When a Dishwasher Flood Turns Into a Full Kitchen Restoration in Rifle, Colorado

Nobody expects a routine dishwasher cycle to turn into a week-long restoration project. But that’s exactly what happened to a family in Rifle, Colorado, when their dishwasher malfunctioned and flooded their kitchen without them realizing the full extent of the damage right away.

By the time they called RemediH2O for water damage restoration, the water had been sitting for about a week. And as anyone in the restoration industry knows, that’s when things get complicated.

The Call: “We Think We Have a Water Problem”

The homeowners noticed their tile floor felt slightly off in certain spots, and there was a faint musty smell near the dishwasher. They weren’t sure if it was a big deal, but something felt wrong. So they reached out.

When our team arrived at this home, we immediately started mapping the moisture. What looked like a minor issue on the surface told a very different story underneath.

What We Found

Using thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters, we identified:

• Saturated subfloor beneath the tile in the kitchen and adjacent dining room
• Moisture intrusion into the lower cabinets surrounding the dishwasher
• Elevated humidity levels throughout the kitchen area
• Visible microbial growth on exposed framing and soft materials beneath the floor

The water had spread further than expected, working its way under the peninsula cabinet and into the dining room. Because the loss had occurred a week prior, the conditions were ripe for mold colonization. According to IICRC S520 standards, materials that remain wet for more than 72 hours are at high risk for microbial growth and often need to be removed rather than dried in place.

This wasn’t just a water problem anymore. It was a full containment and remediation project.

The Restoration Plan: Containment, Removal, and Drying

At RemediH2O, we follow strict protocols for jobs like this. When mold is present or likely, we don’t just dry and hope for the best. We contain, remove, treat, and verify.

Here’s what the scope of work included:

Step 1: Containment and Air Quality Control

We sealed off the affected areas using 6-mil plastic sheeting and established negative air pressure inside the containment zone using HEPA-filtered air scrubbers. This prevents airborne spores from migrating to other parts of the home during the removal process.

We also placed additional HEPA air filtration devices in adjacent rooms to further reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Our technicians wore full PPE, respirators, gloves, and protective suits throughout the project to ensure safety and professionalism.

Step 2: Removing Unsalvageable Materials

Not everything can be saved. In this case, we removed:

• Non-salvageable tile flooring in the kitchen and dining room
• Wet subfloor that had absorbed too much moisture
• Lower kitchen cabinets that showed signs of saturation and microbial activity
• A section of drywall near the base of the walls

All materials were carefully bagged and disposed of according to industry standards.

Step 3: Treating and Cleaning Structural Materials

Once the damaged materials were out, we treated all exposed framing with a plant-based antimicrobial agent. This step is critical for preventing future microbial growth on surfaces that can’t be replaced, like studs and joists.

We then:

• HEPA vacuumed all exposed framing
• Sanded wood framing where necessary to remove embedded contamination
• Conducted a final surface wipe-down to ensure cleanliness

Step 4: Drying the Structure

Even after removal, we needed to ensure that any remaining moisture in the structural materials was fully dried. We deployed:

• Multiple air movers to promote evaporation
• Axial fans for subfloor drying
• A large-capacity dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air

We monitored moisture levels daily, taking readings with pin and pinless meters to track drying progress. The goal is to bring all materials back to their “dry standard,” the normal moisture content for that material in its environment.

If you’re dealing with a flood or leak and need immediate help, check out our guide on what to do first after your home floods.

Why Timing Matters in Water Damage

This job is a textbook example of why speed matters. The homeowners didn’t realize how much water had infiltrated beneath the surface. And honestly, most people wouldn’t. Tile can hide a lot.

But here’s what happens when water sits for days:

• Mold begins to colonize on porous materials like drywall, wood, and insulation
• Structural materials weaken as they absorb moisture
• Odors develop as organic materials break down
• Secondary damage spreads into walls, cabinets, and adjacent rooms

According to the EPA, mold can begin growing on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. The difference between a 24-hour response and a week-long delay can be thousands of dollars in additional damage. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency response and emphasize acting quickly. Learn more in our post on how to stop water damage in 7 emergency steps.

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Water Damage

One of the first questions homeowners ask after discovering water damage is, “Will my insurance cover this?” The answer depends on the source of the water.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe or appliance malfunction like this dishwasher leak. However, damage from flooding, neglect, or lack of maintenance is usually excluded.

In this case, the dishwasher malfunction qualified as a covered peril under the homeowner’s policy. We worked directly with their insurance adjuster, providing detailed documentation, moisture readings, photos, and a comprehensive scope of work to support the claim.

The Outcome: Ready for Rebuild

After several days of drying and verification, the structure was confirmed dry and ready for reconstruction. We documented everything, moisture readings, photos, equipment placement, and provided a full report to the homeowners and their insurance company.

At that point, our work was done. The home was safe, clean, and structurally sound. The family could move forward with selecting new flooring, cabinets, and finishes, confident that the underlying problem had been fully addressed.

For more on how restoration projects like this one are handled, check out our case study on a Glenwood Springs home’s water damage recovery.

What Homeowners Should Know

If you’re reading this because something similar happened to you, here’s what we want you to know:

• Don’t wait. Even if the damage doesn’t look severe, moisture spreads quickly and mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours.
• Check under the surface. Tile, vinyl, and laminate flooring can hide significant water intrusion.
• Work with certified professionals. IICRC-trained teams follow proven protocols to ensure safe, effective restoration.
• Document everything. Take photos, keep records, and communicate with your insurance company early.

Let’s Help You Get Back to Normal

Water damage doesn’t wait for a convenient time. Whether it’s a dishwasher leak, a burst pipe, or a flooded basement, RemediH2O is here to respond fast and restore your home the right way.

If you’re dealing with water damage, mold concerns, or fire and smoke damage anywhere on Colorado’s Western Slope or Roaring Fork Valley, contact us today. We’re available 24/7, and we’ll walk you through every step of the process.