Water is a necessity for every person, and as much as we use this vital natural resource, we also tend to waste a lot of it without knowing. According to the EPA, ten percent of homes across the U.S. have leaks that waste 90 gallons of water per day. This amounts to 10,000 gallons of water wasted per year.

In addition to creating waste, leaks are known for prying on your wallet and the longevity of appliances. Here is a list of five appliances in your home most likely to cause an unwanted water leak.   

Water heater 

One of the top five things to leak in your home is a water heater. Water heaters, especially older models, have the potential to leak. A few helpful recommendations: 

• Flush your tank at least once a year to remove any sediment that might have accumulated at the bottom.
• If there is a visible water leak coming from your water heater, you must contact a professional. 

Air conditioning 

AC units have an evaporator coil inside that is responsible for cooling the warm air blown over them. This process creates condensation to form on the coil and drip down into a pan or drain line. If the drain line in your AC unit gets clogged with dust, sludge, or mold, it can cause water to leak into your home. A damaged or rusted drain pan can cause water to fall through, leading to substantial water damage. 

• Check on your drain pan or drain line at least once a year to ensure no signs of rusting or leaking. 
• Replace any compromised parts as needed. 

Washing machine 

The water hose in the back of a washing machine is notorious for causing water leaks when homeowners fail to check on them regularly. A few helpful tips to prevent this from happening:

• Look out for any rust, cracking, or rusting around the water hose, as these could all be signs of a future failure. 
• Turning off the water supply when leaving on vacation can give homeowners peace of mind while they’re away, ensuring they won’t return to a water leak emergency. 

Refrigerator 

Leaky refrigerators are pretty common and happen for two reasons: your refrigerator is running too often due to the build-up of debris or dust around the condenser coils or when the defrost drain is frozen or clogged. The following can help homeowners prevent future water leaks from happening: 

• If water is pooling inside your refrigerator, it’s more than likely that the defrost needs draining. If you’re unsure about how to do this, hire a professional. 
• Check the hose and waterline to ensure proper connection. Sometimes a loosened waterline can be the culprit. 

Dishwasher 

Dishwashers are notorious for causing water leaks in the kitchen, and there are a few reasons why. Adding too much detergent is the most common reason why dishwashers leak. A few helpful tips: 

• Make sure you’re using the proper detergent for your model and that you’re not using more than the recommended amount.  
• Making sure the hose, valves, and other plumbing connections are secured to prevent more severe problems. 

Preventing Water Leaks 

The best thing a homeowner can do is get ahead of water leaks before they happen. PowerX sensors help identify any water problems, including open faucets and other water leaks. They also monitor water use which can be beneficial to any household. 

One of the most incredible benefits of having a PowerX smart water sensor is the real-time updates homeowners receive. The PowerX app will notify you immediately, letting you know if there is a water leak happening. Enjoy peace of mind knowing PowerX is on alert, so you don’t have to be.