Imagine a situation where you were transporting your dishwasher and it started raining before you could safely wrap it up?
Though such scenarios are rare, they can happen. What can you do with appliances that get wet?
This article will give insights on handling dishwashers in the rain and what to do if they get wet. We’ll also give safe ways to transport dishwashers in rain.
Can A Dishwasher Get Rained On?
A dishwasher can get rained on, and the extent of damage depends on the scenario.
If it suddenly rains while you are moving house and the appliances are kept outside, waiting to be wrapped up before being loaded, damage can occur.
If your dishwasher happened to get wet in an area in the house where the rain drops managed to get in, you will need to examine it before using it.
The dishwasher can also get wet if it is below the sink and the sink overflows or leaks.
What Happens If a Dishwasher Gets Wet?
Water can damage dishwashers or any such electrical appliances. Water can seep into the dishwasher and damage the motor and control board. While these can be replaced if they are irreparable, it is good to check all the parts of the dishwasher, especially those within the panel.
If a dishwasher gets wet, you should not use it for a few days. The appliance and the electricals should be completely dry before being tested to check if they can be used.
If the dishwasher is wet and hardwired, you must disconnect the electricity supply from the home’s electrical panel. If the dishwasher is plugged in, switch the receptacle off.
How Do You Know That the Dishwasher Is Already Damaged? (After Getting Wet)
The damage caused to a dishwasher after getting wet may not be obvious. The most important thing to remember is not to switch it on to test if it is still working. If the electrical parts are still wet, switching them on can cause short circuits and even electrical shocks.
Allow the dishwasher to air dry, and this can take several days. if the dishwasher is outside, bring it indoors.
You can remove the control board and test it with a multimeter. You can also use it to test the other electrical components.
Water will corrode metal. Corroded connections will have a white or green substance forming on them. This is a sign of water damage. Rainwater is the least corrosive, compared to gray water (wastewater) or black water (contaminated water).
The extent of damage also depends on:
- The amount of time the appliance was exposed to water
- State of the rainwater as it is not always clean
Whether the dishwasher is damaged or not can only be known if it powers on and once you start to use it.
Signs Of a Faulty Dishwasher
If the dishwasher has been allowed to dry out after exposure to rain and you still manage to start it, there are certain signs you need to look out for:
1- Wet dishes
Dishes are usually hot when the cycle is over. If the dishes are wet, there could be a problem with the heating element.
2- Strange sounds
If strange noises are coming from the dishwasher, the problem could be with the motor. If the motor is malfunctioning, you may consider buying a new dishwasher, instead of replacing the motor.
3- Smoke
If there is smoke coming out, then one of the components has malfunctioned. Switch the dishwasher off immediately and disconnect the power supply.
If you notice anything unusual about the dishwasher, switch it off and disconnect the power supply. The dishwasher will need to be further examined. In this case, hiring an electrician is the best option.
Transporting a Dishwasher in The Rain!
Moving house can be stressful. Moving when the weather conditions are adverse adds to the stress. In case you need to transport household appliances and other items in the rain, here are steps you should follow:
STEP 1: Monitor the Weather
If possible, wait for the rain or storm to pass. if you are paying movers by the hour, this may not be possible. If that is the case, move other items and wait for the rain to subside before loading or unloading the electrical appliances.
STEP 2: Avoid Using Cardboard Boxes
These will get soaked in the rain and the water seeping through can cause damage to your appliance. An alternative could be wrapping items in plastic and then putting them in cardboard boxes.
STEP 3: Wrap Items Up in Plastic
Good quality, durable plastic wrap and bubble wrap can be obtained from the stores to wrap the appliances in. This will protect them from the rains.
STEP 4: Get the Correct Gear
Surfaces can become slippery, so ensure you have the right gear on, such as sturdy boots and a raincoat. The right shoes can prevent you from slipping and subsequent injury, especially when you are handling large appliances.
STEP 5: Avoid Accidents
Place cardboard, and old rugs and towels on the floor to prevent one from slipping while handling and moving items.
STEP 6: Extra Helping Hands
Getting extra people to assist will enable the items to be moved and loaded faster.
STEP 7: Temporary Cover
If possible, put up a makeshift roof between the house and the moving truck to prevent the appliances from getting wet completely.
Professional movers have the know-how and the right equipment to move appliances in the rain. It is also a good idea to wrap items indoors and then take them outside to be uploaded in the moving van. This will mean you must have adequate space to do so.
Also, ensure that you also have the relevant insurance cover, which covers adverse weather conditions.
What To Do If Your Dishwasher Gets Wet in a Storm
If your appliances get wet in a storm, take the following steps:
STEP 1: If there is a storm in the forecast, unplug the appliances. This will protect them from any power surges.
STEP 2: Disconnect the power supply either from the electrical panel or the receptacle for dishwashers.
STEP 3: If there is a puddle of water where the appliance is, do not step into that area. You can get electrocuted. You may want to put such appliances on a raised platform beforehand
STEP 4: Do not use the appliance. Water can damage the inner parts and attempting to use it can cause further damage. It can also nullify the warranty.
STEP 5: After the storm has passed, it is vital to clean and sanitize all areas, including the appliances. This is to prevent the growth of mold and to prevent any water from seeping further into the appliance.
If you are unsure about what to do with the appliance, get a technician or electrician to look at it and advise. Do not use the appliance until you are assured it is safe to do so.
Replace or Recondition Damaged Appliance Components?
Water-damaged parts of appliances may need to be replaced or reconditioned. A reconditioned or refurbished appliance is tested and repaired and good to use. However, some parts of the appliance must be replaced for it to function properly.
The following parts should be replaced:
a. Batteries
b. Surge protectors
c. Receptacles
The components below can be reconditioned:
a. Panel boards
b. Cables that have not been exposed to water
c. Motors
Depending on the extent of damage, it may be cheaper to buy a new appliance than repair it. If the current appliance is quite old (say 10 years), it may be better to replace it with a newer model which may also be more energy-efficient.
Dishwasher Waterproofing!
Dishwashers are not waterproof. Those who live in areas prone to floods, hurricanes, and heavy rain should obtain waterproofing for dishwashers and other home appliances.
If these are not commercially available, a DIY waterproofing cover can be custom-made, which is similar to washing machine waterproof covers. This will protect the dishwasher and its inner components from getting wet and damaged.
These covers can then be put on in adverse weather conditions or when you need to move the appliance in rainy conditions.
Final Thoughts!
Electrical appliances and water are a deadly combination. If electrical appliances happen to get wet, do not switch them on to test them. Switching them on can cause further damage and you will be at risk of an electric shock. Allow them to dry, which can take several days.
If you are unsure of whether it is fully dry or not, hire an electrician to examine the appliance and carry out the required tests to see if it is in working order. If you are allowed to use the appliance, monitor it for a few days.
If you must move appliances in the rain, you need to plan and keep the required (waterproof) material at hand to transport the appliances safely.
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