A dishwasher is one of the most helpful appliances a household can have at home. It serves its purpose well of providing convenience to its owner. But, because it uses a large amount of water every time it is being run, it is one of the most common causes of water damage at home and may lead to severe effects of dishwasher flooding. As a major cause of water leakage, a dishwasher flood can lead to serious structural damage which can result in expensive repairs when not attended immediately. This article is about the effects of dishwasher flooding in your house as well as its causes and prevention.
Why Does My Dishwasher Flood?
There are several reasons why your dishwasher could flood in your kitchen. This includes:
- Clogged drainpipe or sink
- Leaking water pipe
- Using a detergent not designed for a dishwasher
- Overfilled dishwasher
- Damaged or Worn gasket
The Effects Of Dishwasher Flooding in Your Kitchen
Most households run their dishwashers at night, which means, once a dishwasher flood occurs, it has some hours’ free reign to cause significant damage. Here are some of the places where significant damage occurs and the possible effects of dishwasher flooding to them.
1. Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets are often made of wood materials that are susceptible to getting damaged by water. They can soak up water and develop damp patches which can allow mold to thrive. This can result in structural damage to your cabinets. Furthermore, kitchen countertops may develop cracks where water can seep through and accumulate under the surface. This can loosen the adhesive that is holding the counter in its place and eventually becomes eroded.
2. Electric Appliances
Most kitchens are filled with different types of appliances or devices such as fridges or ovens. A flood from a dishwasher can damage any of these, especially if the water has sat for a long time or penetrated nearby areas. The water that penetrates the walls can also cause hazards around wirings and sockets.
3. Tile Flooring
Tile floors are normally water-resistant, making them a great choice for wet areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. However, this type of design can still acquire water damage when flood water is left standing. The water can penetrate the tile flooring and damage its underside. What is even worst is, the damage from standing water may occur later after the incident occurred.
4. Overflowing Sink
When a dishwasher floods, it can cause water to back up to your sink. This scenario can double the flooding problems from an overflowing dishwasher. Thus, the hazard that is associated with a flooded dishwasher can also be the same with a flooded sink. Not to mention, the damage to the items stored underneath.
Will My Insurance Cover Water Damage From A Leaky Dishwasher?
In some cases, your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover damages from a leaking dishwasher. If the case showed that water damage occurred suddenly and is not related to lack of maintenance. For instance, you’ve had your dishwasher for only a few years. That could mean that the dishwasher would not have this type of problem. However, if your dishwasher shows some signs of aging, and you were not able to perform proper maintenance on your appliances, then your insurance provider will not cover the damage. That is why it is important to keep your dishwasher in good working order.
How To Prevent Dishwasher Flooding
- Perform maintenance and regularly inspect the hoses.
- Ensure that the gasket is in good working condition.
- Use only the recommended type of detergent and amount for your dishwasher.
- Load the dishes properly and avoid overloading the dishwasher.
Professional Water Damage Restoration
The damage that is caused by a leaking dishwasher can be very detrimental. Thus, it is important to act fast and thoroughly dry out the area as well as the affected items.
If your home suffers from water damage due to a leaking dishwasher, contact professionals at Superior Restoration. Our team is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and methods that can quickly dry out your home and its contents. We will efficiently restore your home to its pre-damaged condition. Contact our local office, Water Damage Riverside, for professional water damage restoration services.
