Washing Machine and Appliance Leaks

By Ishaq Hassan. Updated October 3, 2026. 3 min read.

Short answer: Washing machines, water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerator ice makers and toilets cause many household water damage claims, usually from burst hoses or slow leaks. Replace rubber washer hoses with braided stainless steel ones every few years, add drain pans and leak alarms, and know how to shut off each appliance’s water supply.

A split washing machine hose can release hundreds of gallons of water in an hour. A slow drip under a dishwasher can rot a floor for months unnoticed. This guide explains how appliance leaks happen, how to prevent them, and what to do when a washing machine leak or other appliance leak starts.

The most common appliance leaks

Washing machines: burst or worn supply hoses, loose drain hoses, overflowing drain boxes
Water heaters: corroded tanks, leaking valves and fittings
Dishwashers: worn door gaskets, loose supply lines, clogged drains
Refrigerators: cracked plastic ice maker and water dispenser lines
Toilets: failed supply lines, fill valves and wax rings

Illustration of wood floor planks cupping and warping around a pool of water — Wood floors cup and buckle as they soak up water from below.

What to do when a leak starts

Turn off the appliance’s water supply valve, or the main water valve if you cannot find it.
Unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker if it is safe to reach.
Remove standing water with towels, a mop or a wet vacuum.
Pull the appliance out if you can, to dry behind and under it.
Photograph the damage for your insurer.
Call a plumber or appliance technician for the repair, and a water damage company if water reached walls, subfloors or the floor below.

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How to prevent appliance leaks

Replace rubber washing machine hoses with braided stainless steel hoses, and replace any hose every few years
Leave a few inches behind the washer so hoses do not kink
Put drain pans under water heaters and washing machines on upper floors
Use water leak alarms under sinks, dishwashers and water heaters
Consider an automatic shutoff valve that closes the water supply when a leak is detected
Replace plastic ice maker lines with braided or copper lines
Turn off the washer supply valves when you travel

Illustration of a brown water stain spreading across a ceiling with water dripping below — A ceiling stain usually means water is trapped above. Drips are a sign it is getting worse.

Signs of a hidden appliance leak

Warped, soft or stained flooring near the appliance
A musty smell in the laundry room or kitchen
Stains on the ceiling below a laundry room or kitchen
Water bills higher than usual
Mold on the wall behind the appliance

Read our guide to hidden water damage signs.

Illustration of a flooded basement with water covering the stairs and boxes floating — Basement flooding often follows heavy rain or a failed sump pump.

Insurance and appliance leaks

Sudden water damage from a burst hose or failed appliance is often covered by homeowners insurance. Repairing the appliance itself and damage from slow, long term leaks usually are not. Report sudden leaks quickly. Read about water damage insurance claims.

Illustration of a burst pipe spraying water into a living room with a flooded floor — Water damage from a burst pipe spreads fast across floors and into walls.

Quick answers: washing machine leak

What should I do if my washing machine is leaking?

Turn off its water supply, unplug it if safe, remove standing water and call a plumber or appliance technician.

How often should washing machine hoses be replaced?

Every few years, and braided stainless steel hoses last longer than rubber.

Do water leak alarms work?

Yes. Inexpensive alarms under sinks, dishwashers and water heaters give early warning of leaks.

Does insurance cover appliance leaks?

Sudden water damage from a burst hose or failure is often covered. Slow leaks and the appliance itself usually are not.

Who dries water damage from an appliance leak?

A water damage restoration company. Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.

This guide covered washing machine leak. For more background, see FEMA’s flood insurance pages, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.

This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.

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