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A faulty dishwasher or washing machine can flood your home with water. When this happens, quick action is crucial to prevent even more damage from occurring. Having a reliable homeowners insurance policy will be essential when repairs begin, but in the meantime, there are a few steps you can take to improve the situation.

4 Steps For Handling a Flooding Appliance

1. Turn Off Water & Power

Shutting down your home’s main water valve will stop water from flowing out of the appliance. It’s also crucial that you unplug the machine to prevent electric shock. If you’re concerned about unplugging the machine while it’s still wet, shut off the power supply to that circuit first, then unplug the machine. 

2. Soak Up as Much Water as Possiblehomeowners insurance

If you have a wet-dry vac, use it to clean up the standing water. If not, lay towels out around the appliance to sop up as much of the excess liquid as possible. You can also use a mop to soak up any remaining water. 

3. Remove Damaged Items

Waterlogged items should be removed from the room and placed somewhere to dry. Dry every item completely, or you face a risk of mold growth. Mold can damage your belongings, but it can also cause respiratory problems for people allergies. If your carpet is extremely wet, it may need to be replaced. You can also set up high-powered fans in the room and let them run for as long as possible. 

4. Repair or Replace the Appliance

You should have the appliance looked at by a repair professional before running it again. Until you know what caused the issue, it’s likely to flood again, resulting in the same outcome. Older appliances should probably be replaced, especially if repairs are particularly expensive.

 

When flooding from an appliance causes major damage to your home, your homeowners insurance policy is there to help. Northwoods Insurance Agency in Crandon, WI, works with numerous nationwide carriers to find clients throughout Northeast Wisconsin the best policies at affordable prices. Their policies cover damage to your home’s structure, personal property, freestanding structures on your property, and other costs incurred after a covered incident occurs. Call (715) 478-2215 to discuss your needs with an agent. Visit their website to learn more about homeowners insurance. 

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