Leaking Washing Machine Rotting Your Floor?

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Seeing a water leak and knowing the full extent of the damage are two very different things.

When you think of water damage, you might picture a leaking pipe or a storm making its way into the house. In actuality, a faulty washing machine is one of the most common ways you can get water damage.

Not only is a leaking washing machine troublesome because the water damages the structures around it, but an out-of-commission washing machine means you can't do your laundry until it gets fixed. If you've noticed some rot on your floor due to a leaking washing machine, it's high time you take some steps to fix it. Here are some preliminary steps you can take as a homeowner.

What to Do if You Have a Leaking Washing Machine

Turn Off the Washing Machine

It's important that you turn off the washing machine as fast as possible to avoid any electrical shocks. Water and electricity are a deadly combo.

Also, do not walk barefoot on the floor when you do this. You might slip, or there's a chance you'll be electrocuted. Wear your slippers before you go in.

Pull the plug of the washing machine off. It's important to cut electrical supply right from the source. Just switching the washing machine off isn't good enough, so make sure to pull the plug.

Shut Off the Water Supply

The first thing you should do when you notice that your washing machine is leaking is to turn off the water supply. If you have trouble turning the valve or it has been rusted, you can also shut off the main water supply.

Clean Up as Best as You Can

Slippery floors are a safety hazard, so mop up the leakage as soon as you can. Use anything that sucks up a lot of water, like a mop, towels, and rags. Open your doors and windows so that the circulating air helps dry your floor.

Assess the Damage

It's important to analyze the damage and sort out things that can be repaired or needs to be replaced completely. If you notice rot on the floors, chances are you need the help of a professional to help you fix it.

If the cause of the leak was a faulty valve that can be replaced or a hose connection you can tighten, then you can DIY it with a bit of effort. But what about the surrounding damage?

Rotting on the floor is bad news. It means the water has had some time to soak into your wooden floor, causing it to sustain water damage. Water that's been pooling on the floor for long enough to cause rot is a festering petri dish of bacteria too.

You might also notice rotting on the sides of the washing machine itself. This is because the metal of the washing machine has been in contact with the water for some time.

A washing machine leak can also lead to an increase in the humidity of the bathroom. The bathroom already has plenty of germs floating around, so the increased humidity makes for a more welcoming environment for bacteria. It's also the ideal environment for mold growth, so check if you have mold too.

Hand It to the Water Damage Restoration Pros

If your washing machine is leaking, it's important to take action quickly to avoid any further damage. If you're in the East Baton Rouge and Ascension area, you can contact SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension at (225) 753-3434, and we'll send a team out to assess the damage and get started on repairs.

We have years of experience in dealing with water damage, and we'll work quickly and efficiently to get your home back to normal. We're available 24/7 and ready to receive your call and assist you with your emergency.