Laundry rooms can easily flood due to a number of reasons, including a loose hose, misuse of the machine, or a clogged drain. Whatever the cause, it’s important to know what to do when laundry room floods, so you can fix the issue and remove all indications of mold or mildew.
Use this essential repair guide to manage a flooded laundry room. We’ll review a few crucial steps to take after your laundry room floods and leave you with a few tips to prevent future flood damage.
Essential Repair Guide – What To Do When Your Washing Machine Floods
The washing machine is one of the biggest flood risks in your home. Whether your hoses were loose or the washing machine wasn’t working properly, here are a few key steps to take to minimize washing machine water damage:
Shut Off the Power and Water Supply
Before assessing the water damage, turning off the water supply and electricity is essential. Make sure you turn off the hot and cold water supply lines to stop water flow to the room.
If any overflow water has come into contact with electrical outlets, plugs, or appliances, you may also need to turn off the main power and contact a licensed electrician. In the meantime, disconnect the power supply and water flow so you can safely assess the damage. Don’t forget to unplug your washing machine and dryer too.
Call for Help
Sometimes a blocked drain pipe or faulty rubber hoses lead to a little water on the floor. Other times, the washer floods and covers the whole room in water. It doesn’t take long for water damage to grow mold. The water can soak into your laundry room’s floor, cabinets, and drywall. If the washing machine overflow isn’t cleaned properly, it can cause lasting water damage.
One of the first phone calls to make after experiencing a laundry flood is to a water restoration company. Professional water remediation companies help guide you on minimizing damage, reducing costs, and getting your home back in working condition sooner. Your restoration company can assist you in salvaging personal items, properly sanitizing flood waters, quoting repairs, and filing an insurance claim.
Review the Damage
Step back and assess the damage from the washing machine flood. Consider how long there has been standing water and if there are any signs of mold growth. Capture photographs for the insurance company in case you decide to file a claim. Remove any personal belongings, so you have room to make the necessary repairs to the washer.
Begin Drying and Cleaning the Area
Calling in a water or mold remediation company usually makes sense. But, in the meantime, you can dry up as much water as possible. Remove water by soaking up puddles with old towels. Mop up pools of water on the floors. Place a few fans to cross-circulate air flow and open laundry room windows.
A wet/dry vacuum and dehumidifier can also help remove some of the mess. You’ll also want to use cleaner and disinfectant to remove and avoid bacteria or mold growth.
Empty the Machine and Inspect
You’ll want to empty the washing machine before diagnosing the problem. Remove all wet clothes and place them in a bucket or basket to rewash later. You could also temporarily move them to the dryer.
Check the washer for any obvious signs of damage. Washing machine overflow or flooding can arise from using too much laundry soap, poor water connections, a leaky hose, or a blocked drain pipe. You should also inspect the water inlet valve for any signs of leaks or overflow.
If you still can’t find the cause, wait for a professional to arrive to make repairs. You may need to replace certain parts or, in some cases, buy a new washing machine.
Remove and Replace Damaged Items in the Laundry Room
If the flooding soaked into the walls, you may need to remove pieces of the wall. Depending on the damage’s extent and any signs of mildew, you may want to ask your restoration company to help you collect contractor quotes.
You’ll need to remove all affected areas, including flooring or baseboards that may also be soaked. A licensed plumber may help you find the source of the water damage if you’re unable to.
Monitor for Additional Washing Machine Overflow or Flooding
A washing machine that floods may flood again. Continue monitoring the washing machine for signs of potential flooding to avoid more problems. If you notice any problems with the drains or hose connections, fix them before starting the washing machine.
It may also be worth scheduling regular preventative maintenance services to avoid additional problems.
What Causes a Washing Machine Flood?
Washing machines flood for a variety of reasons, including:
- Improper use of washer (Such as too much laundry soap)
- Tub overflow
- Faulty hoses
- Blocked drain
- Improperly fitted door seal
- Bad gasket or clamp
- Faulty water inlet valve
- Improperly working water level sensor
A washing machine can also flood after improper installation. It may also stop working and back up over time if the tub or drain gets blocked. Changing your hoses and checking them for leaks often can help prevent washing machine overflow.
Monitoring the condition of your washer tub is also important. Over time, the washer tub can rust, which can cause leaks. An improperly fitted or worn-out door seal may also cause your room to flood.
If you notice any leaks or drips, turn off the washer, and schedule a service appointment to protect your home.
Why Professional Water Remediation Services?
The laundry room is likely one of the most important rooms in your house. You rely on your washing machine to clean and dry your clothing, so a leak or flood isn’t very convenient. Water damage, however, is much more than a minor inconvenience.
Water damage can lead to mildew growth and mold, which can be dangerous. A leak left unrepaired for too long can also affect your home’s structural safety. Regarding water damage, fixing the machine and properly cleaning up the surrounding area as soon as possible is essential.
A professional water damage remediation service can offer expert cleaning and mold remediation. Hiring a professional can also help you salvage more of your personal belongings. The cost of hiring a professional is usually well worth the value that comes with minimized damage.
Will My Washing Machine Work After a Flood?
Your washing machine may work after a flood, depending on what caused it. However, you’ll also need to take certain steps to clean and disinfect the washer before using it again to wash your clothes.
Of course, you’ll want to find the cause of the flood before using your washing machine again.
Dealing with a Flooded Room Due to a Faulty Washer? We Can Help!
Washing machines have multiple hoses and drain pipes that help you clean and sanitize your clothes. Most times, the washer works wonderfully without any problem. However, if it does overflow, it can lead to significant floor and wall damage.
After a laundry room flood, contact Nashville Water Damage Restoration to schedule 24/7 cleanup and remediation services. Our team of fast, reliable, and experienced contractors will get your laundry room back in working condition in no time.
