Avoiding Water Damage from Misuse of Your Washing Machine

11/16/2022 (Permalink)

It happens. Sometimes, you have a large load, leave the washing machine on to do its thing during the rinse cycle, and it overflows in a matter of seconds. This type of water is unlike rainwater because it can be grossly unsanitary. Sewage cleanup, the classification of water damage that washing machine overflows fall under, is heavily contaminated depending on the category of damage and how far along the water damage has affected your Bellevue home. SERVPRO of Belle Meade and West Nashville has the training and special equipment to combat this type of water damage. Knowledge is power, so staying informed on the categories of water damage and knowing what to do when it happens is critical to mitigating water damage in all forms. 

What Are The Three Categories Of Water Damage?

• Category 1: “Clean Water”: This water originates from a clean source like a faucet or broken (clean water) supply line. Just because this is a category one leak doesn’t mean you should remain complacent- this water can quickly become category two or category three water if left untreated. 
• Category 2: “Gray Water”: Your washing machine overflow falls under this category because the water from this activity can make you feel sick if you come in contact with or ingest it. Bacteria and viruses are not uncommon with category two water- once at this level, please reach out to SERVPRO so that category two water doesn’t escalate to category three. 
• Category 3: “Black Water”: Any contact with this type of water should be avoided. Sources of this type of water can be standing water, flooding from rivers and streams, and water from beyond the toilet trap. Harsh chemicals, microbes, and sewage are characteristic of category three water.  

You’ve Made The Call… What Should You Do While Waiting For Us?

• After you get off the phone, ask yourself, “is it safe enough to be inside your home?” If yes, follow some effortless tips below to reduce further damage.
• Blotting and mopping affected areas can help you remove excess water- you should also apply this to furniture after you remove lamps and other items on the table. 
• If you have any paintings and sculptures, move them to a dry area as soon as possible. You should also do this for loose items on the floor. 
• Prop wet cushions and upholstery. 
• Be careful when carrying wet materials- they can be deceivingly heavy!

The effects that flooding can leave in its wake are difficult to fathom, and not knowing what to do after it happens is overwhelming. At SERVPRO, we understand. With over fifty years of experience in disaster restoration and cleanup, we have a process for every scenario, whether water, fire, or mold. We are also specialists in storm damage restoration and cleanup. The claims paperwork and process post-damage is another beast to tackle during a stressful time- that’s why we help you manage the insurance paperwork for a hassle-free (as much as possible) claims process. At the end of the day, we want to get you back to normal as soon as possible… you could even say we strive to make it “Like it never even happened!”

This franchise is independently owned and operated.