The short answer
Shut off the water to the appliance, turn off its power, and for a water heater, close the cold water inlet valve and turn off the gas or electricity following the manufacturer's instructions. Then mop up what you can safely, photograph the damage and get the floor and walls dried before mold starts.
On this page
Water heaters
A tank that rusts through can release its entire contents, often into a basement or a closet next to finished rooms. A drip from the temperature and pressure relief valve's discharge pipe is a different problem that a plumber should check. If the tank is leaking:
- close the cold water inlet valve at the top of the tank
- turn off the power at the breaker for an electric heater, or set a gas heater to off following the instructions on the unit
- keep away from hot water and wet electrical equipment
- call a plumber to replace the heater and a restoration company for the water
Washing machines
Supply hoses are under constant pressure and can burst without warning. Close both supply valves behind the machine. Many homeowners replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel and turn the valves off when leaving home for long periods.
Dishwashers, refrigerators and toilets
Dishwasher supply lines and drain connections, refrigerator ice maker lines and toilet supply lines are small but can run for hours behind cabinets or under floors before anyone notices. Close the shut-off valve under the sink or behind the toilet or fridge. If you can't find one, close the main.
Finding slow, hidden leaks
Turn off every faucet and water-using appliance, then watch the water meter for 15 to 30 minutes. If it moves, water is going somewhere. Warped floors near the dishwasher, stains under the sink and a musty smell behind the fridge are other clues.
Sudden versus slow, for insurance
A sudden burst or tank failure is often covered by homeowners insurance. A slow leak that went on for weeks is often treated as maintenance and excluded. That's another reason to check under sinks and behind appliances now and then. See our insurance guide.
Drying after an appliance leak
Appliance water usually starts clean, but washing machine and dishwasher discharge is treated as gray water. Water that ran under cabinets or flooring needs professional drying to avoid hidden mold. See water removal and extraction, clean, gray and black water and our main page on water damage restoration in Westfield.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my water heater is leaking?
Close the cold water inlet valve, turn off the power or set a gas unit to off following the manufacturer's instructions, keep clear of hot water and call a plumber and a restoration company.
How often should washing machine hoses be replaced?
Inspect them regularly for bulges, cracks and leaks at the fittings. Many homeowners switch to braided stainless steel hoses and replace them on a schedule.
How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
Turn off all water use and watch the meter for 15 to 30 minutes. If it moves, look for warped floors, stains and musty smells near appliances and fixtures.