Washing machines are both handy and use a lot of water. Consequently, their malfunction is both a major inconvenience and potential flooding risk. If you are faced with a washing machine flooding your basement (or if kept on another floor, the washing machine flooding your house!) then it’s important to know the best steps to take to minimize damage. Speed is crucial in these sorts of situations, and knowing what to do beforehand can save precious time and speed up the water damage restoration process.
Cut the Power
A washing machine is an electrical device and any water leaking from it poses a legitimate electrocution hazard. Do not turn off the machine itself (explained below) or try and unplug it. Instead, go to the circuit breaker directly and shut off power from there. If possible, you should also turn off the water valves that connect to the machine to make sure it isn’t drawing any more from the system.
Leave It Running
Do not press the cancel or stop buttons on the machine. This may sound counter-intuitive, but remember that this will cause all of the water in the washer to drain at once. Depending on what the source of the leak is, this could end up spilling even more water into your home and amplify the flood concern.
Start Soaking
Water wastes little time in trying to spread over the floor and infiltrate whatever spaces or materials it comes across. Similarly you should waste little time in trying to soak up as much of the leaking water as possible. Mops and towels can be used for this, but if you’re in a pinch, even laundry you haven’t loaded yet can work. You may want to consider certain proactive measures as well, such as unplugging any nearby electrical devices that the water hasn’t yet reached.
Ventilate!
Air circulation helps with the drying process, so open any windows once the main washing machine flood is under control. If the room doesn’t have windows or if you don’t think they will be adequate, bring in a fan to help improve circulation. Dehumidifiers are a big help in this area as well if you happen to have one.
Call Professionals
Minor leaks can often be dealt with on your own, but moderate to large ones warrant extra help. You should always call a reputable water damage restoration company; they can help you determine if it is just a minor water damage that you are capable of getting under control or if you require the services of a professional water damage company. Don’t hesitate to call water damage restoration professionals when your washing machine floods. Water can flow under cabinets, under baseboards, into vinyl or hardwood flooring, or infiltrate carpets and drywall. Special techniques and, in certain cases, specialized equipment will be needed to track down and eliminate all the hidden places in which moisture has seeped.
Contact Flood Services Canada for Professional Washing Machine Flood Clean-Up and Restoration
Should you end up facing water damage from a flooding washing machine, professional remediation can be used to fix the problem and thoroughly inspect your property for damp patches and water damage. When facing water damage, Flood Services Canada’s quick-response teams of professional remediators will drain, dry, and save your property.
Contact us at (416) 302-2107 for more information about washing machine leaks and floods, or use our emergency hotline at (416)-999-3930 to get our rapid-response teams deployed to your location.
