Just like any other appliances we have in our homes, dishwashers also provides us with great convenience. It keeps us from having to wash dishes by hand every day. Not only it offers relief when it comes to our daily chores, but it also helps us save water. In fact, it can only consume 3 gallons of water, way different when it comes to washing dishes manually. Thinking about these great advantages we can gain from having a dishwasher at home, no wonder why it is a great addition to our home. However, just like any other appliances in homes, a dishwasher can break and eventually leak, causing great devastation and flooding within the kitchen that can lead to an expensive repair.
How To Keep Your Dishwasher From Flooding
Aside from reading the manufacturer’s manuals that tell you of the proper way of using your dishwasher, and following the instructions properly, periodically inspecting your dishwasher for leaks or potential damage can save you money from repairs or a high-cost replacement. So where do you start?
1. Start by Inspecting Both Hoses
Your dishwasher has two hoses, one that supplies clean water and the one that drains out wastewater. Before inspecting these hoses, make sure to turn off the power supply line. To check the hoses, you can either remove the lower panel from the dishwasher or place a paper towel under the hoses. If you notice any signs of wetness, the hoses are simply worn out and need to be replaced. Slow leak from damaged hoses can lead to serious water damage and even mold growth. Inspect the hoses at least two times a year.
2. Check The Gasket
The gasket is used to prevent water and suds from coming out of the dishwasher every time it operates. To know if it is working efficiently, check the gasket for wear and tear. Or, place a piece of paper upon closing the door. If you notice any wear and tear, the gasket is not functioning properly and has to be replaced. An additional method of checking the gasket is placing a piece of paper on the door upon closing. If the paper can be removed easily while the door is closed, the door gasket is not sealing properly.
3. Check the Water Level
When the dishwasher is in operation, generally, the water level will just stay at the lowest portion of the dishwasher door. If during the operation the water level is higher than the lower portion of the door, the float bulb might be damaged or food particles may have built-up underneath and clogged the strainer. You can simply remove the strainer and wash it thoroughly. But if the water continues to go higher than the edge of the door, replace the strainer immediately.
4. Be Sure To Use The Right Soap
You should only use a detergent that is specifically designed for dishwashers. Regular dish soap can foam and eventually leak out from the dishwasher. Make sure to read the manuals that provide information about the proper detergent to use for your dishwasher.
What To Do When Your Dishwasher Floods
A flooded dishwasher can result in several concerns. Cleaning up soapy suds along the kitchen floor can be difficult and may lead to slippery. Water that has seeped into porous materials can lead to serious water damage and mold growth. Stepping into a wet floor with a malfunctioned electrical appliance can be risky. But, with proper knowledge of the steps to take during a mechanical failure, you can prevent all these concerns to happen.
First, Turn Off the Electricity
Shutting off the power supply in the kitchen prevents leaking water to mix up with the electricity. Make sure to turn off the electricity in the kitchen before stepping into the area. Inform everyone at home that your kitchen is off-limits until the machine is safe to operate again.
Second, Turn Off the Water Supply
It is very important to react quickly to the flooding to prevent further damage to the flooring or surrounding cabinets in your kitchen. Find the water supply line that is specially designated for your dishwasher. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water and have some time to inspect the affected area and the cause of the flood.
Third, Remove Excess Water
Mop up as much standing water as possible on your floorings and surrounding cabinets. The longer water sits in those the greater the chances of having extensive water damage and hazardous mold infestations. Taking swift actions can mitigate water damage and prevent mold spores from contaminating affected areas.
Lastly, Call in Professionals
When the water has started seeping to the delicate areas of your kitchen, remediating the damage requires professional help. Water damage and mold infestation can both cause danger to you and your property. A professional restoration company will inspect the damage and immediately eliminate standing water and moisture, keeping mold spores to grow in the first place. They will use high-grade equipment and advanced techniques to remediate mold, extract water, and fully restore yours to its pre-damaged condition.
Having a trusted water damage restoration company you can rely on, like Water Damage Lake Elsinore, you will have a peace of mind in times of a disaster, like a flooded dishwasher. We are available 24/7 to respond to any emergencies.
