Flooding in a kitchen can be a major issue for a homeowner. Whether the cause is a broken appliance or a leak from your kitchen sink, you will need to act quickly to ensure the damage does not get worse. Flooding in a kitchen can cause damage to other appliances, flooring, and cabinets. There can also be safety concerns, so acting fast and staying safe are your main priorities in the event of a flood. Here are some tips to help you better prepare in this situation.
Turn Off the Water
Your first course of action is going to be shutting off the water source that is supplying the leak. If you know where the flood is originating from, turning off the water valve will be enough to stop the water flow. If you are unsure where the leak is coming from, or, you turned the suspected valve off and water is still leaking, turning off the main water line is your best bet.
Kill the Electricity
Do not touch any appliances before turning off the electricity to the kitchen first. Water and electricity mixing is a recipe for danger, so ensuring the electricity is off will make unplugging appliances safer. Simply switching off the kitchen switch on your fuse box should do the trick. If there is water in other areas of the home, be sure to turn the electricity off to those areas as well. After this step is done, you will need to unplug all appliances, even smaller ones such as a toaster or coffee pot.
Protect Your Furniture
Moving furniture out of the flooded area is going to be your next step in reducing damage. Be sure to move rugs and set them out to dry to avoid mold growth. Also, move your kitchen table and chairs away from the water so that the moisture does not soak into the wood. Any other pieces of furniture such as couches or upholstered chairs should be moved as well and set out to dry.
Document the Damage
As you begin to clean up, taking pictures and notes of the damage is crucial. Take special note of wooden structures such as door frames and drywall as water is quickly absorbed into these materials. Water can travel upward, so inspecting above the water line on these areas is going to be important. If water has compromised these structures, you will likely need to have them repaired.
Call Professionals
At this point, you have likely done everything in your power to mitigate the damage. It is now time to call professionals, like 24 Restore, to assess severity of damage and address repairs that need to be made. A trusted disaster restoration provider can remediate mold growth, address water damage, and make necessary repairs. It is also recommended that you have your appliances inspected to ensure that they are still working properly and safely.
24 Restore is the preferred restoration services partner of commercial & residential property owners across New England. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency situation, or just simply need help implementing a sound Disaster Response Plan, we’re available to help. Contact 24 anytime, day or night for assistance.