A washing machine flood is one of the most common causes of water damage in Australian homes. A single incident can release hundreds of litres of water onto your floor, damaging flooring, walls, cabinetry, and anything in its path. Here’s how to respond and prevent it.

Stop the Flood: Immediate Steps

If your washing machine is flooding:

1. Turn off the washing machine — Press the power button or pull the plug
2. Turn off the water supply taps — The taps on the wall behind the machine. Turn both hot and cold clockwise to shut off
3. If you can’t reach the taps, turn off the main water supply at the meter
4. Mop up standing water — The faster you remove water, the less damage it causes
5. Check for electrical hazards — If water has reached power outlets, turn off the circuit at the switchboard before touching anything
6. Move belongings — Get furniture, rugs, and valuables away from the water
7. Open windows — Ventilation helps prevent mould
8. Call a plumber — If the cause is a burst hose or plumbing connection

Common Causes

Burst Flexible Hoses

The braided stainless steel hoses connecting your machine to the wall taps are the most common failure point. The inner rubber degrades over time and the hose bursts, releasing water at full mains pressure.

These hoses should be replaced every 10 years — or sooner if they show signs of bulging, rust, or fraying.

Blocked Drain

If the waste water has nowhere to go, it backs up and overflows. This can be caused by:

• Lint and debris buildup in the drain pipe
• A kinked or collapsed drain hose
• A blocked floor waste drain

Failed Door Seal (Front Loaders)

The rubber door seal on front-loading machines can tear, perish, or become blocked with debris. When it fails, water leaks out during the wash cycle.

Overflow from Tub

This can happen if:

• The water inlet valve is stuck open
• The pressure switch (water level sensor) has failed
• The drain pump isn’t working

Loose or Damaged Connections

The connection between the drain hose and the standpipe (or tub) can come loose, especially if the machine vibrates excessively.

After the Flood

Once the immediate crisis is handled:

• Document the damage — Take photos for insurance
• Dry everything thoroughly — Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows
• Check under flooring — Water can pool under floorboards and cause hidden damage
• Watch for mould — It can appear within 24-48 hours in damp conditions
• Contact your insurer — Most home insurance policies cover sudden water damage from burst hoses

Prevention Tips

Replace Hoses Regularly

This is the single most important preventive measure. Replace braided hoses every 10 years and inspect them annually for bulging, rust, or fraying.

Turn Off Taps When Not in Use

Get in the habit of turning off the washing machine taps after each use. This removes water pressure from the hoses when the machine isn’t running, dramatically reducing burst risk.

Use Quality Hoses

When replacing hoses, choose WaterMark-certified hoses from reputable brands. Cheap hoses have a higher failure rate.

Keep the Drain Clear

Clean lint from the drain hose connection periodically. Ensure the drain hose is properly inserted into the standpipe and not kinked.

Don’t Leave It Unattended

Avoid running the washing machine when you’re not home or while you’re sleeping. If a hose bursts while you’re away, the damage is far worse.

Install a Leak Detector

Smart water leak detectors placed behind the washing machine can alert you to leaks immediately — and some can automatically shut off the water supply.

When to Call Hankook Plumbing

Call us if:

• A hose has burst and you need emergency help
• You want to replace aging flexi hoses
• The washing machine drain is blocked
• You need a washing machine tap repaired or replaced
• You want a professional assessment of your laundry plumbing

We service laundry plumbing across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Call 0407 756 172 for fast assistance.