A flooded kitchen can feel like a natural disaster just took place in your home. Although it can feel defeating at first, Cleanup & Total Restoration (CTR) is here to help you get through. We offer affordable quality water restoration services for any room in your home. Our extensive experience and knowledge make us the best team to clean up and restore your water-damaged kitchen.
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The Most Common Causes of Kitchen Floods
Kitchen floods often result from various issues associated with kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and sinks. Understanding how kitchen appliances cause kitchen floods can help you prevent them from happening in the future. The culprits behind kitchen floods are:
A Leaking Refrigerator or Dishwasher
Your refrigerator could leak due to a faulty water line that connects to your ice maker and water dispenser. If this is the reason why your kitchen floods, consider upgrading from a plastic water line to a more durable material like copper or steel.
Clogged Kitchen Sinks & Garbage Disposals
Leaks from dishwashers can occur due to various factors, including excessive detergent usage, worn-out door gaskets, loose door fittings, and improper loading of dishes. Regular maintenance and mindful operation can help prevent such incidents.
Clogged sinks can cause your garbage disposal to break, and this can also cause kitchen floods. Make sure you are regularly clearing drains and being cautious about what goes down the disposal to prevent blockages and overflow.
Read More: 5 Reasons Why Your Garbage Disposal is Leaking
5 Steps to Take if Your Kitchen Floods
In the event of a kitchen flood, it’s essential to take immediate action to minimize damage and ensure safety:
Step One: Safety First, Shut off the Water and Power
Before you start anything, prioritize your safety by shutting off the water and power. Since water and electricity don’t mix well together, shutting off the power will prevent electrical and shock hazards. If you can’t pinpoint where the leak is coming from, turn off your water using the master shut-off valve.
Step Two: Clear the Area of Your Belongings
Quickly clear out your belongings and valuable items like dishes or groceries stored in your cupboards, shelves, and cabinets to prevent further damage.
Step Three: Use the Tools You Have for Cleanup
If you have them, utilize tools such as mops, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water and moisture from floors, appliances, and surfaces. Set out any wet items and pay special attention when you’re drying electrical appliances and wall sockets to avoid a fire hazard.
Step Four: Take Pictures as Evidence for Your Insurance Company
Take photos of your flooded kitchen to show the damage that occurred. Photos of the damage the day it happens ensure accurate documentation of losses for your insurance company.
Step Five: Call a Water Removal Professional
Contact a reputable water damage restoration company to assess the situation and initiate professional cleanup and restoration procedures. Their expertise and specialized equipment can expedite the restoration process and minimize further damage.
The Best Way To Dry a Flooded Kitchen
Make sure you use fans and dehumidifiers to quickly dry your flooded kitchen and prevent mold growth. To ensure that your kitchen doesn’t grow mold or put off foul odors, use cleaners or a detergent to remove leftover bacteria and debris. Lastly, replace your flooring and cabinets, and have your electrical and or plumbing systems serviced.
Read more: What to Do When Your Basement Floods
Cleanup & Total Restoration: The Flood Restoration Experts
The best thing you can do when your kitchen floods is to act fast. It doesn’t take long for water to cause hefty damage to your furniture and appliances. Plus, mold starts to grow 24-48 hours after a kitchen flood, which can be harmful to you and your family. At Cleanup & Total Restoration (CTR), we are a professional flood restoration company that can help you through the process of water removal and proper cleanup with advanced equipment such as industrial-grade humidifiers and fans. Our flood experts can also replace or repair any parts of your kitchen that are affected by water damage.
