Preventing Water Damage, Mold and Fire Hazards in Laundry Rooms

Having a washing machine and clothes dryer in a home or apartment provides convenience and higher property values, but they can also increase property damage risks if they are not installed and maintained properly.

One of the most common sources of water damage in a home is due to a washing machine. Large volumes of water are used when the machine is in use. If something goes wrong, this water can leak and cause damage. Even worse, if the water supply line ruptures, hundreds of gallons of water per hour could be released. Not only can this water cause extensive damage to building materials and belongings, but the moisture can allow for the growth of mold in less than 48 hours if materials remain wet.

“In addition to issues associated with washing machines, clothes dryers cause thousands of fires each year that result in millions of dollars in property damage,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Even a relatively minor fire that is caught early can cause extensive and costly smoke damage throughout an entire property. Smoke residues cause odors, discoloration and ghosting effects and their presence can also result in etching and corrosion on surfaces.”

There are steps that can be taken to help prevent the risk of water damage, mold growth and fire hazards in laundry rooms. They include the following: 

• Have the washing machine and dryer installed by a qualified professional.
• Ensure the units remain level and do not store combustible materials by either machine.
• Consider upgrading standard rubber hoses to the washing machine with braided steel hoses. Many experts also recommend shutting off the water lines to the unit when it is not in use and replacing hoses as they age.
• Check to make sure the drain hose is securely connected to the drain.
• A ceiling exhaust fan or open window in the laundry area can help reduce humidity levels.
• Clean the lint trap in the dryer before each use.
• Don’t place clothing with combustible fluids on them into the dryer.
• Ensure the dryer exhaust connection is in good condition and secured properly. This exhaust air should be vented to the outdoors and not into the attic or other indoor location. Be sure the dryer vent to the outdoors is free of debris and obstructions. Finally, consider having the duct professionally cleaned on a regular basis to remove the buildup of lint and other combustible materials.
  

People who do experience water damage, mold growth or smoke resides can turn to EMSL Analytical, Inc. for indoor environmental testing services, sampling supplies, moisture meters and even easy-to-use test kits. They also recently sponsored a video about laundry rooms and preventing property damage and mold growth that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/N4_VkraH_LI.

To learn more about indoor environmental testing or other property damage services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To view the complete line of indoor environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail