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.
Does Insurance Cover Water Damage from a Leaky Dishwasher?
Sometimes, home insurance covers damage from a leaking dishwasher. If the damage happened suddenly and you maintained the dishwasher, it might be covered. But if the dishwasher is old and poorly maintained, insurance might not help. Take care of your dishwasher to avoid problems.
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
Water damage caused by a leaking dishwasher can be really bad. It’s important to act quickly and completely dry the area and affected items.
If your home is damaged by water from a leaking dishwasher, contact the specialists at Superior Restoration. Our team has the best tools and methods to dry your home and belongings fast. We’ll restore your home to its original condition quickly and effectively. Get in touch with our local office, Water Damage Riverside, for professional water damage restoration services.
