What Should You Do If Your Washing Machine Leaks Into Your Home?

A leaking washing machine can release several gallons of water quickly, soaking floors, walls, and nearby belongings. Acting fast limits damage and reduces the risk of electrical shock, slipping, and mold growth.

What to do first

1. Stop the machine. Press pause or cancel, or turn the cycle dial to off. Do not open the door if water will pour out.
2. Unplug it only if the plug and outlet are dry and reachable without stepping in water. If there is any standing water near the outlet, do not touch the plug. Instead, turn off power at the breaker panel if you can reach it safely without walking through water.
3. Shut off the water supply. Behind the washer, turn both hot and cold supply valves clockwise until snug. If you cannot find them, shut off the main water valve to the house.
4. Contain the water. Use towels, blankets, or a wet/dry vacuum to stop water from spreading into other rooms or down vents.
5. Check for hazards. Water near outlets, power strips, or the breaker box is dangerous. Keep everyone, especially children and pets, out of the area.

What NOT to do

• Do not step into standing water if any electrical cords or outlets are nearby.
• Do not run the machine again to "see if it still leaks."
• Do not ignore water that has seeped under flooring or into walls. Hidden moisture causes mold within 24-48 hours.
• Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water. Use only a wet/dry shop vacuum.

Clean up and dry out

Remove as much water as possible with towels or a wet/dry vacuum. Open windows and use fans, a dehumidifier, or both to speed drying. If carpet or padding is soaked, it may need to be pulled up and replaced to prevent mold. Hard floors should be dried within a few hours. Check the ceiling below if the washer is on an upper floor, since water travels downward.

Find the leak source

Common causes include a loose or damaged fill hose, a clogged or torn drain hose, a worn door seal, a cracked pump, or an unbalanced load that splashed water out. Look for drips at the back of the machine, under the door, or around the drain hose connection. If you cannot identify the source, or if the leak continues after shutting off the supply, call a plumber or appliance repair technician.

When to call for help

• Water has reached electrical outlets, the breaker box, or a light fixture.
• The leak is from a broken pipe or the main water line.
• The floor or ceiling is sagging, soft, or visibly damaged.
• You smell burning, see sparks, or a breaker trips repeatedly.
• Mold is already visible or the area has been wet for more than 48 hours.

For property damage, contact your homeowner's or renter's insurance provider to ask about coverage and next steps. Keep photos of the damage before you clean up if it is safe to do so.

How to prevent future leaks

• Replace rubber fill hoses with braided stainless steel hoses every 5 years.
• Inspect hoses for cracks, bulges, or corrosion twice a year.
• Do not overload the machine, and balance loads evenly.
• Install a drip pan or automatic shutoff valve under the washer.
• Clean the drain hose and lint filter regularly.

If the leak is stopped, the area is dry, and no electrical or structural damage occurred, you can usually schedule a repair at your convenience. If water reached wiring or the structure, treat it as urgent and call a professional before using the machine again.