Appliance leaks
Appliance leaks
Hoses fail and tanks rust through. The water goes sideways across the floor and into the cabinet base next door.
| Washing machine | Burst or loose supply hose, overflowing drain standpipe |
|---|---|
| Water heater | Rusted tank, failed relief valve, drain line |
| Dishwasher | Door seal, supply fitting or drain hose |
| Refrigerator | Ice maker line behind the unit, often unnoticed |
| Air handler | Clogged condensate line dripping into a closet or ceiling |
Garage and closet installs
Water heaters and washers often sit in a garage, a laundry nook or a hall closet. The slab slopes toward a door or a drain, and the water follows the slope into whichever room sits at the low point.
Air handler pans overflow in humid months. If a ceiling stain shows up below a unit, ask the contractor about the condensate line.
What to do
Turn off the supply valve to the appliance. If the leak is the water heater, close the cold inlet and switch off its breaker. Mop standing water, lift furniture legs onto foil or blocks, and call.
Insurers commonly distinguish a sudden failure from a slow drip.
Sources
Sources were consulted on November 5, 2026. Agency pages change, so check the source before relying on a detail.
Water is still moving. Make the call.
Dial the number and describe what happened. You are connected with an independent restoration contractor who serves your ZIP code.