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. Call (888) 840-6512 to reach a certified water damage restoration company in your area; the line is answered 24/7.
Quick answer
Close the appliance's own supply valve — behind the washer, under the sink, on top of the water heater — and cut power to it; if you cannot reach the valve, shut off the main. Appliance failures are about a fifth of all water damage claims, and the damage is rarely where you can see it: water runs under vinyl and laminate and into the cabinet kick space, which is why a floor that looks dry can still be soaked underneath. Typical $1,000–$7,000, mold window about 48 hours. To have the floor and cabinet base checked with a meter, (888) 840-6512, answered 24/7.
Press 1 for water damage or 2 for mold, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for about half a minute while it connects — that is normal, stay on. Have ready: the address with ZIP, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have opened an insurance claim.
The calls in order, and why: Washing machine flooded: what to do and who to call
Emergency checklist
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
Unplug the appliance or cut circuit breaker — never touch a wet appliance while plugged in
⚠ Electrocution risk with standing water around appliances
Photograph the appliance, water spread pattern, and all affected flooring and adjacent rooms
⚠ Water migrates under tile and laminate invisibly — document the full spread
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
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
Report to your insurer — appliance failures are typically covered as sudden and accidental
⚠ Keep the failed appliance until adjuster inspection if possible
Mold growth timeline
Mold Growth Clock
What happens hour by hour after water damage
0h
elapsed
Water Intrusion
lowHour 0Water 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?
YesSudden 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.
Who do I call right now for water damage?
Call (888) 840-6512. The line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects you with an IICRC-certified water damage restoration company that serves your area. Describe what you can see — where the water is coming from, how long it has been there, and whether it smells — the more specific you are, the faster the right company is on the line.
If the source is a pipe or an appliance, shut the main water valve first. Have four things ready and the call goes quickly: the address, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have filed an insurance claim.
Still not sure which of these is your situation? (888) 840-6512 · toll-free · answered 24/7
Read the full guide: washing machine overflow water damage
(888) 840-6512