Typically you probably don’t give much thought to your washing machine when it is working, but when it overflows and floods your home, it can suddenly become the center of attention. When a washing machine is not running correctly, it can quickly spill an enormous amount of water across your home.
For example, reference an average load of laundry that takes roughly 30 gallons which can cause a lot of damage if it is spilled over your walls, floors, and belongings. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage and prevent further flooding.
Shut Off the Flow of Water
The first step to take is to shut off the flow of water, which in most cases can be done using the valves located behind the washing machine. However, in some cases, this could require shutting off the water main.
Keep in mind if there is standing water, that you make sure there is no risk of electrical shock before coming in contact with it. You can shut off the power using your home’s circuit breakers. For good measure, unplug your washing machine to ensure it does not turn on and risk more damage once power is restored.
Remove As Much Water as Possible
For a small amount of water, such as less than an inch, you can generally remove it with a mop and towels. However, much deeper than this, and you will likely need a pump or wet-dry vacuum to remove the bulk of the water.
From here, if the flood affected parts of the home that cannot be quickly dried, it is important to take action fast. In order to dry out the home quickly, structural dehumidifiers and air movers will be needed to prevent further water damage and potential mold growth. Generally, this will require water damage restoration professionals who have the professional equipment needed.
Empty the Machine
Once the standing water is taken care of, it is time to remove your laundry from the washing machine. This will enable you or the repairmen to diagnose the cause of the overflow and potentially repair your machine.
Take Care of Any Damages
Washing machines can potentially cause significant water damage to your home. This may be limited to floors, walls, and objects located near the washing machine; however, water can travel farther than this.
Inspect visually for any signs of wetness and pay careful attention to any musty or unusual smells. You may need to dispose of affected sheetrock, flooring, cabinets, and other items that cannot be repaired. Once this is done, thoroughly clean and disinfect to prevent potential mold growth and make any necessary repairs.
Final Thoughts
A washing machine flooding can cause a lot of damage in a small amount of time, and the required cleaning and repairs can seem overwhelming. Often the best solution is to call in the professionals quickly to mitigate the damages and professionally clean and restore your home. This can leave your home looking like new in no time and prevent hidden moisture and mold growth.
Contact Us
If your home has suffered from water damage, don’t hesitate to contact Restore Pro. Our restoration professionals have more than twenty years of experience helping home and business owners with water, mold, and fire restoration. Call us at 1-800-847-0114 and connect with us on Facebook.
