Floodwater is a safety issue before it is an appliance issue. Water in the kitchen can reach wiring, gas connections and controls, and it carries dirt and contamination that is hard to see. Slow, careful steps protect both people and the appliances.
First, Stay Safe
- Do not touch appliances or outlets while standing in water.
- Have the power turned off at the main by a qualified person if you cannot reach the panel safely.
- Shut the gas valve only if it is dry and safe to reach. If you smell gas, leave and call your utility.
Document Everything
Take photos of the high-water mark, the data plates on each appliance and every visible damage. Your insurer will want these. Keep receipts for drying and cleaning.
What Not to Do
- Do not turn on a range, oven, dishwasher or refrigerator to test it.
- Do not use a wet-dry vacuum on controls or wiring.
- Do not assume a unit is fine because it looks dry.
What We Can Say and What We Cannot
We can inspect for water in controls, wiring, burners and valves, and tell you what we find. Whether an appliance is worth repairing after a flood depends on how high the water rose, how long it stayed and what the insurer requires. We do not promise that a flooded unit can be saved, and in many cases gas valves and safety devices should be replaced rather than reused. Let building trades finish drying the space before you reconnect built-ins.
When the house is dry and safe, we can inspect your appliances. Choose a three-hour window and we put the price in writing before we start; the repair has a 30-day workmanship warranty. See range repair and the areas we serve.