Ice Maker Damaged Wood Floor
by Michael
(Commerce City, CO)
Ice Maker Damaged Wood Floor
What should we do now?
We were moving into a new home in the East Denver metro area and we installed the ice maker.
Upon doing so, later that evening, the line sprung a leak and leaked for 2 days before being noticed.
Most of the water went into the unfinished basement, but on the hard wood floors, which are Hickory,
you can rub your hand over the joints between the wood and feel it.
Color is still good. No discoloration. What should we do now?
The Director's Response
Your ice maker damaged wood floor has some short term needs and some long term needs.
Be wise and heed both.
SHORT TERM
You need a moisture meter reading on the damaged wood and then a baseline reading elsewhere in the house to
determine what normal is for your floor.
You can purchase a moisture meter online. (I have two of the one pictured.)
Or, you can hire a Floorwright, who conceals and carries one at all times.
The quickest way to remove moisture is with heat, air movement, and dehumidification.
You mentioned your basement is unfinished. In that case, I would direct fans at the underside of the subfloor
and heat, if possible. The same goes for above.
(Your refrigerator already circulates warm air, directed at the subfloor, so consider leaving the appliance in its space for drying purposes.)
If your refrigerator sits on an interior wall, inspect the opposite side of that wall, as water will travel under walls.
Your moisture meter will be invaluable in telling you just how far the water went.
Expect gapping if moisture levels exceeded 3% from your baseline reading.
BUT, until the floor is dry DO NOT SAND!
AND UNTIL THE FLOOR IS DRY YOU WILL NOT KNOW IF THE GAPPING IS UNACCEPTABLE TO YOU.
If so, your Floorwright can remove and replace Hickory, as needed.
Long Term
Please, before you reconnect that supply line, consider a new one, and check out
PlumberSurplus.com Learning Center - buying guides, how to guides, videos, and definitions, learn before you buy!
OR, consider NOT reconnecting the ice maker. Consider making your ice in the basement, perhaps, and bringing up a bag or bucket, as needed.
Ice makers come in stationary models or portable units.
And if you prefer your ice maker where it is, then absolutely get either:
These work the same, simply made to fit two different sizes of
Lead free is a must, of course, because we are talking about an ice maker, here.
Cheaper water alarms are available, but the auto valve shut off pays for itself many times over.
Why not checkout my water alarm product reviews for every potential wet spot in your home.
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