Water leaked under linoleum in kitchen

I had capped our refrigerator line as we don't have an icemaker, and either I didn't do it tight enough or it came loose and a slow trickle of water leaked under the linoleum. We discovered some bubbles, then heard a kind of squeegee noise indicating the water... In any case, the line is capped so that's not a problem anymore, but we're wondering if it's possible to dry out the linoleum any way other than ripping the whole thing up? we're prepared to slit the areas where the bubbles are and wetvac them? but we're trying to avoid ripping the whole floor up...

oh and did I mention this is our first home? we moved in less than a week ago... sigh.

 

Call your homeowner's insurance agent. Replacement of floor covering should be covered.

 

Thanks!! Looking into our insurance policy now...

 

Was told by the guy who the insurance people referred us to... to poke holes in the linoleum to get the water out in order for it to dry... that he'll come by if the linoleum doesn't end up laying back down flat... is it really that simple? no risk of trapping moisture in there?

 

It will help but the problem is usually the glues they use, at least around here, break down with water. If you have a basement under that floor then it'll probably dry okay. I live in a dry climate that will really take the moisture out of everything.
I am not a big fan of linoleum for several reasons so I would say just live with it until you have a problem and put tile in.
Good Luck
Bryan

 

We poked holes in it to try to relieve the water, but no water came out? Now we just have bubbles, and the squeegee sound is gone...

My husband had to move the refrigerator to get the leak to stop and a little piece of the linoleum tore, and it looks like there are hardwoods under there (there are hardwoods in the rest of the the house although in the back it gets spotty where some places have been replaced with plywood)...

I think we'll probably just wait to see if the bubbles go back down, and you're right - live with it until we can change it - any concern that we're ruining what's underneath if we wait? (Wishful thinking: perfectly preserved hardwoods in fantastic condition underneath)

 

I will bet your underlayment has either delaminated and warped if it is plywood or luan or has swelled if it is particle board or masonite board. Time to replace. Get bids before making an insurance claim as it could be under your deductable or above it within reason enough to go completely out of pocket. If you've had another claim or if they just feel like it, they could decide to drop your HO insurance at their whim, no to mention that even kept by your company, your rates could go up high enough for them to recoup thier loss over the next few years.

 

I have seen a lot of linoleum installers put it right over hardwood or other types of flooring that are flat and not put any underlayment under it at all. If you have an unfinished basement or crawlspace under this floor then everything should dry out. If it is over a slab then it will take a long time to dry all the way.
Good Luck
Bryan