If there's one thing to know about me as a homeowner, it's that I'm paranoid of water. My fear of water, or at least of water running rampant in our home, stems from what's been drilled into my head over the years. Water is the enemy of structure, and when left unchecked, leaks or floods can destroy your home or your home's contents, potentially throwing your entire life into complete and utter chaos. Sensationalist enough for you? Perhaps, but just ask someone who's lived through it!

Just last week I told you all about how I fixed a leak on our roof. Months ago I told you all about the installation of a leak detection and water shut off system called the Water Cop. And during our time since we purchased our very old house we've dealt with various broken and clogged pipes, pinhole leaks in plumbing, water pouring from ceiling light fixtures, and even the occasional makeshift swimming pool in the basement, all of which we've taken care of on our own.

Flooded basement thanks to a neighbor's broken pipe. :-(

My goal, beyond simply fixing the leaks that arise in our home, is to either minimize the damage from potential leaks or to prevent their appearance altogether. Sometimes this feels like a losing battle, but I do feel like I'm making progress.

One of the single most common culprits for disastrous home flooding actually originates in an area of your home you use to clean your clothes, right behind your washing machine. Whether we're talking about a burst supply hose or a malfunction somewhere within the washing machine itself, a leak at the washing machine can run unchecked for hours or days, allowing thousands of gallons of water to flood and ruin your home and making it look like you were just hit by the Wet Bandits.

More sensationalism, eh? Does this paint a horrible enough picture for you? I've actually seen this occur first hand when my parent's second floor washing machine malfunctioned and their overflow drain clogged, allowing water to run into their walls and ceiling below. Tens of thousands of dollars of damage were done to their home, and the resulting inconvenience and effort necessary to clean up, repair, and ensure mold does not grow inside their walls was massive. Talk about a horrible but completely preventable scenario.