The Dangers of Water-Damaged Appliances
Water damage to dishwashers, clothes dryers, washers, refrigerators, and more can be cause for concern in the aftermath of water damage. Not only may these items have shifted during flooding and no longer be stable, but they may have damaged electrical or gas lines, which could cause severe injury or death if not properly inspected and handled.
It is especially important that you refrain from lighting matches, turning on lights or a gas range, or using electronic devices near water-damaged appliances, like gas stoves. If you smell a rotten egg odor, this is a major sign a gas line may be leaking; a lit match or other interference could ignite the gas.
What Do I Do with My Appliances After Water Damage?
While the following list is not all-inclusive, Consumer Reports recommends homeowners and businesses take the following steps for water-damaged appliances :
- In the event of standing water in your home or business, if the electricity is still on, contact your utility company to shut it off
- Be cautious of mold and/or sewage in your refrigerator, freezer, or other appliances
- A significant factor that determines extent of damage is how long the appliance was submerged, and which part(s)
- Have a professional inspect water-logged appliances
- Do not disconnect or reconnect appliances until this step has occurred, and never perform this step while standing in water
- Do not turn on an HVAC system, as it may spread mold through the property
- Wait until the HVAC system is inspected and deemed safe
Further tips for evaluating water-damaged appliances from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection include the following (keeping in mind appliances should be inspected and deemed safe before any action is taken):
- Evaluate each appliance one-by-one to determine salvageability
- Replace pilot orifices and gas control systems in water-damaged gas stoves
- Check refrigerator controls, such as defrost timer, safety interlocks, thermostats and more; replace if necessary
- Consider replacing your washer and dryers’ timer controls, if you opt to repair instead of replace
- Consider replacing your dishwashers’ timer controls, if you opt to repair instead of replace
- Consider thoroughly cleaning damaged appliances to determine extent of damage (this includes unplugging and cleaning smaller appliances, such as microwaves, toaster ovens, and TVs)
- Considering replacing damaged lighting with compact fluorescent lamps (while more expensive than incandescent lamps, they last longer and use less electricity, which could save you money down the road)
Should I Repair or Replace My Water-Damaged Appliances?
Considering the cost, it is usually cheaper to replace a water-damaged appliance rather than spend money to repair various pieces and parts. Researchers at NC State University and Sears Home Services recommend you take the following into account when deciding whether to repair or replace water-damaged appliances :
- Age of the appliance
- Safety concerns
- Warranties
- Insurance coverage
- Length of time submerged in water
- Corrosion
Ultimately, safety is a top concern after appliances are damaged by flooding, hurricanes, or other severe weather. When in doubt, contact a professional for evaluation and inspection; an appliance technician and other professionals can recommend whether you should repair or replace.
- Emergency Contact , where a specialist will ask you certain questions to determine appropriate resources and equipment necessary for the job
- Water removal via extraction units and other equipment
- Damaged material removal , where non-restorable items are removed from the property so drying can proceed as quickly as possible
- This will be communicated to you
- Cleaning, sanitization, and deodorization , where specialized products, techniques, and equipment are used to clean affected furniture and other belongings in the water-damaged space
- Drying , where specialized drying equipment is placed to remove the water you cannot see
- Repairs and construction , where any final remediation needssuch as construction are implemented
Sources:
https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/what-to-know-about-water-damaged-appliances/
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/how-to-salvage-flood-damaged-appliances
https://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/GENERAL/FLOODS/fs1951.htm
https://www.searshomeservices.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-appliances-get-wet-in-a-storm