What to Do If Your Washing Machine Leaks (Part 1)

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

A leak or flood from your washing machine can really damage your home—and fast! Take these steps immediately to minimize the damage.

If you suffer a flood or leak from your washing machine, the damage to your home can be extensive! A broken washing machine hose can spew up to 500 gallons of water per hour if not stopped. So first, stop the water, then figure out what caused the leak. Finally, get going on the cleanup, because the longer water sits on your floor, the worse the damage gets.

Shut Off the Water Supply and Electricity

Whether it’s a flood or a puddle, the first thing you need to do is to stop the flow of water. Shut off the water supply to the washer. The hot and cold shutoff valves are located where the house-supply lines meet the washer hoses. Often this is in a recessed wall box located adjacent to the washer.

Once you’ve stopped the flow of water, mop up any standing water. This will help prevent slips and falls while you’re working on your machine. It will also reduce the chances of water damage to your home and furnishings, and help prevent mold growth.

Next, cut the electrical power to the washer at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Don’t just pull the power plug in the back of the washer because its cord could be exposed to standing water and you could be shocked. If the leak is substantial, shut off the electricity to your home, too.

Empty the Washer

Remove the wet laundry—this will also remove some of the standing water from the washer, which will help drainage problems. Refer to your owner's manual for model-specific instructions. If the standing water is hot, wear rubber gloves. Place the items in a bucket and wring them out over a sink in the laundry room or kitchen.

Now you are ready to find the source of the leak and either fix it, call in professional help or replace your washer. Read Part 2 of this article for your next steps. 

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The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage remediation, fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, chemical cleanup, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) any time.

If your home or business suffers a flood or other water damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836 for immediate expert water damage cleanup

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If your home or business suffers a flood or other water damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836 for immediate expert water damage cleanup