In life, there are a few things that cause more headaches and card swipes than they should. From lawn mowers to dishwashers, we all have that one thing in the house that just keeps giving grief. For many homeowners, it’s the washing machine. Washing machines are notorious for causing unpredictable and devastating water damage. Maybe you’ve been there. You stand in an unwelcome pool of water cursing the machine’s temperamental attitude and wishing you could snap your fingers and be done with the mess. Water damage is downright annoying. However, with a little bit of knowledge on the subject, you can prepare your Eau Claire home for water damage. We at TRAC Solutions would like to share a few simple steps, that can almost entirely rid yourself of the risk of having water damage from a washing machine. Here’s how:

1. Don’t overload the machine. While it’s tempting to throw the entire family’s load of whites into the washing machine all at once, it will greatly increase the likelihood for water damage. Washing machines are designed to hold only up to a certain amount of clothes. Afterward, it’s a dangerous game. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how full your washer should be. Typically, you should aim for filling the machine no more than three-quarters of the way full. Be sure to distribute clothing evenly and loosely throughout the machine.
2. Replace hoses every five years. Trust us on this one. Too many families come home from a warm summer vacation to find themselves ankle deep in cold water. Washing machine hoses are among the most common culprits for water damage. Why? Deterioration occurs from the inside out. As soon as the damage wears through the hose, leaks begin. Hoses can be found at your local Eau Claire hardware store for around $20.
3. Use the right detergent. Again, become friends with your washing machine’s instruction manual. An encounter with the wrong type of detergent can send a spray of suds and dirty water across the entire room. Never overfill the washing machine and be sure to teach family members who do laundry to correctly measure detergent.
4. Install a water leak detector. If a leak does occur, timeliness is key. Water detectors are inexpensive ways to be aware of potential problems. Additionally, some versions of these detectors are able to automatically shut off the washing machine water supply if a leak is detected.
5. Leave enough space for fixtures. If space is tight, don’t skimp on giving the washing machine enough room. Hoses can crimp easily, causing rapid and uneven tearing. Pull washing machines away from the wall at least four inches.
6. Prep for vacation. Most people fail to shut off the water supply when they leave home. This can be dangerous during the winter, but during the warm summer months, it’s perfectly safe. Be sure to shut off both hot and cold water valves during extended periods away.

If your Eau Claire home has undergone water damage from a washing machine (or any other appliance), call TRAC solutions. We’ve dealt with our fair share of unanticipated water damage. We know the drill.