Water Damage Restoration In Your Kitchen

Water damage in the kitchen can be due to a variety of reasons. It would be critical to know the source of the water damage, and immediately implement appropriate actions. There are isolated cases involving kitchen appliances. These incidents can be immediately addressed and would usually require minor efforts on the part of the homeowner. However, major disasters like floods would require extensive water damage restoration activities.

The following describes tips and basic procedures that can be employed by homeowners to achieve full water damage restoration of their kitchens and properties.

Water Damage caused by Kitchen Appliances

There are several appliances and equipment in the kitchen that utilize water to function. Having pipelines for water, these appliances can sometimes be the source of water damage in the kitchen. The most common culprit is leaks. Most leaks are visible as these leave water puddles in the base of suspected appliances or near water pipelines. Other evidences for leaks are discolorations and deformations on wooden structures near leaking appliances.

One method to confirm if there is a leak in the house is to monitor changes in the water meter after all appliances that utilize water are turned off. Take note of the water reading after turning off the appliances, and then wait for an hour or two before taking another reading. Be careful not to open any faucet or even flush the toilet when this is ongoing. Significant changes in the readings signify a leak. It is important to identify the source right away and perform necessary water damage restoration procedures.

Most common culprits are dishwashers, sinks and refrigerators. Leaks could occur on water pipes causing water to pass through. Breaks or cracks in the sealants could also allow water seepage, and if left unhindered, would cause serious water damage later on.

Maintaining proper and periodic maintenance of these appliances and equipments is a sure way of preventing leaks and water damage. Homeowners should be aware of these methods to prevent a safe and risk-free environment in their homes.

Water Damage caused by Floods

Flooding can cause serious damage to homes particularly in basements and kitchens. Severe water damage can result if immediate action is not performed. However, precautionary steps should first be followed before any water damage restoration can take place.

Ensure that electricity has been turned off from the flooded area. Electricity and water is a very lethal combination so extra precautions in this regard should be followed. Unplug any remaining electrical appliances, and if water damaged, should be relocated to another location for appropriate restoration.

Basements and kitchens that have recently experience flooding are also at risk of being invaded by a variety of creatures that have been displaced from their homes. Before performing any water damage restoration work, ensure that no snakes, insects and other small animals or critters are present. Check cabinets, drawers, and closets in the kitchen for any of these uninvited guests.

Food that was left in the kitchen during the flooding should be disposed. The contents of water damaged refrigerators or freezers, like meats, fruits and vegetables should be thrown away. Food in cardboard boxes should be discarded. Bottled water and drinks that have been exposed to floodwater should also be discarded, as well as food items in jars including fruit preserves. Undamaged canned goods should be cleaned and disinfected, however, if signs of indentations and seepage are seen, these cans should be disposed of properly.

Cooking tools and other utensils should be removed and cleaned in a separate area. Use a solution of bleach and detergent dissolved in warm water to clean these items. Separate handles and covers during cleaning to remove any floodwater remnants that could have seeped in these areas. After rinsing with a disinfectant, thoroughly dry the items using air blowers.

Remove any remaining water in the kitchen floor through sump pumps or a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Mop remaining water or use absorbent sponge or cloth. Clean all surfaces like walls, cabinets, drawers and counters using the bleach-detergent solution. Remove dirt and accumulated mud, if any, and thoroughly rinse with disinfectant-treated water.

Dry the area with fans or air blowers. Maintain proper ventilation as necessary by opening doors and windows to allow good circulation of air. If necessary, use dehumidifiers to hasten the drying process and complete the water damage restoration work.

Practical and simple tips can be applied by homeowners in the advent of water damage related emergencies in their homes, particularly in the kitchen and basements. In such cases, water damage restoration activities should be performed immediately and prevent any risk of complications that can be hazardous to the homeowners and their families.