How To Clean up a Washing Machine Overflow or Flood

With more than 30 gallons of water, a washer machine overflow can quickly cause a lot of damage. It only takes a leaky seal or a busted hose to cause a huge mess. We look at how to clean up a washing machine overflow or flood. Plus, we cover what causes most washer leaks.

How To Clean up a Washing Machine Flood or Overflow

A washer machine overflow can ruin walls, flooring, and cabinets in just a few hours. If your washer overflowed, here is how to clean up the mess and repair the damage.

Approximate Time: 5 days

Estimated Cost: $ 800

Tolls & Supplies:

• Towels
• Mop
• Pump
• Wet-Dry Shop Vacuum
• High-Velocity Fans
• Structural Drying Dehumidifier
• Bleach
• Bucket
• Baking Soda

Step To Fix Your Washer Machine After an Overflow or Flood

1. Turn Off the Water

First, you need to turn off the washer to prevent more water from making a bigger mess. You will most likely have water shutoff valves right by your washing machine. However, you may need to turn off your main water valve to stop the problem.

2. Unplug the Washer

Since water and electricity are dangerous, unplug your washer after a leak or flood to prevent shocks. This can also stop the washing machine overflow. However, avoid shutting it off or canceling the load. This causes most washers to drain automatically and can cause an even bigger flood.

3. Remove Standing Water

Next, clean up all the water. If there is less than an inch of water, use towels or even a mop to soak up the water. However, a pump is much faster if there is more water. Then use a wet-dry shop vac to pull water out of walls and carpeting.

4. Remove Damaged Items

Once the water is gone, look at the damage and see what needs to be thrown away. Since this will speed up the drying process, get rid of anything you can’t save or don’t want. Depending on the amount of water involved in the washing machine flood, you may need to remove walls, flooring, cabinets, or even furniture. Especially if they are old, worn down, or already have mold.

5. Dry Out the Flooded Area

After washer floods or overflows, you should use high-velocity fans and structural drying dehumidifiers. Regular house fans can take weeks to dry your home, leading to more damage and mold. Available at most equipment rental companies, they will dry your home in less than a day and help save you money in the long run.

6. Empty the Washing Machine

While the fans are drying out your home, start emptying your washer. Take wet clothes outside and rinse away the soap with your hose. Wring them out and hang them in the sun to dry. Next, suck the water out with a wet-dry shop vac. Alternatively, you can soak up the water with dry towels.

7. Disinfect and Deodorize Your Home

Although unlikely, water from your washer may contain mold or bacteria. You should always disinfect your home after a washing machine floods or overflows. Add one cup of bleach to a gallon of water, then wipe down anything that got wet.

If you already have odors, open up windows and doors to let in the fresh air. You can also sprinkle down baking soda to get rid of odors. Just vacuum it up a few hours later.

8. Restore and Rebuild the Damaged Area

After disinfecting, you can restore the damaged area. While the exact process will depend on the damage, it could mean fixing your walls or replacing carpeting. If you only have a little damage, it might only mean painting.

9. Repair or Replace Your Washer

Depending on what caused your washing machine overflow, you may need to repair or even replace it. Repairs can save you money in some cases, but they are also more work. However, newer machines are complex. This makes repairs even harder. If the washer tub is damaged or your unit is very old, it’s probably better to buy a new machine.

What Causes a Washer Overflow or Flood?

Water Supply Hoses

Washers have two supply hoses, a hot and a cold. The hoses can crack over time and the connections can loosen or corrode. If you have water underneath the washing machine, a leaky supply hose is one possible cause. Problems with your hoses are easy to detect and repair, but they can also cause the most damage. If a hose breaks, the water will run until you shut off the valve.

Tub Seal

Washers have at least one tub seals that keep water from leaking while it’s running. Over time, these seals can stretch or wear out. Since they won’t form a water-tight seal, they will leak or even cause a flood.

Water Level Switch

Washers have a water level switch that controls the water level inside the unit. Although it is designed to last, these switches eventually wear out. If your washing machine overflows when filling, the water level switch is usually the cause. Switch problems are more common in top-loading machines.

Door Latch

If you have a front-loading washer, the door will have a latch that keeps it closed while it’s running. Unfortunately, the door latch may loosen over time. If this happens, water and soap can leak through the door. Also, this is more likely if you use too much soap or overload your washer with clothes.

Door Seal

Front-loading washing machines also have a gasket on the door that keeps water inside. If the seal is misaligned or damaged, your wash door can leak. Overloading or using too much soap increases the chances of a flood or leak.

Drain Pump

The drain pump empties water from the washtub into the drain line during the wash cycle. The pump has a number of connections and seals to keep water from leaking when it’s running. These seals get brittle with age and can cause your washing machine to leak or flood if they fail.

Drain Line

Over time, lint can clog the drain line out of the machine. This will cause your washing machine to back up into the tub and may even cause it to overflow. Drain clogs also put stress on the tub and drain pump seals. If those seals are already weak, a clog may cause them to fail completely. A clog or problem with the drain line is another likely cause if you have water underneath your washing machine.

How to Prevent a Washing Machine Overflow or Flood?

Here are a few easy ways to prevent your washing machine from flooding and overflowing.

• Use the Right Amount of Soap –While you may think more laundry soap means cleaner clothes, it’s more likely that soap suds will overflow the lid and cause a huge mess.
• Avoid Overloading With Clothes –Overloading your washer with clothes will overwork the unit. This can cause a flood by breaking the drain pump or weakening seals.
• Use a Lint Trap –If your washing machine drains to a utility sink, install a lint trap on the drain line. This will keep lint from blocking the drain and causing an overflow.
• Check the Hoses – Check that supply hoses are not dried out or worn. Tighten the connections regularly and look for signs of corrosion.
• Check the Drain Line –A third, larger hose allows dirty water out of the washer to the drain. This can get clogged by lint or even get disconnected from the drain.
• Know Where the Water Shut-Off Valve Is Located –The best way to stop a washer flood is by turning off the water. Make sure you know where the shut-off valve is located. Then turn off the power as well.

Is Water Damage Caused by a Washing Machine Flood Covered by Insurance?

In most cases, your homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of repairing water damage after a washing machine overflow or flood. However, there is one catch.

While your insurance company will cover the cost of repairs within your home, they typically will not pay to repair or replace your washer. That’s why we recommend buying one with a long warranty that covers both parts and labor.

Get Fast, Reliable Washer Flood and Overflow Cleanup

Do you have damage from a washer overflow or flood? We will clean up and repair your home fast after any disaster. Call 1-855-373-4221 now risk-free estimate on water restoration services.