Anyone who has a dishwasher knows how it can make cleaning up after meals faster and easier. We load up this modern-day convenience, secure in the knowledge that, not only will our dishes come out clean and sanitized, but we’re also saving water and helping the environment. So, it’s a particularly nasty shock if we return to the kitchen to find a large amount of water on the floor because the dishwasher overflowed or leaked through the door. If you discover this wet, soapy mess in your kitchen, the key to preventing more extensive damage is getting everything cleaned up as quickly as possible.
If you find yourself in this situation there are three things you need to do immediately to avoid some bigger, potentially more expensive problems later on.
Turn Off the Water and Power
Turning off the water will stop your dishwasher from leaking anymore water and shutting off the electricity will prevent electrocution—especially if the water is near electrical outlets. If you have safe access, unplug the dishwasher. If not, shut down the power by flipping the circuit breaker switch. Most kitchen appliances that need a water supply have their own individual shut-off valves. There should be one for the dishwasher under your kitchen sink. Look for a second valve on the hot water supply line that has a horizontal pipe leading away from it.
Remove the Water
Once you’ve shut off the water and power, you’ll need to soak up as much water as possible. You can use a mop or towels. If the dishwasher continues to leak water, use thick towels or an old blanket to keep the water from spreading any further. Check to see if the water penetrated your walls, under your cabinets, or leaked through the floor down into the basement or crawlspace (if you have one). If the water has spread to your walls, drywall, or any other place where mold might form, you’ll need to call a professional water damage restoration service.
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Dry Everything
If the water only leaked on the floor and didn’t soak under your tiles or into your drywall, you may be able to dry everything yourself. Fans and dehumidifiers can help with drying but remember, most household fans weren’t designed for this task so you may need to rent a high-volume fan from a home improvement store or equipment rental company. If the water has penetrated any carpet, it’s time to call a professional cleaning service and mold remediation specialist to remove excess water, eliminate odor and prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Check For Causes
Once you’ve removed as much of the water as possible, you can check the drain gate to see if it’s the cause of the leak. First, clear any debris that might be blocking the drain gate, and test it to see if it drains properly. If it doesn’t drain, the hose running from the unit to the kitchen sink may need to be replaced. If your dishwasher continues to leak, call a professional appliance repair service to look at the dishwasher and find what’s causing the problem.
Disinfect and Deodorize
Once your dishwasher has been repaired or replaced, your kitchen will need to be disinfected to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. If you’re sure the water didn’t get under your tiles, in your cabinets, or soaked into your drywall, you can mop with a mixture of one cup of household bleach to one gallon of water. You can also use this mixture to wipe down any non-porous items or surfaces that got wet from your leaky dishwasher. If your kitchen continues to have an odor, try opening a few windows and airing out the room (if possible).
Call the Professionals
The best way to be sure your leaky dishwasher doesn’t cause bigger problem, is to call the professionals at Rainbow Restoration . We can help you devise a plan to clean and restore any water damage to your home caused by your leaky dishwasher. We handle mold removal, odor removal, and any reconstruction and restoration due to flooding. Our service professionals are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which is the hallmark of professional knowledge in the cleaning and restoration industry. We use state-of-the-art equipment and employ Rapid Structural Drying techniques to dry your structure as quickly and completely as possible. To find out more, call 855-724-6269 or make an appointment online to find out more.