Water Damage from Leaky Dishwashers

Water damage emergencies come in many shapes and forms. There are the expected damages from a flood or a burst pipe, but more often than realized, the cause of extensive water damage is not so apparent. For example, something as “small” as a dishwasher leak can actually have devastating effects if not treated properly. And unfortunately, and fortunately (misery loves company am I right?), it happens to the best of us.

You go to start the dishwasher one evening (after finally clearing that mile high pile of dishes that had taken up a permanent residence in the sink) when you realize you’re out of dishwasher soap. Ugh. Totally not cool, but totally resolvable with hand dishwashing soap, right? Wrong. What happens next is just disastrous. You proceed to pour a reasonable amount of soap in, close the door, and press start, then head out the door for dinner. What you don’t know, but will soon find out when you come back from your delicious meal, is that hand dishwashing soap is NOT an equal replacement to actual dishwasher soap. Within minutes a million bubbles and “gallons” of soapy water will be cascading out of your dishwasher and onto your beautiful floors. *gasp*water damage

Side note: Dishwasher soap is specifically engineered to be used in dishwashers…no other soap is.

Side note (again): It’s always a good rule of thumb to be home and alert when you are using kitchen appliances that can cause any sort of water or fire damage.

Of course, there are other reasons a dishwasher might be leaky such as a bad installation, loose connections, a faulty door, etc. However the result is unfortunately almost always the same, a wet and in danger of being damaged floor.

When you are in this situation, do not panic. Start by stopping the flow of bubbles by turning off the dishwasher. Next, clean up as much water as possible. Grab all the towels, bowls, sponges, whatever might be needed to stop pools from forming and to get the water off the floor.

Following your best clean up job determine the extent of the damage, if it is severe (i.e. if you are experiencing leaking on the downstairs ceiling located below the dishwasher) or even if you are simply unsure and concerned call Slate Restoration to come provide a free damage inspection. No strings attached.

In the end, time is a critical when it comes to water damage. Ensure it stands in your favor by responding and taking action as fast as you can. Remember, the less damage done, the more money you save! Give us a call at 480-550-2511.