How to Prevent Your Washing Machine From Flooding Your Home

One of the main focuses over here at Practical Home is prevention. We want you to make your home a fresh, functional space that prioritizes home safety and maintenance. Let’s stay ahead of the game and prevent as many home disasters as possible! While some home disasters and prevention tips may be quite obvious (but easy to forget), others you might have heard horror stories about and had no idea that problem could happen!

Today we are talking about washing machines, and how to prevent them from causing any flooding in your home. Washing machines are a staple in most households, providing an easy and efficient way to clean clothes. However, they can also be a source of home disasters if not properly maintained. Here are 5 simple steps to take to prevent your washing machine from flooding your home.

1. Change Out Your Washing Machine Hoses

Washing machine hoses are susceptible to corrosion, wear and tear, and can eventually crack or break, causing water to leak out. To prevent this, it is recommended to change out your washing machine hoses every 3-5 years. Additionally, consider upgrading to reinforced hoses, which are more durable and less likely to fail.

To replace the hoses, you will first want to turn off the water supply valves. Make sure you have a bucket handy! Next, disconnect the washing machine hose from the washing machine and remove the screws that hold them in place on the washing machine. Connect the new hoses to the washing machine and secure them with the screws. Finally, reconnect the other end of the hoses to the water supply and turn on the water valves to complete the process—make sure to test for any leaks before running and leaving the washing machine unattended!

2. Don’t Use Plastic Parts

When replacing washing machine hoses, opt for stainless steel parts instead of plastic ones. Plastic parts are more likely to crack and break over time, which can cause water to leak out. Be on the lookout for any visible rust or corrosion on your washing machine parts, and replace them immediately to prevent a potential disaster.

3. Clean Out the FIlter on the Bottom of Your Washing Machine

Most washing machines have a filter located on the bottom, which can become clogged with lint, dirt, and other debris. This can cause your washing machine to work harder, leading to potential damage and leaks. To prevent this, clean out your washing machine filter regularly, ideally once a month, to ensure it is functioning properly.

4. Don’t Overload the Washing Machine With Too Many Clothes

We get it, sometimes overloading the washing machine can be tempting. But don’t get lazy on us! Overloading your washing machine can cause it to become unbalanced, leading to potentially disastrous outcomes. Additionally, overloading can cause strain on the motor, which can eventually burn out. To prevent this, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on load capacity and avoid overloading your washing machine.

5. Turn Off Your Main Water Valve Before Going on Vacation

If you’re leaving for a vacation or won’t be in your home for an extended period of time (we’re talking to you, snow birds!), turn off the water valve to your main water line that comes into your home to prevent any accidental leaks. Trust us, you do not want to come home to a flooded home. Watch how to do this on our Practical Home Instagram account here.

To ensure you have a safe and well-maintained home, prevention is key! Whether it’s checking the hoses on your washing machine or making sure you don’t overload it, simple steps can prevent major home disasters.

Stay tuned for more tips on home maintenance, prevention, design, and more here at Practical Home. And catch us on HGTV Tuesday evenings beginning March 28, 2023 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on our new show Renovation 911.