What to Do When Home Appliances Cause Flooding  

One of the most common problems ServiceMaster of Buncombe County tackles in our disaster recovery services is water damage. Unwanted water and moisture can enter your home in a variety of ways, including flooding caused by rains, broken water lines, and leaky roofs. But did you know that general home appliances can also be a major cause of water damage? Washing machines, dishwashers, hot water heaters, refrigerators, and toilets can all cause flooding and water damage to your home, either by overflow or leaking, potentially causing significant damage to floors and carpets, and even creating breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

The longer water remains, the more extensive the damage will be. However, water damage cleanup is definitely not a DIY project. Complete cleanup is a job best left to the professionals at ServiceMaster of Buncombe. Even though you shouldn’t try to clean it up yourself, there are some things you can and should do right away:

What to Do Immediately When Appliances Cause Flooding

• Safety first. Be aware of slippery surfaces and any electrical cords or appliances that are in the area. This may seem like a no-brainer, but when disaster strikes, it’s better have a plan and to be safe than sorry.
• Stop the water flow. This might not be possible with leaks, but try to limit the extent of the damage by turning off the water with the shutoff valve located on the water line, or simply by hitting the off button in some cases.
• Initial cleanup. As soon as possible, take steps to remove as much water as possible.
• Call a professional. It is important to contact the cleanup and restoration experts immediately.

Water damage is a serious problem, and it requires knowledge and experience to address it correctly. A trained ServiceMaster technician will assess the damage and advise you on the best way to start the cleanup process.

If you’ve experienced water damage in your Asheville, Black Mountain, Arden or surrounding area home, ServiceMaster of Buncombe County is here to help. Call us 24/7 at 828-252-5330 or contact us online to schedule service.