Dealing with a Dishwasher Overflow? Here's What to Know

If you just walked into a puddle of water spilling from your dishwasher, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Dishwasher overflows are one of the most common appliance leaks we see, especially in kitchens around Grove City, Columbus, Hilliard, and nearby neighborhoods.

Here’s what you need to know to stop the damage and start the cleanup.

Why Did My Dishwasher Overflow?

Usually, it comes down to one of these:

• A clogged or kinked drain hose

• Faulty float switch or water inlet valve

• Too much detergent (yep, it happens)

• A backed-up sink drain causing water to flow back

Sometimes, it’s just age. Dishwashers aren’t made to last forever, especially with hard water buildup in Ohio homes.

First Steps After a Dishwasher Overflow

Act fast—water spreads quickly and can seep under cabinets and into flooring before you know it. Here’s what to do:

1. Turn off the power to the dishwasher at the breaker if it’s safe.

2. Shut off the water supply (usually under the sink).

3. Soak up surface water with towels or a wet/dry vacuum.

4. Remove dishes and pull out the bottom rack to check for standing water.

5. Check cabinets and adjacent rooms for water spread.

If the floor feels soft or your baseboards are swelling, that’s water damage—and it needs professional attention.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

Even a small overflow can turn into a big problem:

• Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours

• Subfloors and wood cabinetry can warp or rot

• Laminate flooring often needs to be pulled and replaced

We follow IICRC S500 standards for water damage restoration, which means we don’t guess—we measure moisture levels, dry all affected materials, and verify the job is done right.

Do You Need Professional Dishwasher Overflow Cleanup?

If the water:

• Reached cabinets or subfloors

• Soaked into vinyl, laminate, or hardwood

• Made its way to a finished basement or crawl space

…you need more than just a mop.

At Total Home Water Restoration, we’re local. We’ve helped homeowners all over Grove City, Columbus, and the suburbs deal with leaks just like this. We use commercial-grade drying equipment, check for hidden moisture, and work with your insurance if needed.

A Quick Word on Insurance

Dishwasher overflows are usually covered under homeowner’s policies—as long as it wasn’t a long-standing leak. We’ll help you document everything and talk with your adjuster if you decide to file.

Call in Backup

You don’t have to handle this alone. Call Tyler Zimmerman and the team at Total Home Water Restoration. We’ll get the water out, dry the damage, and fix it like it never happened.

Call 380-246-1837
Address: 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123

From disaster to done right. We fix it like it’s our own home.