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5 Tips To Avoid a Flooded Laundry Room

Woman sorting through laundry in a laundry room.

A flooded laundry room is more than just a nuisance. When left unaddressed, it can become a potential disaster in your home. Even after the visible areas dry, lingering moisture could cause water damage in the flooring, walls, and nearby rooms. It can also lead to mold growth, which can cause structural issues and health hazards. 

Preventing a laundry room flood requires a little proactive maintenance and care. 


By taking simple steps to prevent your laundry room from flooding, you can avoid the hassle and cost of water damage repairs.

Why Is My Laundry Room Flooded?

Experiencing a flooded laundry room can occur for various reasons. This is typically due to everyday issues with your washing machine, faulty components, or improper usage of appliances. Common culprits include:

  • Damaged Plumbing Connection: Damaged or improperly installed hoses connecting your washing machines to your plumbing and drainage can lead to bursts or leaking pipes due to the pressure.

  • Overloaded Washing Machines: Overloading your appliances can lead water in your washing machine to leak out.

  • Clogged or Malfunctioning Drains: Lint and other debris may clog your washing machine or the drainage.

Tips to Avoid a Flooded Laundry Room

In addition to observing proper washer and dryer use, here are five helpful tips to avoid flooding your laundry room: 

1. Inspect Your Washing Machine Hoses Regularly

The hoses connecting a washing machine to the plumbing and drainage are the most common sources of laundry room flooding. Over time, these hoses can crack, leak, or weaken, increasing the risk of a burst.

Check your hoses regularly for wear and tear. Even if there is no damage, replace them every three to five years, depending on your usage. Consider upgrading your hoses from rubber to braided stainless steel. These are more durable and less prone to bursting. 

2. Avoid Overloading Your Washing Machine

Overloading your washing machine strains its internal components, increasing the risk of water leaks and overflows. Be mindful of how you load your machine; avoid unnecessary strain that can damage its components. 

Your washing machine should indicate its capacity or check its manual to determine the maximum load. Additionally, ensure you’re distributing your clothes' weight evenly to prevent imbalances. 

3. Use the Correct Detergent and Amount

Too much detergent or the wrong type can create excessive suds that can cause overflow. Your washing machine’s manual should indicate whether powdered or liquid detergent is recommended. For high-efficiency washing machines, use low-sudsing, high-efficiency detergents. 

Additionally, your detergent product should come with a recommended measurement for a full load of laundry. Avoid using more than recommended to avoid over-sudsing – this could damage your fabrics on top of risking overflow. 

4. Install a Drain Pan Under Your Washing Machine

A drain pan is a simple yet effective way to contain leaks or minor overflows from your washing machine. It can catch leaking water before it spreads to your floors. This is highly recommended if your laundry room is on your home’s upper floors, which can impact other levels. 

5. Be Prepared with a Shut-Off Valve

In case of an overflow, burst pipe, or plumbing issue, knowing how to shut off the water supply to your washing machine can prevent a small leak from turning into a full-blown flood. Make sure the shut-off valve is accessible. Additionally, consider investing in an automatic shut-off valve that can shut off the water supply when it automatically detects a leak. 

What To Do If Your Laundry Room Is Flooded?

Even with the best precautions, floods can still occur. If your laundry room floods, follow these steps immediately to minimize the risk of water damage:

  1. Shut Off the Water Supply: Turn off the water to the washing machine or shut the main water supply to stop the flow.

  2. Remove Excess Water: Use towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or a pump to remove standing water. Do this immediately to reduce the risk of moisture seeping into the floor or walls.

  3. Call Restoration 1 of Oak Harbor: Contact Restoration 1 of Oak Harbor for professional water damage restoration. Our team is available 24/7 to help mitigate damage and ensure flood water is properly extracted.

Address Water Damage with the Certified Technicians of Restoration 1 of Oak Harbor

A flooded laundry room can cause expensive and lasting damage to your home. By following these five simple tips, you can prevent many common causes of flooding and protect your property.

If water damage does occur, it’s best not to wait to address the issue. Restoration 1 of Oak Harbor’s water damage restoration services protects your property from the lasting effects of unexpected floods. Contact us today to schedule a property inspection with one of our capable technicians.


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