If a washing machine hose bursts, turn off the water valves behind the washer right away, or close the main water valve if you cannot reach them safely. Then keep away from any wet outlets and start removing water before it spreads to other rooms.
Why Burst Hoses Are So Messy
Washer supply hoses are under constant water pressure, even when the machine is off. When one bursts, water can pour out at a high rate until someone shuts it off. A burst while no one is home can flood a laundry room and leak into rooms below.
Steps to Take Right Away
- Close both the hot and cold valves behind the washer
- If the valves are hard to reach or water is near the outlet, close the main shut-off instead
- Do not touch the washer or its plug while standing in water
- Move rugs, boxes, and anything stored nearby
- Use towels, mops, or a wet vacuum to pick up water
After the Water Is Off
Check the floor and walls around the laundry area. If the washer is on an upper floor, look at ceilings below for stains or drips. Leave fans running to dry the area. Take photos of the damage before cleanup for your records and any insurance claim.
Preventing a Repeat
Rubber hoses can crack from the inside out, so they may look fine until they fail. Many people switch to braided stainless steel hoses, which are tougher. Replacing hoses every few years, leaving a few inches of space behind the washer so they do not kink, and turning the valves off when traveling all reduce the risk.
If water has soaked into walls or floors, or the valves themselves are leaking, fast help for a household flood can stop further damage. To have your laundry hookups checked, you can set up a plumbing visit at home by calling JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.