Spring Cleaning Guide:
Prevent Water Damage with These Essential Inspections

Spring is the perfect time for deep cleaning, decluttering, and preparing your home for warmer weather. While most homeowners focus on dusting, organizing, and yard work, one critical but often-overlooked task is inspecting your home’s water systems for potential leaks and damage.

A leaky ice maker line, dishwasher hose, or faulty plumbing connection can lead to hidden water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs if left unchecked. Spring cleaning isn’t just about freshening up—it’s about protecting your home from long-term water damage and avoiding expensive restoration costs.

This guide will walk you through the top spring-cleaning tips for preventing water damage, inspecting kitchen appliances, and keeping your home in top shape.

Why Spring Cleaning Should Include Water Damage Prevention

Many common household leaks start small and go unnoticed for months. By the time homeowners discover the issue, they often face mold growth, warped flooring, and costly repairs.

The most common sources of hidden water leaks include:

Ice maker supply lines – A small drip can cause major water damage behind kitchen cabinets.

Dishwasher hoses – Cracked or loose connections can leak water under floors and behind walls.

Washing machine hoses – Worn-out hoses can burst, causing massive flooding in your laundry room.

Bathroom plumbing connections – Slow leaks under sinks, around toilets, or behind walls can lead to mold growth.

Roof leaks and clogged gutters – Spring rain can worsen hidden roof leaks and cause water intrusion.

Spring cleaning is the ideal time to inspect these potential problem areas before they become expensive disasters.

Spring Cleaning Checklist: Protecting Your Home from Water Damage

Inspect Your Ice Maker Water Line

Your refrigerator’s ice maker supply line is a major hidden leak risk. These small, flexible plastic or copper tubes supply water to your fridge, and over time, they can crack, loosen, or burst—causing slow leaks or even flooding.

How to check your ice maker water line:

Move the refrigerator away from the wall and check for moisture or mold behind it.

Inspect the water supply line for any cracks, bulges, or corrosion.

Tighten connections at the back of the fridge and the wall supply valve.

Replace old or damaged lines—switch to a braided stainless steel water line for added durability.

Warning: A slow ice maker leak can cause mold growth inside walls and damage your kitchen flooring. If you notice moisture buildup, mold, or warping behind the fridge, you may need professional water damage restoration services.

Check Your Dishwasher for Leaks

Dishwashers use a high-pressure water line that, if damaged, can leak gallons of water under cabinets and floors. A leak from a dishwasher hose is often hidden, causing long-term water damage before it’s even noticed.

How to inspect your dishwasher for leaks:

Look for standing water under or behind the dishwasher.

Check the supply hose and drain hose for cracks, bulges, or loose fittings.

Run a full wash cycle and check for water pooling around the base of the appliance.

Clean out the dishwasher filter to prevent water backups and drainage issues.

Pro Tip: If your dishwasher is more than 5 years old, consider replacing its hoses to prevent unexpected failures. Stainless steel braided hoses are more durable than rubber or plastic ones.

Examine Washing Machine Hoses & Connections

A washing machine hose burst can cause catastrophic flooding in your home. Many homeowners forget to check their washer’s water supply lines, which can crack, loosen, or burst under pressure.

How to prevent a washing machine water disaster:

Inspect the hot and cold water hoses for cracks, bubbles, or bulging.

Check hose connections at the back of the washer and wall supply valve.

Replace old rubber hoses with braided stainless steel hoses for extra durability.

Turn off the water supply to your washer when not in use—especially if you’re leaving home for an extended period.

Inspect Under Bathroom & Kitchen Sinks

Slow leaks under sinks are one of the most common causes of mold growth and cabinet damage. A small drip can go unnoticed for months, leading to rot, warped wood, and even pest infestations.

How to inspect under your sinks:

Check for damp spots or mildew smells under the sink.

Feel the pipes—if they’re damp, there’s a slow leak.

Look for mold or water stains on the cabinet floor or walls.

Tighten pipe connections and replace worn-out plumbing seals.

If you see signs of water damage, you may need professional leak detection or mold remediation services.

Clean Gutters & Check Your Roof for Leaks

Spring rain can worsen hidden roof leaks, leading to water intrusion in attics, walls, and ceilings. Clogged gutters can also cause water to pool around your foundation, increasing the risk of basement flooding.

Spring roof and gutter maintenance tips:

Remove leaves, debris, and blockages from gutters and downspouts.

Check for loose, cracked, or missing shingles—especially after winter storms.

Inspect the attic for water stains or mold growth—these can indicate a hidden roof leak.

Ensure downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation.

If you notice signs of roof leaks or water intrusion, call a professional before spring storms worsen the damage.

When to Call a Water Damage Repair Professional

If you discover water damage, hidden leaks, or mold growth during your spring cleaning, immediate action is necessary. The longer water damage goes untreated, the more expensive and severe the repairs become.

Call a professional water damage restoration team if you notice:

✅ Mold growth or musty odors around appliances or under sinks

✅ Soft, warped, or water-stained flooring or cabinets

✅ Leaking dishwasher, ice maker, or washing machine connections

✅ Water pooling near your home’s foundation after rain

✅ Signs of roof leaks or ceiling stains

At Central Oregon Disaster Restoration, we specialize in water damage repair, mold remediation, and structural restoration. Our certified team uses advanced water extraction, drying, and mold prevention techniques to restore your home quickly and effectively.

Protect Your Home This Spring—Schedule a Water Damage Inspection Today

Spring cleaning is about more than just tidying up—it’s about protecting your home from costly water damage and unexpected disasters. By taking a few preventative steps, you can avoid expensive repairs, mold infestations, and structural damage.

Why Choose Central Oregon Disaster Restoration?

✔️ 24/7 Emergency Water Damage Services
✔️ Certified Water Damage Repair Specialists
✔️ Mold Removal & Structural Restoration
✔️ Quick Response to Minimize Damage

Don’t let hidden leaks ruin your home. Contact Central Oregon Disaster Restoration today for a spring water damage inspection and expert repair services.

📞 Call now for a free consultation!