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Come back---COME BACK---where is everybody going?

I know this blog is going to start a mad dash to go and check your own washing machines.

Wait---Come back Barbara & Leslie----I haven't told you what to look for yet.

Seriously though, it is quite common to find leaks behind the washing machine. With all of the "dancing around" that some washing machines do, the use of rubber type hoses and drains that get stopped up----there are plenty of opportunities for leaks to happen. A very tiny leak can cause a lot of damage because they happen in a space that rarely gets checked by homeowners and the leaking can go undetected for a long time. (This is evidenced by the tons of missing socks and other clothing frequently seen by inspectors behind the washer and dryer.)

This picture is of the washer connections, and shows what can happen from a very tiny leak at the valve stem of the cold water shut-off. It never leaked enough to drain under the washer and out onto the floor, but instead soaked the wall board and most likely caused damage inside the wall.

leaking faucet

This kind of damage requires the obvious removal of all the damaged surface materials but it also requires further evaluation (when the wall is opened up) as to the extent of hidden damage. Proper repairs will require "responsible" removal and disposal of the obviously moldy materials.

OK---now you can all go look.

Charles Buell

PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed) all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.

picture logo

Posted by Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector on 04/09/2008 10:18 AM

Comments (19)

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19 Comments on Come back---COME BACK---where is everybody going?

The photo really demonstrates your point. Another problem I've had with older homes is the drain line cannot keep up with the washer because of a partial restriction or too small pipes. In the beginning it's only overflowing a bit and can go on for a long time before it's noticed.

04/09/2008 10:30 AM

by Joe Virnig, "No Ordinary Joe" (RE/MAX Gold Coast REALTORS, Ventura County, California)

Charles...good advice...I have seen that in many homes that I show my clients...It is one of the spots I check for my clients, including, the water heater and an in-furnace humidifier. I also check the well and water softner. Checking the refridgerator is right up there if it has an ice maker. Water seams to be the biggest complaint so it is one of my main focal points on the first show!

04/09/2008 10:33 AM

by William Feela Owner/Broker North Branch,MN (Whispering Pines Realty)

Joe, you are so right about those drains----you will often see this with washers that drain into laundry sinks where the sink fills up and then takes its sweet time draining out.

William---sounds like you do a great service for your buyers.

04/09/2008 10:46 AM

by Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com)

Thank you very much for pointing that out it is also under the sinks, especially since people put the cleaning supplies under there and do not realize. At least once a year we should all check everything just like we need to change the battery in our smoke detectors. Keep up the good work for all that need your services.

04/09/2008 11:06 AM

by Kathleen Melincavage (Mellman and Jukel Realtors)

Wow Charles, it looks as if these leaks have been going on for awhile. Kinda looks like our old friend Stachy. Did you do a mold test on it? I also liked the under sized pipe or was it the over sized boot. Dumb. Have a great day.

04/09/2008 11:10 AM

by Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.)

Charlie B,

This is a good place for you to link to those hoses that turn the water off if there is a leak.

04/09/2008 12:07 PM

by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection)

Great Info, again! Now when does the "Here's What It Looks Like and Why" book come out?

04/09/2008 12:07 PM

by David Holden DRH Home Inspection Akron, Ohio Summit (DRH Home Inspection Akron, Ohio Summit County Home Inspector)

Chales - Excellent pic. Also, thanks for the reminder. I also need to check mine at home just in case.

Doing a good job with all your reminders.

04/09/2008 03:32 PM

by Carl & Ceil Winters (Complete Inspection Service, New Braunfels, Texas 78133)

leak results Hey Charles, here's you an after shot to illustrate this blog. I just found it today. I really had to work hard to move the washing machine and get this shot for you. I told my husband he needed to fix that leak!!

04/09/2008 04:22 PM

by Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage)

Question, how'd you and Steve get that cool new look to your blogs? Looks nice!

04/09/2008 04:23 PM

by Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage)

Katheleen, thanks for the comments.

Michael, not need to test---it all just has to go away

Steven, good idea---with this HTML stuff though it is a pain in the butt:)

David, I like your book titles:)

Carl, I might have to go check my own:)

Barbara, is that for real your house? Did you really find it because you went and looked? The changes to the way or blog looks is due to using HTML. Here is a link to get you started---then do a little Googling:

04/09/2008 04:42 PM

by Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com)

Charles, in a way it is my house. I received it as an REO today and had to go take pictures. This picture was very appropriate for your blog as was the one of the water heater for Steven's. I hate those leaky fixtures behind washing machines and they are so common! Did you really think it was my house??? HTML is awfully hard and I'm having trouble doing what I do. Besides, I believe Steven said it was a pain in the .......! Pretty though!

04/09/2008 05:31 PM

by Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage)

Barbara, today is washing machine day. I just spent the last two hours cleaning up my basement after the washer refused to stop filling and overflowed for over two hours----what a mess. I already didn't have enough time to get everything done before I get out of Dodge for the weekend. Those things will just have to wait---but not AR:)

04/10/2008 02:05 AM

by Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com)

There is nothing funnier than a home inspector having to mop up water from a washing machine accident!!!! I will spend the morning laughing. Are you sure it wasn't one of those ballooning hoses and you are just blaming it on the poor washer? A close inspection and SURELY this could have been avoided. Steven, are you laughing too or just having to help mop the floor? LOL immensely!!!!

04/10/2008 08:28 AM

by Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage)

Gotta agree with you Barbara---I feel a blog comin' on sunsmile

04/10/2008 08:42 AM

by Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com)

Charles, thanks for letting me know where all those lost socks went. On a serious note, a very good reminder to check behind those washers and dryers. Another good post!

04/11/2008 02:14 AM

by Joseph Lang - Southern California Home Inspector (Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection)

LOL, well Charlie, guess what--no leaks, I am so glad to say.

04/17/2008 02:40 PM

by Leslie Bloss, Seattle Real Estate Professional (REALTY EXECUTIVES/BRIO )

Joseph, they sure go somewhere---one of the great mysteries I guess.

Leslie, glad to see you are back, I was afraid you got stuck behind the washer or something:)

04/17/2008 04:36 PM

by Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com)

Well, I didn't find any leaks, but I found out where all my missing socks went.

04/23/2008 10:37 AM

by KEVIN CORSA H.I.S. Home Inspections Stark & Summit County, OH Home Inspector (H.I.S. Home Inspections (Summit, Stark Counties))

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