Indoor Disaster: When Appliance & Plumbing Malfunctions Cause Damage

7/28/2023 (Permalink)

Indoor flood due to appliance malfunction, rubber duck floating on water

We expect a lot from our homes and everything in them. Plumbing should be leak-free, and appliances should work as intended. 

Until they don’t. 

Appliance and plumbing malfunctions can lead to unexpected disasters within our homes. From burst pipes and water heaters to malfunctioning refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, these incidents can result in significant damage and disrupt our daily lives. When faced with such situations, addressing the issues promptly and efficiently is crucial to mitigate further disaster. In this blog post, we will explore common indoor disasters caused by appliance and plumbing malfunctions and the importance of residential restoration services. We will also discuss services offered by SERVPRO, including general and specialty cleaning services, fire and smoke damage restoration, emergency restoration services, commercial water removal services, and mold remediation so your home can function at peak efficiency again. 

Water Heater Malfunctions 

A malfunctioning water heater can cause significant water damage if not addressed promptly. Common issues include leaks, corrosion, and faulty temperature and pressure valves. When a water heater malfunctions, it can lead to flooding and water damage to surrounding areas. The extent of the damage can be exacerbated by the location of the water heater, such as a water heater situated on an upper floor with water leaking into drywall. It is crucial to shut off the water supply and immediately contact an emergency restoration service to initiate water removal, assess the situation, repair or replace the water heater, and mitigate the damage.  

Broken and Burst Pipes 

Broken and burst pipes are a common indoor disaster, particularly during colder months. When water freezes inside the pipes, it expands, leading to pipe bursts. This can result in extensive water damage to walls and floors. When a burst pipe occurs, shutting off the main water supply and contacting a residential restoration service specializing in plumbing issues is crucial. The SERVPRO team can fix pipes, address water damage, and prevent further complications, such as mold growth. If mold is observed, then mold remediation is the next step. 

 Malfunctioning Refrigerator 

A malfunctioning refrigerator can cause water leaks, damaging the surrounding areas, including the flooring and nearby walls. If you notice pooling water or dampness near your refrigerator, it is essential to address the issue promptly. Commercial water removal services check for clogged drain lines or faulty components that led to the leak. If water damage has occurred, your SERVPRO residential restoration service can identify and assess the problem, fix the issue, and mitigate the damage. 

Faulty Washing Machine 

Washing machine malfunctions can lead to water leaks or overflowing, causing water damage to floors, drywall, and anything in its path. Common issues include broken hoses, faulty valves, or malfunctioning pumps. If you notice water leakage or excessive water discharge from your washing machine, immediately turn off the water supply and unplug the appliance. It is critical to call for immediate water removal services to extract the water, and if water damage has occurred, enlist residential restoration services as well to address the affected areas. 

Malfunctioning Dryer 

A malfunctioning dryer can pose fire hazards and cause extensive damage if not addressed promptly. Common issues include overheating, faulty thermostats, or lint buildup in the vent system. If you notice unusual heat, burning smells, or the dryer not functioning correctly, it is essential to stop using the appliance and contact emergency restoration services immediately. Additionally, if a fire has occurred, seek assistance from the fire damage restoration service at SERVPRO to assess the damage and restore the affected areas. 

Dishwasher Malfunctions 

Dishwashers are prone to leaks and malfunctions, leading to water damage to surrounding cabinetry, flooring, and walls. Common issues include broken seals, faulty valves, or clogged drainage systems. If you notice water pooling around the dishwasher or signs of water damage, turn off the water supply and engage the SERVPRO residential restoration services to repair and stop any water damage.  

Residential Restoration Services 

Residential restoration services are crucial when facing appliance and plumbing disasters. These professionals specialize in mitigating the damage caused by water leaks, burst pipes, and other incidents. They have the expertise and equipment to assess the situation, extract standing water, dry and dehumidify affected areas, repair or replace damaged structures, and restore the property to its pre-disaster condition.  

It is also important to mention that in addition to the restoration services needed after an indoor disaster, it can be helpful to enlist the general and specialty cleaning services of SERVPRO to clean up the mess left behind.    

Appliance and plumbing malfunctions can lead to indoor disasters, causing significant damage and disruption. Whether it is a water heater, burst pipes, refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher malfunctions, immediate action is crucial to mitigate further damage and restore the affected areas. Residential restoration services play a vital role in addressing the water and other types of damage and restoring the property.  

Don’t let an appliance or plumbing disaster damage anything in your home. Call the residential restoration services experts at SERVPRO today!