow-draining pipes may indicate a partially blocked drain. A constantly dripping faucet must be repaired right away. Replace sink seals if they are cracked or loose.

Keep an eye on the countertop. If a tile is cracked or grout is missing, fix it to prevent water from pervading.

Damped soft or stained walls and floors around plumbing pipes indicate an internal leak that must be fixed before additional damage occurs.

Dishwasher

Given enough time, almost all dishwashers will leak and therefore should be regularly inspected as water damage risks.

If the dishwasher doesn't empty completely after each use, the main filter may be clogged and must be replaced promptly. When the sink overflows, it is probably due to dishwasher back-ups. This problem usually occurs when the drain line is clogged. Check the drain line and clean it regularly.

Check under and around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks. If you find any evidence of trickles, there could be an unsealed connection or a leaking water hose. Check the connection and tighten as needed.

Additional indicators are stained, warped, or soft flooring materials and nearby cabinets.

Check the dishwasher hose under the sink for signs of brittleness or leakage and fix it if necessary. Consider installing longer living steel-braided hoses on appliances such as the dishwasher.

Recommended Reading:
Prevent Water Damage in the Kitchen - part 2

This article covers more detection and repair techniques for water damage in the kitchen. Learn how to inspect and maintain the refrigerator, cooking range, and exhaust Fans.

Smart Tips for Water Damage Prevention in the Kitchen:

• Unclog the drain with a drain opener.
• Clean out the disposal drain.
• Inspect under the sink periodically.
• Dry all surfaces after cleaning.

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