Deal with A Leaky Dishwasher

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

We use dishwashers practically every day in order to ensure that our silverware, cups, and dishes are clean. Because dishwashers are used so frequently, there is a greater risk for the formation of a leak and even flooding. Your kitchen and its surrounding areas can experience serious water damage if the leak or flooding from the dishwasher is significant. At first glance, a small leak may not seem capable of instigating major water damage, but a series of small leaks or a recurring leak can cause a large quantity of water to accumulate over time, thus resulting in larger-scale water damage. It is important to understand the common causes of dishwasher leaks and floods, as well as methods of effective cleaning in order to protect your home from extensive water damage.

Causes
There are many reasons as to why dishwashers can leak or flood, but there are three common causes with which it is beneficial to be familiar. Damage to a dishwasher door, such as a bent door latch or an improperly latched door, is the first of three common causes of dishwasher leaks. Dishwasher door damage is most likely the culprit of your leak if you observe a leak directly beneath the dishwasher door. The use of an improper dishwasher detergent is a second common cause of dishwasher leaks. Standard dish soap may appear to be an acceptable alternative to dishwasher detergent, but dish soap is not appropriate for dishwashers, as it produces an excess of foam and suds. Those suds push water against the dishwasher door, which apply pressure to the dishwasher door and can result in water leaking out of the unit. Dishwasher units can malfunction on occasion and take in more water than they should, which serves as a third common cause of dishwasher leaks. When dishwashers overfill with water, the unit may have trouble draining properly, thus increasing the likelihood of water leaking or flooding from the unit.

Cleaning Up
In order to prevent more water from escaping the unit, water must be shut off before the cleanup process begins. Because water and electricity are not a safe combination, it is extremely important to also shut off electricity if your dishwasher unit is located near electrical outlets or other electrical appliances. Following this step, the next order of business is to, through the use of a mop or towels, remove as much standing water as possible. If there is still water flowing from the unit, it may be beneficial to create a barrier using towels. The leak or flood water may have reached surrounding areas of your kitchen, such as cabinets, nearby furniture, or pantries, so it is important to check those areas for water damage. If they have undergone such damage, remove items within cabinets or pantries and clear out damaged furniture from the area. A wet-dry vacuum can be used to eliminate any additional standing water. After this has been completed, it is important to dry and disinfect the surfaces that have been impacted by the dishwasher leak or flood in order to protect against the growth of mold or mildew, which can lead to further damage. Mold thrives in moisture and humidity, so it is a good idea to open windows as a means of maintaining air circulation and utilize a dehumidifier to sustain low levels of humidity inside of your home.

Need Additional Help?
Dishwasher leaks and floods can be overwhelming. SERVPRO’s trained water damage specialists and advanced drying equipment are just a call away and ready to help remediate the areas of your home that have experienced water damage as a result of a dishwasher leak or flood.