How to Clean up Flooding After an Appliance Leak

Appliances are wonderful for many reasons. They add a lot of convenience to day-to-day living. For example, washing machines make it faster and easier to do more laundry. Water heaters make showers more enjoyable after a long day at work.

Unfortunately, these modern-day conveniences that many people have come to expect can also cause some complications. When certain appliances malfunction, they can cause more than some minor inconvenience. Some can be outright destructive, especially if water is involved. 

Fortunately, homeowners don’t have to let their homes succumb to water damage from their dishwashers or refrigerators. The following steps can help with flood cleanup or water damage restoration after an appliance leak. 

Document the Damage

The very first step that a homeowner should take when dealing with water damage is to take photos or videos. It’s crucial to document that damage in the event that the homeowner chooses to turn the damage into their homeowner's insurance. The adjuster may require evidence to accompany the claim. Proof of the damage should cover not only the damage itself but also photos of the source. Therefore, it’s important to take pictures of the leaking appliance as well. 

Extract the Remaining Water

After all of the photos and videos are taken, the homeowner should start to focus their efforts on extracting any standing water that is remaining in the home. The exact technique used in this process may vary depending on the size of the appliance leak. However, most homeowners can use a mop or towels to clean up small puddles. 

If there are larger puddles or soaked carpets, it would be better to use a wet/dry vacuum. A regular household vacuum should never be used because it poses an electrical shock risk. In cases where there is more water than a wet/dry vacuum can handle, homeowners should contact a professional flood cleanup crew.

Dry Remaining Moisture

Next, it is important to concentrate on drying the affected area in order to prevent any secondary issues, such as rot or mold. The exact amount of time it takes to dry the area depends on the type of materials and extent of damage. 

Homeowners can use a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers to help remove any moisture. It can also help to open windows to increase ventilation as long as the weather outside isn’t damp.

Clean & Disinfect Surfaces

While the drying process is taking place, homeowners should work to disinfect any surfaces that were impacted by the water. Even if the damage was caused by clean water, there is still a risk that microbes could cause mold growth. Taking the time to disinfect the surfaces will help to prevent that from happening. 

It’s recommended that homeowners use a low-sudsing detergent to start scrubbing everything. Bleach can be used on any non-porous surface. Any disinfecting solutions should be used to finish the cleaning process.

Repair & Reconstruct

In some cases, water damage might be severe enough that some building materials may need to be removed, repaired, or replaced. Drywall and flooring are often removed to expedite the drying process. Carpet and carpet padding are especially prone to mold growth, so they may need to be removed as well. 

While some projects might be simple enough to DIY, it’s typically recommended that homeowners contact a professional contractor to make these repairs. Not only can this ensure that the repairs are done properly, but it also can be faster and safer.

Inspect for Mold or Remaining Moisture

The final step in the flood cleanup is to inspect the affected area to make sure that all of the water has been removed. It’s also crucial that homeowners look for any signs of mold that may have been missed during the drying and disinfecting process. 

Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t have access to the right tools to check for moisture levels. A restoration professional can use their moisture meters to check for hidden water damage in drywall, baseboards, flooring, doors, cabinets, and more.

Learn More About How to Clean Up Water Damage from Leaking Appliances

While it’s not impossible to DIY a water cleanup after an appliance leak, it’s usually recommended that homeowners hire a professional for fast and effective results. A team like R Squared Restoration & Remodeling can provide full-service solutions. They can take care of the entire process from the damage documentation and insurance claim to the repairs and inspections. 

Want to know more about how the contractors can restore homes impacted by leaking appliances? If so, customers should call right away. They have 24/7 emergency services, or customers can submit an online form to request a free quote.