Do my appliances need to be replaced after a flood?

6/19/2023 (Permalink)

This is a photo of a water damage where major and small appliances were affected and required evaluation and inspection.

Do my appliances need to be replaced after a flood?

If you have had water damage in your home or business, you may ask yourself what do I do with my appliances? Are my appliances still usable? How do I make sure they are safe to use?

Here are some useful tips to help you determine whether your appliances are salvageable, how to dry them, and how to test them for use.

Your major appliances can be a concern after major water damage. Flooding can affect the electrical and gas lines, which can be extremely hazardous if they are not handled or inspected properly. In the wake of a flood, it is important to cut the gas and power lines before inspecting the stability of your major appliances. You should not light a match, turn on lights or use any electric devices near the water-damaged area.

Signs of a leak in your gas line may include but are not limited to the smell of a rotten egg, open flames, or damaged electrical appliances that may interfere with or ignite the gas.

Here are some steps you can take concerning your appliances in the aftermath of a flood.

• Shut off the main breaker.
• Use caution when handling appliances attached to the water lines that may contain mold and or sewage.
• Determine how long the appliances were submerged in water and which parts were directly affected.
• A professional should inspect water-logged appliances.
• Never disconnect or reconnect appliances while in standing water.
• Never turn on your HVAC system, this can spread mold throughout your home or business.
• Have your HVAC system inspected to ensure the air quality and safety of your patrons or family.

Appliances should be inspected and deemed safe prior to use.

• Inspect each appliance one by one.
• Replace the pilot for gas stoves.
• Replace refrigerator controls and thermostats if necessary.
• Replace timer controls on the dishwasher and other appliances.
• Thoroughly clean and inspect small appliances such as microwaves and toasters.
• SERVPRO of Media can help by providing our specialty cleaning services.
• Inspect and replace affected lighting.

How to determine whether to repair or replace effected appliances

The main factor to consider would be the cost of repair vs replacement. Typically it is more cost-effective to replace rather than repair a major appliance but it is not always the case

-Factors to consider may include but are not limited to

-Warranty or Insurance coverage for appliance

-Purchase date and age of the appliance

-The amount of time the appliance was submerged in the water

-rusting or corrosion damages

Safety of use of an appliance, after water damage takes place, is of the utmost concern regarding considering whether you should repair or replace an appliance. The last thing you need after one major elemental tragedy is a fire or explosion! When you are not sure what to do or how to go about making the assessment of whether you should replace or repair your major and small appliances proceeding a flood it is best to call a professional.

How do we help clean up after water damage at SERVPRO of Media

Our highly trained team of professionals is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and is available 24/7/365 to help with all your water damage needs. Our technicians will have your business or property returned to its pre-damage condition. We are eager to make it “Faster to any disaster” and make it look “LIKE IT NEVER EVEN HAPPENED.”