How to Clean Up After an Appliance Leak

Appliance leaks can be more than just aggravating. They can be detrimental to your flooring and possessions that are in the way of the water, and will likely require an insurance claim to be filed. When it comes to water damage, many people do not know that types of water damage are classified by severity. When a professional comes to service a leak from an appliance, for instance, they know to expect what is called “gray water.” Here’s the process on how an appliance leak has to be cleaned up.

As with any water intrusion, the key to minimizing the damage is to act quickly. If you start a cycle for your washing machine or dishwasher and leave the house, in case of a leak, that could potentially mean the worst for your flooring. Hardwood flooring and carpeting are the types you have to worry about most, and fortunately, many homes today do not have either of them near washing machines! However, it is quite possible to have hardwood flooring in the kitchen, so always monitor your refrigerator and dishwasher. The minute you see water where it should not be, you need to get towels or anything that will help you absorb the water quickly. That’s the beginning of the process.

As mentioned previously, there are varying degrees of severity when it comes to water damage service, all based on the level of contamination. The scale goes from clean, to gray, to black. Gray water is right in the middle, and although it’s not nearly as dangerous as black water, extra care must be taken during cleanup due to what it could contain. Things that make water “gray” include: soap and detergent, food particles and grease, hair, urine (if a toilet overflowed), and other things of that nature. One of the biggest concerns with appliance leaks can be that the detergents and soaps you use every day have chemicals that could diminish the quality of your flooring – if improperly cleaned up or left to sit too long. This is especially a concern if your appliance was mid-cycle when the leak occurred.

If the leak was massive and a lot of water escaped to multiple rooms in your home, you may need to have the assistance of a professional to get the water cleaned up in a timely manner. A professional will also be able to offer you their insight on the extent of the damage, as well as provide industrial fans for drying, and dehumidification services to stifle any possibility of a mold infestationstarting up! They will have the health of your family and safety of your house in mind.

With Restoration 1 of Tuscaloosa, you have a team of ready water damage experts that can be at your property as soon as you call us. Appliance leaks always happen unexpectedly, and often at the worst possible time. This is why we offer emergency services 24/7, a quality we believe makes us stand out from other companies out there. To schedule a service with us, call us today at 205-632-7222.