Be careful with household appliances: There are high risks if left unattended!

Be careful with household appliances: There are high risks if left unattended!

Using household appliances without supervision poses significant risks. This includes not only the risk of technical defects, but also the risk of overheating and material failure. This can result in fire or water damage, such as web.de reports. Washing machines and dishwashers are particularly at risk due to their water connections and mechanical and electronic components. Burst inlet hoses and blocked valves are common causes of water damage in your own home.

An important risk reduction measure for washing machines is the Aquastop system, but this does not eliminate all risks. Insurance companies often view the unsupervised use of devices as gross negligence, which means that insurance coverage can be at risk in the event of damage. Trusted consumer organizations therefore recommend checking the insurance conditions carefully before using it.

Special Dangers and Recommendations

Tumble dryers pose another risk. They operate at high temperatures and require good air circulation to prevent overheating and possible fires. The lint filter is often not cleaned sufficiently, which can also lead to overheating. Loud Consumer advice center Absence during operations is only permitted to a certain extent - insurance cover is usually retained for short-term absences of 2 to 3 hours. The situation is different if the machine runs during a long absence, such as on a weekend trip, without shutting off the water supply.

Lawn mowing robots are also in the focus of the insurance conditions. Not only can these devices cause injuries, but they are also vulnerable to theft. Some insurers exclude damage caused by unattended use. Consumers should be aware that gross negligence often leads to a limitation of insurance coverage.

Rights and obligations of the tenant

Tenants often have the freedom to install a washing machine in the apartment, even if there is a laundry room in the building. However, it is advisable to obtain the landlord's consent before installation, especially to be protected in the event of damage. Courts have found that clauses requiring tenants to use a laundry room are ineffective if they severely restrict the frequency of washing.

Despite being allowed to use their own washing machine, tenants must ensure that no water leaks and causes damage to their own apartments or those below. Such incidents could lead to a loss of insurance coverage.

Overall, it should be noted that a high degree of responsibility is required when using household appliances, especially washing machines and dryers. Consumers are well advised to inform themselves about their insurance conditions and take appropriate precautions to minimize risks and protect themselves.