A flooded home is every homeowner's nightmare. Taking stock of the extent of damage after flood water recedes is part of the process of restoring your home. Deciding whether to repair or replace flood-damaged appliances is going to be on your mind. After all, your appliances might not be safe to use following a flood. But you might be able to salvage them with repair or replacement. Your local Fort Worth appliance repair service has you covered with this guide on handling flooded appliances.
Replacing appliances after a flood is something that all homeowners dread, but it's all a part of flood recovery. You'll need first to assess the damage and carefully inspect your appliances to determine whether you can salvage water-damaged appliances once the standing water in your home has been removed. Luckily, our experienced team at Mr. Appliance of Fort Worth has put together a guide on what you need to know about repairing and replacing flooded appliances.
Immediate Steps to Dealing With Flooded Appliances
First, it's vital to know that you should absolutely not use or plug in any flooded appliances. That's because exposure from standing in water can compromise your appliance's electrical components, resulting in a heightened risk of electric shocks, fires, or even explosions.
Provided that your appliances are no longer in standing water, disconnect them from their power source—only do this if it is safe for you to do so. To protect yourself, wear proper protective gear to avoid direct contact with floodwater and any remaining contaminants.
Assessment and Professional Inspection
Before you begin to attempt to salvage flood-damaged appliances, you're going to need to have them checked by an experienced Fort Worth appliance repair specialist. It doesn't matter whether you have electric or gas appliances; you need to have them thoroughly inspected by a professional before determining the best course of action.
Whether repair or replacement is the best course will depend on several factors. First, you'll need to assess the level of water exposure. If your appliances have been fully submerged, particularly in contaminated floodwater, then it might not be possible to salvage them due to corrosion and contamination.
Your appliance repair specialist will assess the state of your appliances after water damage, checking for visible signs of damage such as corrosion, mold, or silt in the electrical contacts and connections. To prevent further damage, consider repair versus replacement. It may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace flooded appliances, especially smaller ones, rather than attempting to repair them.
Repair vs. Replacement: Flooded Appliances
For gas appliances, if you want to attempt repairs, then replace the pilot orifices and gas valve control systems. However, it's generally recommended that you replace the appliance altogether due to the risks of fire and explosion, as well as damage caused by floodwaters. Small electrical appliances such as toasters or microwaves can be sanitized and cleaned, but should be replaced if any of their electrical equipment has been affected.
If you have small electric appliances, you should consider replacing the motors, electrical components, and safety controls. But, again, this depends greatly on the amount of water your appliances were exposed to. Replacement is often the safer option when dealing with extensive water damage and exposure.
For refrigerators and freezers, the biggest determining factor on whether to repair or replace your refrigerator or freezer is if the insulation is wet. If it is, then you need to replace the entire unit. Minor water damage can allow for refrigerator repair or freezer repair, depending on the outcome of your professional inspection.
Next, let's examine what to do about a dishwasher or washer and dryer that have suffered flood damage. Unplug the units first and have them professionally inspected to ensure that they're in good enough condition where repair is possible. If they can be salvaged, then replace the timer controls and thoroughly clean them. However, full submersion caused by flooding your home means replacement is the better option.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
If you are going to try and salvage or replace your appliances, they'll need to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized first. Do this by disinfecting the interiors and exteriors of your appliances, removing bacteria and mold caused by floodwaters.
For flooded appliances, you'll also need to replace any filters and insulation damaged by water. However, it's best to replace your refrigerator or freezer if the insulation is water-damaged by flooding in your home.
Do Not Attempt DIY Repairs of Flooded Appliances
Regardless of whether it's a gas or electric unit, do not attempt DIY repairs on your flooded appliances. Damaged appliances pose a higher risk of fires, explosions, or fatal electric shocks, especially when improperly done repairs are added to the mix. Instead, immediately call your local Fort Worth appliance repair service for an inspection and repair services for any appliances that can be safely salvaged.
Our Final Word on What to Do With Flooded Appliances
Homeowners must be aware of the dangers of flooded appliances. Often, repairs aren't possible and replacement is the best option, particularly for those appliances submerged in several inches of water or damaged by contaminated water. Prioritize your safety and consult with our appliance repair professionals before you attempt to salvage your home appliances.
At Mr. Appliance of Fort Worth, we offer expert inspections of flooded appliances, providing the necessary services to help you salvage what you can. We understand that the consequences of a flood can be devastating, which is why we offer a range of repair services to help you recover what you can following a flood.
Once water levels have receded, Mr. Appliance can help you determine which appliances can be salvaged and which need to be replaced. Whether you're located in Fort Worth or one of the many surrounding communities, like Cleburne or Saginaw, Mr. Appliance is there for you when you need us most. Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule an inspection.
