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Emergency · Appliance Leak Emergency

Washing Machine, Dishwasher, or Water Heater Leak — Stop the Water Now

Appliance failures cause 21% of all water damage claims. Shut off the supply valve, kill power, document, and start professional drying before water migrates under flooring.

(888) 840-6512Mold window: 48 hours

Emergency checklist

  1. Turn off the appliance's supply valve (usually behind or below the unit) — or shut off main water if valve is inaccessible

    ⚠ Water heaters release 40–80 gallons when they fail

  2. Unplug the appliance or cut circuit breaker — never touch a wet appliance while plugged in

    ⚠ Electrocution risk with standing water around appliances

  3. Photograph the appliance, water spread pattern, and all affected flooring and adjacent rooms

    ⚠ Water migrates under tile and laminate invisibly — document the full spread

  4. Remove standing water with towels and wet/dry vac if Category 1 (clean supply line water)

    ⚠ Dishwasher and washing machine overflow may be Category 2 gray water

  5. Call restoration if water reached adjacent rooms, seeped under flooring, or involved Category 2 water

    ⚠ Subfloor moisture requires commercial drying — surface mopping is not enough

  6. Report to your insurer — appliance failures are typically covered as sudden and accidental

    ⚠ Keep the failed appliance until adjuster inspection if possible

Typical cost range

$1,000 – $7,000

Full cost breakdown

Mold growth timeline

Mold Growth Clock

What happens hour by hour after water damage

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elapsed

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Water Intrusion

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Water enters the structure. Clock starts NOW.

Recommended Action

Shut off water source, move valuables off floor, begin documentation with photos/video.

Next milestone: Absorption Begins at 1 Hour

All Milestones

Appliance Leak Emergency FAQ

Is water damage from a washing machine covered by insurance?
Yes — sudden appliance failures (burst hose, pump failure, overflow) are typically covered as sudden and accidental damage. Gradual leaks from worn hoses may be denied as maintenance issues. Document the failure point.
Is dishwasher overflow clean or gray water?
Dishwasher overflow is typically Category 2 gray water — it contains food particles and detergents. It requires antimicrobial treatment and may necessitate removal of affected porous materials.
How much does water heater burst cleanup cost?
Water heater failure cleanup typically costs $1,200–$8,000 depending on how much water spread, whether subfloor and drywall are affected, and how quickly drying begins. A failed 50-gallon tank releases enough water to saturate multiple rooms.
How to Replace a Main Shutoff Valve | Ask This Old House — This Old House walks through locating, operating and replacing the main water shutoff valve — the most important emergency skill for limiting water damage. Read the full guide →

Read the full guide: washing machine overflow water damage

(888) 840-6512