Restoring a flooded kitchen can be a nightmare. You not only need to attend to damaged wiring and appliances but also mold formation, not to mention wall and cabinet discoloration.
Moreover, you will need to make quick and thoughtful decisions, to prevent structural damage to your property.
Why Do You Have a Flooded Kitchen?
Your kitchen can flood due to various reasons. It is the one place in your house with excessive water use, so it is prone to flooding. So, you might want to zero in on the causes. Typically, kitchen floods occur due to malfunctioning the following fitments and appliances.
- Sink
- Dishwasher
- Icemaker
- Water Purifier
1. The Sink
The kitchen is the first culprit you should look at when there is a flood. The washer may not always be the cause, and so you ought to look under the sink for any broken, loose, or rusty pipes. Most kitchen sink pipes are made of plastic or copper and are susceptible to cracks. So, don’t forget to inspect them at least twice a year to ensure that everything is in order.
Also, try not to do it yourself, and instead, hire a professional.
2. Dishwasher
Dishwashers can cause flooding in your kitchen and, at times, cause warping when overloaded, as the pipes connecting the appliance to your home’s plumbing system may become loose.
3. Built-in Icemaker
If your refrigerator has an in-built icemaker, it could be the source of flooding in your kitchen. Most in-built ice makers are unreliable and can leak at any time. So, check for any broken hoses in your ice maker. Also, tighten the nuts properly, and be sure to leave a four-inch gap between the back of your refrigerator, and the wall, so that the ice maker doesn’t come off quickly.
4. Water Filters
If your water filter is under the kitchen sink, it can leak and clog the drains. It may especially be the case with one of those cheap, plastic water purifiers. When these water filters clog, they can cause flooding in the kitchen.
How to Deal with a Flooded Kitchen?
You will need to do more than mop the floor when dealing with a flooded kitchen. Though it would be better to call experts, such as Water Damage Near Me, and let them handle the situation. You can still do it yourself by following these steps.
1. Cut the Water and Electricity Supply
When you have a flooded kitchen, do these three things first.
- Stop water flowing into your kitchen by turning off the supply line valve or the main valve.
- Cut the power supply to your kitchen by turning off the appropriate switches on your circuit box. If any other rooms have been affected, cut the electricity supply there.
- Turn off and unplug all the appliances in your kitchen.
2. Turn Off the Gas
When your kitchen floods, it can affect appliances, water filter systems, and gas stoves. So, check your gas stoves to see if the supply lines, bottom burners, or regulators need replacement. However, if the flood has affected the supply line, you must turn off the gas immediately to prevent disasters.
So, if your gas stove leaks, turn off the gas meter present outside the house or building immediately.
3. Mop the Floor
So, now that you have cut the water, electricity, and gas supply, it is time to begin the remediation process. As a first step, move all affected items, including carpets, rugs, mats, tables, and chairs, out of the kitchen and into a dry place.
Next, check if the water has gotten into the baseboards and lower cabinets by pulling them up.
Mop the floor or use a wet-dry vacuum to get the water out.
4. Assess the Damage
As you clean the kitchen floor, look for any signs of damage, especially for mold, and mildew growth, on the door or drywalls.
5. Dry the Kitchen
The last step involves drying the kitchen thoroughly by placing fans or dehumidifiers at the four corners. Pay special attention to the drywalls, cabinet doors, and drawers. Alternatively, you can also use an air-conditioner to dry your kitchen after a flood if you have one installed.
When to Call the Experts?
Whether you can deal with a flooded kitchen yourself depends on the extent of the damage. However, you might still want to call an expert such as Water Damage Near Me and let them assess and resolve the problem, even if you know how to do it. These companies employ certified technicians that use specialized equipment and techniques to remediate kitchen flooding and mold formation.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that kitchen flooding is a severe problem that, if not resolved, can lead to various other issues, such as mold formation, which can then spread to the other parts of the house.
So, when you have a flooded kitchen, call experts, such as Water Damage Near Me, immediately, and have them assess and resolve the situation
