Have you been on the unfortunate end of dishwasher water damage?When a water leak springs from the fault of the dishwasher, water damage can happen fast. You’ll need to know what to do and how to do it.
Dishwasher Water Damage Can Begin Quickly
It only takes a couple of hours for dishwasher water damage to occur. After turning it on you’ll more than likely walk away none the wiser that damage may accrue. You return to your kitchen to find the dishwasher has left a pool of water on the floor. React quickly to soak up as much water as you can in a short time. The longer the water sits there, the more likely it will cause irreparable damage.
Wood flooring will rapidly absorb water leading to warping and cracks in your floor. Effectively dry out the entire area immediately to avoid as much damage as possible.
Causes of a Leaky Dishwasher
Common causes of dishwasher leaks include:
- Worn gaskets
- Dishwasher not level
- Wrong dishwashing soap used
- Broken door
- Defective dishwasher tub
It varies in the water damage that your dishwasher leak can cause. Below, we have a few of the materials that are all susceptible to damage after a dishwasher leak:
- Tile
- Wood
- Laminate
- Electrical wiring
- Drywall
- Wallpaper
- Paint
Insurance Coverage
An insurance company will only cover the damages that are not the result of neglect or malfunction. If the dishwasher is new, has shown no previous signs of wear and tear, and you report the leak and damage in a timely manner, your insurer could very well cover the damages caused by the leak.
If your dishwasher is old, shows signs of neglect, and has caused you problems in the past, your insurer will likely rule that the water damage is due to negligence on your part. This will result in none of the dishwasher water damage to be covered.
Read through your dishwasher’s warranty to make sure that your newer dishwasher is covered.
Repairing Dishwasher Water Damage
Once damage has been noticed you should immediately turn off the dishwasher. You’ll want to soak up all visible water as soon as possible. This might entail pulling the unit out from under the counter to get to any water that may have pooled beneath the dishwasher itself. It is also strongly recommended that you contact a local water damage repair company. This is to ensure that no moisture is located in your floorboards which is a haven for mold growth.
Now, you’ll want to identify the cause of the leak. There are some problems that you can fix yourself. However, if you wish to be assured of the proper repairs then call a water damage specialist for an emergency inspection.
It always pays to be well prepared for whatever the future brings. This is also why you should have a restoration company you know and trust. Mission Restorations has experts in fire, water, and mold restoration. If ever in need of services, don’t hesitate to call the best damage restoration team in Charlotte and its surrounding areas at 704-727-2000.
