Common appliance leaks in Buckeye homes
Washing machine
A burst supply hose is one of the most common causes of sudden water damage in any home. Rubber hoses crack with age and heat, and when one splits it releases water at full pressure until someone shuts it off. A washer that floods while you are at work can soak a laundry room, hallway and the rooms on the other side of the wall.
Drain hoses that pop out of the standpipe and clogged drains that overflow are other common causes.
Dishwasher
Dishwashers usually leak slowly from a worn door seal, a loose supply line or a failed pump. The water runs under the machine and into the cabinet base and subfloor, where no one sees it for weeks. Swelling toe kicks and soft spots in front of the sink are often the first sign.
Refrigerator ice maker and water line
The thin plastic or copper line that feeds an ice maker and water dispenser can crack, kink or loosen when the fridge is moved. Because it runs behind the fridge, a slow leak can soak flooring and the wall for a long time before it shows.
Hard water makes it worse
Buckeye's hard water leaves mineral buildup in appliance valves, inlet screens and solenoids. Crusty valves stick or fail, and scale can wear on seals and fittings over time.
Laundry rooms upstairs
In two story homes, many laundry rooms are on the second floor. A washer leak there does not stay put. It comes through the ceiling of the room below, often a kitchen or living room, soaking insulation and drywall on the way.
Signs of a hidden appliance leak
- Swollen or peeling cabinet bottoms and toe kicks
- Soft or spongy floor near the dishwasher or sink
- Warped wood or laminate flooring in front of the fridge
- Stains or bubbling paint on the wall behind the washer
- A musty smell in the kitchen or laundry room
- Water stains on the ceiling under an upstairs laundry room
How we clean up appliance leaks
- Stop the water at the appliance valve or the main.
- Pull the appliance out if needed to reach the wet area.
- Extract water from floors and carpet.
- Check cabinets and walls with moisture meters. Water from a dishwasher or fridge often travels under neighboring cabinets.
- Dry cabinets in place when we can, sometimes by removing the toe kick to push air underneath.
- Dry walls and subfloor with air movers and dehumidifiers.
- Repair damaged baseboards, drywall, flooring and cabinet parts.
Protect yourself from the next one
- Replace rubber washer hoses with braided steel hoses every five years or so
- Turn off the washer valves when you leave for a trip
- Use a drain pan under upstairs washers
- Check under the sink and dishwasher every few months
- Put a small water sensor behind the fridge and washer
What it usually costs
A washer leak caught quickly on tile is often a small job. A slow dishwasher leak that soaked cabinets and subfloor, or an upstairs washer leak through a ceiling, costs more. Most water damage jobs in Buckeye fall between about $2,000 and $7,500. We give you a written estimate after we inspect.
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Frequently asked questions
My washer flooded the laundry room. Is it just the floor?
Often not. Water runs under the walls into the next room and wicks up the drywall. We check both sides of every wall near the leak.
Can water damaged cabinets be saved?
Many can, if they are dried quickly. Cabinets made of particle board that have swollen badly usually need the damaged parts replaced.
How do I know if my dishwasher is leaking?
Look for a swollen toe kick, soft flooring in front of the machine or water under the sink cabinet. A musty smell in the kitchen is another clue.
Is appliance leak damage covered by insurance?
Sudden leaks, like a burst washer hose, are usually covered. Slow leaks that went on a long time may not be.
How often should I replace washer hoses?
About every five years. Braided steel hoses last longer and are less likely to burst than plain rubber.
Do you repair the appliance?
We handle the water damage. An appliance technician or plumber repairs the machine or line.