The dishwasher and water damage
The dishwasher is one of the greatest advances in home appliance technology, freeing up time and energy for other activities in the home. Over the years, scientists have dramatically improved the dishwasher. The spray jets are so effective that the pre-rinsing of plates, bowls, and utensils is unnecessary.
Early models required much more water than more efficient modern dishwasher models currently do. Older, conventional dishwashers required approximately ten gallons of water per load. In 2013, water-usage standards were established that required that dishwashers use no more than five gallons of water per load. Recent innovations enable energy-saving models to effectively clean a load of dishes with three gallons of water. The water savings add up to an estimated 5,000 gallons of water per year. During the main cycle, the internal heating element heats the water to around 160 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to remove any food still left on the dishes and dissolve all the soap. Sensors precisely monitor the water level in the unit. Washing the same load of dishes in the sink would consume as much as twenty-seven gallons of water.
However, modern dishwashers are not without their drawbacks and can easily flood the kitchen if the unit malfunctions. When the gasket or door latch wears out, water will leak around the door. If an O-ring or gasket degrades in the pump, water can leak under the unit. A leak under the dishwasher can persist until the floor rots out or mold begins to grow in the dark, moist, and warm environment under the appliance.
Dishwashers are generally very reliable appliances and are usually moved only when they are being replaced. At that point, the damage is often discovered. Occasionally, check under the unit with a flashlight for signs of a leak from the pump, a cracked tub, or a leaky drain connection. If the water supply line to the dishwasher ruptures, the approximately five gallons of water per minute that flood into the kitchen will be quickly noticed unless no one is around to see the spreading deluge.
Does insurance cover water damage from a dishwasher leak?
If a dishwasher malfunctions or leaks, insurance may cover the water damage. However, the water leak must be sudden and accidental. Insurance will not cover a water damage incident caused by a leaking dishwasher if:
- The appliance is an older unit and out of warranty
- Proper mechanical maintenance to the unit has been neglected
- A leak has been allowed to continue without being addressed by the homeowner
Each situation is unique and has its own set of circumstances that must be worked out with the insurance company to determine if coverage applies. If the claim is denied, the homeowner can request that the application be reconsidered. The homeowner may be required to give proof of due diligence to maintain the unit. Inspection and service records can be helpful when appealing the denial of coverage. If the appliance is still under warranty, include the warranty card.
Help is available and on the way
A property damage disaster resulting from a leaking or overflowing dishwasher is stressful enough. Dealing with the insurance company and the sometimes complicated and confusing insurance claim process adds unwanted and unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation. This additional layer of stress for homeowners or businesses is entirely avoidable when they partner with the right water damage restoration company.
All Pro Services gathers all the pertinent information and works with the property owner’s insurance company, making the claim process hassle-free. The team at All Pro Services coordinates with the homeowner to accurately assess the damages and assist with the filing process.
All Pro Services has a long-standing working relationship with major insurance companies, including Allied, USAA, Zurich, Travelers, Safeco Insurance, State Farm, The Hartford, Farmers, Kemper, Liberty Mutual, MetLife, Nationwide, Progressive, Farm Bureau, Dairyland Insurance, Foremost, Chubb, and Allstate. Experience working with many industry-leading insurance providers means All Pro Services is competent in maneuvering through the claims process.
- The company utilizes Xactimate, an insurance claims estimating software, to comply with industry-standard pricing.
- The project manager from All Pro Services prepares and presents a detailed estimate to the homeowner and any other applicable parties.
- The homeowner must then approve and sign the estimate to initiate services.
The professionals at All Pro Services of Utah are experts in water damage restoration services. Technicians utilize moisture detection sensors and infrared cameras to discover hidden water pockets. Truck-mounted extraction units remove water and sewage spills. Environmentally safe cleaners and deodorizers are applied to sanitize affected areas and remove odors. All Pro Services deploys specialized equipment that quickly dries carpet, inside walls, underneath cabinets, and on floors.
