How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Kitchen

A serious concern that can arise in the home is potential water damage to areas of your home. Water damage can lead to further concerns within the home, such as mold growth, electrical malfunctions, and massive flooding throughout the home.

Water leaks can come from a variety of areas, including burst pipes, overflowing washing machines, or faulty roofing allowing outside water to enter the home. These can cause minor damage, but the fear is that the damage is not recognized and results in further damage.

It can be difficult to recognize these signs unless you are explicitly aware of them, and it can be even more difficult to save items that have been damaged from water leakage.

We are here to help make sure that your home is completely safe from potential damage! Continue reading to see how to protect your kitchen from potential water damage concerns.

Water Damage Warning Signs

The two most recognizable signs of water damage are the potential sight of growing mold and a musty smell growing in areas of damage. Wherever there are growing moisture pockets, there is the possibility that mold can grow.

Check areas where water lines are or moisture can build up, such as the attic or a basement sump pump.

Mold can grow in a variety of colors, including blue, grey, and green, but the most recognizable and potentially dangerous is black. Mold often grows in areas where moisture can get trapped, including under carpeting, walls, and behind kitchen or bathroom tiles.

Theodor of mold is similar to that of old newspapers or wet cardboard. If you notice a strong odor, inspect your home for areas of water damage.

Another potential insight into potential water damage is a sudden change in the halls, ceiling, or flooring of the home.

It is important to regularly check the actual condition of your home as there may be subtle changes happening that you do not recognize off the bat. Regularly clean areas of your home that may be in high water supply areas.

If you notice water damage, call local water damage restoration services immediately to have them inspect for mold, fix water lines, or prevent further damage. If you do discover extensive water damage or mold, submit an insurance claim with your homeowners' insurance to help fix the issue.

How to Protect Your Kitchen from Water Damage Concerns

Water damage in the kitchen can be a very dangerous concern as many items are stored within the kitchen area, including food, dishes, and even cabinetry.

One of the most important things to do to prevent water damage is to consistently check the water supply lines that lead into the kitchen. Water line breakages can be disastrous, but there are ways to protect the kitchen area from water damage.

Protecting Your Kitchen with Sealant

One of the best ways to prevent water damage within the kitchen is to make sure areas of potential water leakage are sealed properly. One specific area to consider resealing is the kitchen sink as it has a consistent flow of water that could potentially rupture.

This may require removing thceold grout before adding a new layer of sealant.

Make sure to use a mold-resistant silicone sealant in the kitchen so that any water that does buildup does not result in mold or mildew production. We recommend our Kitchen and Bathroom Mildew Resistant RTV Silicone Sealant.

Peel and Stick Vinyl Tiles

Peel and stick vinyl tiles are great at helping stop water damage since they can be cut to specific areas in the kitchen to block water from reaching areas that could leave a major impact.

Kitchens with hardwood floors can be catastrophically be damaged by water leaks that occur and cause damages that could lead a kitchen out of commission for weeks or months.

It is important to make sure that tiles are cut to the correct sizes within the area you are looking to fill. Without that vital step, water can spill over or get under the tiles and cause further damage.

Many of these tiles are made to be waterproof so no water will leak through the material to the floor underneath. It is best to place them just underneath any appliances for a snug fit and the largest amount of protection.

Whenever you suspect damage, these tiles can easily be peeled up to inspect for potential damages and then replaced. These are also easy to do on your own as a DIY project with very few complications.

Inspect All Areas of the Kitchen, Not Just Under the Sink

Leaks do not always where one may expect. Leaks can occur from a dishwasher, internal fridge water dispenser, or even behind the stove.

From time to time, try scooting the stove over to check behind and underneath it for signs of mold and water damage. Do the same any other movable appliances - water lines can be anywhere, and leaks are highly mobile.

Do you have a range hood? Aside from removing cooking odors, these also serve the purpose of vacating moisture. Though not as noticeable as a leak, excessive humidity can do just as much damage. If you have one, be sure to regularly clean screens and filters on range hoods to prevent moisture buildup.

Having an icemaker or water dispenser in the fridge can be great and convenient, but it can fail. Supply lines to the refrigerator are a leading cause of kitchen water damage.

Every so often, pull out the fridge and check underneath and around it for signs of a leak. Leave a 3-4 inch gap between the wall and the refrigerator to prevent damaging the supply line. Also, put a few wooden blocks behind the fridge to help easily maintain this clearance.

If your kitchen has a dishwasher, check on those supply lines every so often to make sure they're still in good shape and functioning properly. Always keep an eye on the door and its seal, making sure it latches properly and that no water is escaping.

Get Started with Silicone Depot

Silicone sealant is one of the most useful products to use for keeping your kitchen water-damage free. Shop Silicone Depot today for the best selection of sealant. Check out our Kitchen and Bathroom Mildew Resistant RTV Silicone Sealant today!