When a washing machine overflows or leaks in your Fairfield or Westchester County home, water damage may result. If caught soon enough, you might be able to mop up the spilled water. But when a major overflow happens, it can flood your basement. If your machine is situated on the main or upper floor, the ceilings and furniture below can also be considerably damaged. If this happens, professional restoration assistance is needed.

Before discussing what to do if this happens to you, let’s examine the main reasons why it occurs and how to prevent it. Knowing this information may keep you from experiencing water damage.

Washing Machine Overflow Causes

Malfunctioning water inlet valve – this piece links the two water hoses to the washing machine, managing how hot and cold water flow inside. If it doesn’t close after filling up the wash tub, water will continue to come in and cause an overflow. This may lead to water damage. To check if this is your issue, turn off the power to the machine while it’s filling. If it continues to fill, that valve is broken and needs replacement.

Broken pressure switch – this switch stops water from going to the inlet valve when the water reaches its set level; if it’s not working, there’s nothing to prevent more water from flowing into your washing machine.

Low water pressure – when this is a problem, the machine’s water inlet valve may not receive a signal to close. Normally, your water pressure should be a minimum of 20 PSI for making the valve work properly.

Ways to Prevent Washing Machine Overflows and Leaks

Don’t load too many clothes. Spread the laundry evenly and loosely inside the machine.

Check water supply hoses for any slits, cracks, or normal wear and tear. If there’s dripping or leaking from these hoses, replace them. Change old rubber ones to stainless steel braided hoses because they last much longer.

To lessen the possibility of water damage, install a water alarm/detector. It’ll alert you when there’s standing water where it shouldn’t be. Also, put in an automatic washing machine shutoff valve. It will help stop flooding from broken hoses, leaking valves, or other problems.

Use detergent made for washing machines. Other soaps can produce too many suds and make them overflow. Also, always use just enough detergent and not more than needed.

Washing Machine Overflow Clean-Up

Step 1: First, switch off the electrical power to the machine at the circuit breaker. Don’t hit the “Cancel” button on the instrument panel. Depending on the problem, it can make things worse by starting the drain cycle.

Step 2: Clean up the water and remove wet rugs or furniture, drying them quickly. Since washing machine water is usually fairly clean, these items can often be saved.

Step 3: Take clothes from the washer and wring them outside or over a sink. Bailing all water out of the washer tub can help if there’s a drainage problem.

Leave Water Damage Restoration to the Professionals

If you’re away from your Fairfield or Westchester County home when your washing machine breaks or a hose gives way, you may need water damage restoration. In such cases, it’s not a good idea to try to clean it up yourself. Water not only causes damage you can see but also seeps into hidden places and creates unseen problems while encouraging mold to grow.

Call PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield to completely remove all overflow water. Our water remediation services and flood damage restoration will ensure that your home and possessions are fully dried out and restored to their previous condition. If you have questions or need assistance, look us up on linkedin, facebook, instagram, call us on 475.277.2400 or to learn more about how tricky water can be read, Now You See It, Now You Don’t.