Clothes Washer: Keep Your Washing Machine from Flooding the Laundry Room
Updated: Jan. 15, 2020Install an automatic washing machine shutoff valve to prevent floods
Install automatic washing machine shutoff valves
Photo 1: Install the automatic washing machine shutoff valves
Screw the new motorized valves onto the manual shutoff valves. Then attach the washing machine hoses. Tighten until snug with slip-joint pliers.
Flooding from washing machines happens far more often than you think. In fact, washing machine floods hold a prominent place in the “Top 10” list of homeowner’s insurance claims.
Even if you’ve already switched out your rubber hoses for “no-burst” braided hoses (you did that, right?), you’re still at risk. The machine’s water valve, drain hose and pump can fail and cause major damage. This is especially important if your washing machine is located on an upper floor, in a finished room or in a condo, where major flood damage can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
A washing machine valve shutoff kit (one choice is FloodStop No. FS3/4H-90; about $145 through our affiliation with amazon.com) puts all that concern to rest. When the floor-mounted sensor detects puddling, it instantly shuts off the water valve. The unit installs in less than 30 minutes with just slip-joint pliers (no soldering required). Here’s how.
Turn off the water to the washing machine and remove the fill hoses from the valves. Then install the new motorized valves (Photo 1). Then mount the controller close to the nearest electrical receptacle and connect the wires (Photo 2). Locate the flood sensor below the washing machine (Photo 3). For additional protection, buy a few more sensors and daisy-chain them onto the first sensor. Then wet them and adjust the sensitivity at the controller.
Required Tools for this automatic washing machine shutoff valve project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Pliers
Required Materials for this automatic washing machine shutoff valve project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
- Washing machine valve shutoff kit
