Washing Machine, Dishwasher or Toilet Overflow: Cleanup, Insurance and Hiring Help

Understand Water Categories and Act Fast

The type of water involved tells you how dangerous it might be and how to clean it up. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health sorts water sources into three categories:

• Category 1: Clean Water. This water comes from sanitary sources. Examples include leaks from plumbing, a water heater, or rain coming through the roof.
• Category 2: Gray Water. This water may contain chemicals or germs that can make you sick. Sources include overflow from a dishwasher or washing machine. It also includes toilet overflow that has urine but no solid waste (fecal matter).
• Category 3: Black Water. This water is highly contaminated and contains harmful germs. Examples include sewage and toilet backflow with solid waste. If you have black water, contact a professional cleanup or restoration contractor right away for guidance.

Immediate Steps for Any Water Overflow

1. Stop the Water Flow: The Texas Department of Insurance says to turn off the water as soon as you can. Know how to turn off the main water valve to your home. Also, know how to turn off the smaller valves under your sinks and near appliances like your washing machine or dishwasher.
2. Handle Electrical Dangers: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that if electrical equipment or circuits get wet, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse. Do not try to reach the main power switch if you are standing in water; call an electrician to turn it off for you. Never turn power on or off, or use an electric tool or appliance, while standing in water. Do not turn the power back on until a qualified electrician has checked the equipment. All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before you use them again. If you have any doubt, have a certified electrician check them.
3. Remove Standing Water: The Texas Department of Insurance advises removing pools of water and starting to dry the area as soon as possible. This helps prevent more damage and mold growth. Move wet items to a dry room or an area with fresh air. If you move items outside, put them somewhere secure.
4. Remove Wet Carpets and Rugs: Pull up any wet carpets and rugs.
5. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you cannot remove the water and dry the area yourself, the Texas Department of Insurance suggests using a service that specializes in cleaning up water damage.

Insurance Coverage for Water Damage

Most homeowner and renter insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage. This could include a burst pipe, a toilet overflow, or a broken washing machine hose. However, most policies usually do not cover damage from gradual leaks or seepage. This also applies to mold that grows from gradual leaks.

Filing an Insurance Claim

If you need to file a claim, the Texas Department of Insurance recommends these steps:

1. Report Quickly: Tell your insurance company as soon as possible. If water damage was hidden from view, you usually must report it within days after you first see it.
2. Document the Damage: Take pictures or videos of the damage before you make any repairs.
3. Keep Damaged Items: Do not throw away damaged items until your insurance adjuster has seen them.
4. Make Temporary Repairs: Make temporary repairs to protect your home and belongings from further damage. Keep all receipts for these repairs.
5. Avoid Permanent Repairs: Do not make permanent repairs until your insurance company has seen the damage. This is important for your claim.

Preventing Future Leaks and Hiring Help

Regular checks can help prevent future water damage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program says that leaks can cause serious damage and waste water. Check your home regularly for leaks and fix them quickly.

Common Leak Sources to Check

The Delaware Department of Insurance points out common home claims that you can prevent:

• Washing Machine Hoses: The rubber hoses on many washing machines can leak over time. This damage often goes unnoticed because laundry rooms are not always used a lot. Replacing rubber hoses with steel-encased hoses can prevent this problem.
• Refrigerator Water Supply Lines: Refrigerators often leak from their water supply lines. Plastic lines can become brittle. Inspect metal lines for leaks and kinks. Replace any damaged plastic lines.
• Toilet Seal Leaks: A clear sign of a toilet seal leak is water gathering around the base of the toilet.
• Tub Leaks: Leaks around a bathtub can lead to water-soaked walls or floors. These types of damages are often not covered by insurance.

EPA WaterSense Leak Checks

• Faucets: Listen for drips. Look under sinks for leaks at pipe connections, puddles, or wet spots.
• Toilets: If your toilet is constantly running, won’t flush, or has water flowing into the overflow tube inside the tank, investigate the problem. You can also contact a local plumber for help.
• Leak Detection Systems: Consider a leak detection or flow monitoring system. These systems can alert you to unusual water use, find hidden moisture, or even shut off the water to prevent more loss.

Hiring a Restoration Company

If you need professional help, the Maryland Attorney General describes what restoration companies do. Their job is to clean up, protect, and preserve your home and its contents to prevent more damage. In Maryland, these companies do not repair your home unless they are licensed for home improvements and have a separate contract with you for those repairs.

• Who They Work For: Even if your insurance company calls the restoration company, the company works for you. You are not required to hire the one your insurer suggests.
• Review the Contract: Walk through your home with the company’s representative. Read the contract carefully to make sure every service you discussed is listed. If your insurance claim is denied, the contract requires you to pay.
• Documentation: Ask for papers that show the drying process and when it was completed. In the weeks after the work, check that no moisture or dampness remains where they worked.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises you to only consider contractors who are licensed and insured. Confirm a contractor’s license with your state or county government. Always ask the contractor for proof of insurance.

When this advice may not fit

This advice is for homeowners dealing with water overflows. If you have black water (sewage or toilet backflow with fecal matter), you should contact a professional cleanup or restoration contractor immediately. If you cannot safely turn off power to wet electrical equipment, call a qualified electrician. If you suspect structural damage, issues with your roof, or problems with gas lines, or if you need to remove lead or asbestos, contact a qualified professional. Your insurance company should be contacted for any potential claims.