Water Damage from Appliances: What Happens After a Washing Machine or Dishwasher Leak?

2/25/2025 (Permalink)

Household appliances like washing machines & water heaters make daily life easier, but when they malfunction, they cause serious water damage.

Household appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters make daily life easier, but when they malfunction, they can cause serious water damage. Whether it’s a leaking hose, an overflowing washer, or a failed dishwasher seal, appliance-related water damage can soak floors, seep into walls, and weaken structures if not addressed quickly.

At SERVPRO®, we understand how appliance-related water damage unfolds and the steps necessary for restoration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what happens after water damage from appliances and how to respond effectively to minimize damage.

How Do Appliances Cause Water Damage?

Even the most well-maintained appliances can experience leaks, malfunctions, or supply line failures. Here’s how common household appliances can lead to water damage:

• Washing Machines – Leaking supply hoses, drain line clogs, or overfilled tubs can cause water to overflow.
• Dishwashers – A faulty door seal, loose hose connection, or drain backup can lead to water pooling on the floor.
• Refrigerators & Ice Makers – A cracked water supply line or clogged drain can cause water to accumulate.
• Water Heaters – Rust, corrosion, or pressure issues can lead to tank leaks or complete failure, releasing gallons of water.

Since appliances use large amounts of water, even a small leak can quickly spread, affecting surrounding floors, walls, and cabinets.

What Happens After Water Damage from Appliances?

1. Water Spreads Quickly

The moment water escapes from an appliance, it follows the path of least resistance—soaking into flooring, baseboards, drywall, and even under cabinets. If not stopped immediately, moisture can seep into materials, weakening their structural integrity.

2. Materials Absorb Water

• Hardwood floors may warp or buckle if water sits for too long.
• Laminate flooring may swell or delaminate as water gets trapped underneath.
• Drywall can absorb moisture, leading to potential damage that requires replacement.

If water reaches carpets and padding, professional extraction and drying are required to prevent long-term structural issues.

3. Drying and Moisture Removal Begins

After water damage from an appliance, the most critical step is fast water removal and drying. Professional restoration teams like SERVPRO use industrial-grade air movers, dehumidifiers, and extraction tools to dry affected areas quickly.

Effective drying includes:

• Removing excess water with extraction equipment.
• Placing air movers to accelerate evaporation.
• Using dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air.
• Moisture monitoring to ensure materials dry completely.

Quick drying prevents further damage to flooring, cabinetry, and walls.

4. Repair and Restoration of Affected Areas

Once the affected area is dry, restoration begins. Depending on the severity of the damage, this may involve:

• Replacing water-damaged flooring (if warping or swelling has occurred).
• Removing and replacing drywall if water absorption was extensive.
• Repairing or replacing damaged cabinetry.
• Cleaning and restoring contents affected by water.

SERVPRO’s restoration professionals ensure that every affected area is fully repaired so that your home or business is restored to its pre-damage condition.

How to Prevent Water Damage from Appliances

Taking proactive steps can help prevent costly appliance-related water damage. Follow these maintenance tips:

1. Check supply hoses regularly – Inspect washing machine and dishwasher hoses for cracks or wear every 6 months.
2. Replace old hoses – Upgrade to braided stainless steel hoses, which are more durable than rubber ones.
3. Don’t overload appliances – Overloading washing machines and dishwashers can cause excessive strain and leaks.
4. Clean dishwasher and refrigerator drains – Prevent backups by regularly clearing food debris and buildup.
5. Install water leak detectors – Place leak sensors near appliances to receive early alerts before leaks cause major damage.

Routine maintenance can help prevent water leaks before they turn into costly disasters.

FAQs About Appliance-Related Water Damage

How long does it take to dry out water damage from an appliance?

Drying time depends on the extent of the damage and the materials affected. With professional drying equipment, most areas dry within 3 to 5 days.

Can I clean up appliance water damage myself?

For small leaks on tile or vinyl flooring, DIY cleanup may be possible. However, if water has spread under flooring, into walls, or affected cabinetry, professional drying and restoration services are recommended.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover appliance leaks?

Insurance coverage depends on the cause of the leak. Sudden and accidental appliance failures are often covered, but neglected maintenance issues may not be included in standard policies.

What should I do immediately after an appliance leak?

1. Shut off the appliance and water supply to prevent further leaks.
2. Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to soak up standing water.
3. Move furniture and valuables out of the affected area.
4. Call a professional restoration service if water has spread extensively.

SERVPRO: Your Trusted Partner in Appliance Water Damage Restoration

Water damage from appliances can happen unexpectedly, but acting fast makes all the difference. SERVPRO’s expert water damage restoration team is available 24/7 to provide fast water extraction, drying, and restoration services, ensuring your home or business is fully restored.

If you’ve experienced water damage from a washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, or water heater, don’t wait—contact SERVPRO today for professional restoration services!