Although most of us associate the words 'water damage' with natural disasters like floods and violent storms, the truth is that the most serious water damage in U.S. homes comes from water leaks and damaged appliances. Routine inspection and regular maintenance of bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms will prevent future water damage and keep your home in good condition. Avoid water related accidents in your laundry room by following these guidelines.

Washing Machine

* Regularly inspect the hot and cold water lines connected to your machine for possible leaks. Fix all leaks, no matter how small.

* Check in-line filters for clogging. Turn off the water supply and clean clogged filters using an old toothbrush or cotton swab. A sure sign that in-line filters are clogged is if the washer is slow to fill up. This often occurs in areas where the water contains a high concentration of minerals. You can also replace the filters altogether.

* Accumulated grit and dirt can get into the shut-off valve and damage it. If water is dripping into the washing machine when it is not in use, the shut-off valve should be repaired or replaced.

* Broken or burst washing machine hoses are the cause for some of the most serious water damage problems in homes. Make sure that at least 4 inches separate the washer from the water connection allowing the hose to lie straight and not kink or burst. Check the discharge hose for kinks and cracks as well.

* Make sure hoses are tightly connected to the machine, and inspect connectors for corrosion. The average rubber washing machine hose will last from three to five years. Replace hoses before they dry and rupture. Steel hose lasts longer than rubber hose and is more resistant. A ruptured washing machine hose can discharge 500 gallons of water in a single hour, causing extensive water damage to your home.

* Turning off water supply to the washing machine when it is not in use will reduce pressure on hoses and valves and prolong the life of the appliance.

Clothes Dryer

* Dryers generate heat and moisture - ideal conditions for mold growth on ceilings and walls. Proper dryer ventilation is of paramount importance. As much as possible, the ventilation pipe connecting the dryer to the outside vent should be in a straight line. Inspect the ventilation pipe to make sure it is not blocked. If it needs replacing, consider switching from a plastic accordion pipe to a metal vent pipe.

* Check that dryer hose is tightly connected to minimize generation of moisture.

* Regularly clean behind and under the dryer to remove lint and dust. Clean out the dryer lint trap after each use.

Utility Sink

* Sinks are always potential sources of water damage. Routinely check that there are no leaks under the sink.

* Periodically use drain treatments to make sure the sink will not clog. Repair any draining problems as soon as you detect them.

* Repair internal pipe leaks immediately to prevent further spread of water damage. Wet, stained or soft walls and floors around plumbing pipes are signs of internal leaks.

Additional Pointers

* Installing an exhaust fan in your laundry room will allow accumulated steam to escape outdoors instead of damaging ceilings and walls. A window is much less efficient.

* Leaving damp laundry in the laundry room for any length of time can promote mold growth.

* Do not run the washer when no one is home.