Guide · Appliances
Washing machine, dishwasher, fridge and toilet leaks
Appliance supply lines are among the most common causes of indoor water damage, and almost every one has its own shutoff valve within arm's reach. Here's where to find it.
Shutoffs and common failures
| Appliance | Shutoff | What usually fails |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine | Two valves on the wall behind it | Rubber fill hoses that burst; drain hose popping out of the standpipe; a clogged standpipe overflowing |
| Dishwasher | Under the kitchen sink | Supply line connection, door gasket, drain hose, or a pump seal |
| Refrigerator | Behind or below the fridge, or under the sink | Thin plastic ice maker line cracking or loosening; clogged defrost drain |
| Toilet | Oval handle on the wall behind it | Supply line, fill valve, cracked tank, wax ring at the base |
| Kitchen and bath sinks | Two valves under the sink | Braided supply lines, drain trap connections, garbage disposal |
| Water softener or filter | Bypass valve on the unit | Fittings and the drain line |
Stopping an overflowing toilet
- Lift the tank lid and press the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank closed, or lift the float so the fill valve stops.
- Close the supply valve on the wall behind the toilet, turning it clockwise.
- Treat the water by what's in it. Clean tank water is Category 1; an overflow with urine is Category 2; anything with feces, or sewage coming up from the drain, is Category 3 and calls for gloves, boots and disinfection.
- Check below. On upper floors, look at the ceiling underneath for stains or dripping, and switch off any light fixture there.
Cleaning up
- Unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker before touching it or the water around it.
- Mop and extract standing water, and pull the appliance out to dry behind and underneath it.
- Check under kitchen cabinets and behind toe kicks; water hides under cabinet bases and laminate flooring.
- Photograph the failed hose or line and keep it for your insurer.
- If water reached the ceiling below, wall cavities or a finished basement, get a professional moisture inspection.
Prevent the next one
- Upgrade hoses and lines. Braided stainless steel washer hoses and ice maker lines resist bursting. Even braided lines should be replaced periodically.
- Leave room behind the washer so the hoses don't kink against the wall.
- Add leak sensors on the floor by the washer, dishwasher, fridge, water heater and under sinks.
- Consider an automatic shutoff valve that closes the main when a sensor detects water or flow runs too long.
- Turn off the washer valves when you travel, or shut off the main for long trips.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the shutoff valve for my washing machine?
Usually on the wall behind the washer, in a recessed box or on two pipes: one for hot and one for cold. Turn both clockwise. If there's no valve or it won't turn, shut off the main water valve.
Where does the dishwasher water shut off?
Most dishwashers are fed by a small line from a valve under the kitchen sink, sometimes shared with the hot water faucet line. Turn it clockwise. Also switch off the dishwasher's breaker or unplug it before pulling it out.
Why is water on the floor in front of my refrigerator?
Common causes are a cracked or loose ice maker or water dispenser supply line, a clogged defrost drain that overflows inside the fridge, or a full or cracked drain pan underneath. Close the ice maker supply valve and check behind and under the fridge.
Why is my toilet leaking at the base?
A leak at the base when you flush usually means the wax ring seal between the toilet and the floor flange has failed. It can soak the subfloor and the ceiling below for months before it shows, so fix it promptly.