Install an automatic washer leak shutoff valve and drain pan
Two layers protect against a washer flood: a drain pan under the machine (ideally piped to a drain) and an automatic shutoff that closes the hot and cold supply when a floor sensor gets wet, or when the washer is not drawing power. Kits differ: some motorize the existing valves, some replace the washer box. A pan holds a slow leak; it will not hold a burst hose, so the shutoff is the real protection.
Cross-checked ~120 min moderateBrands: All
Before you start
- Turn off the water at the washer valves (or the main) and unplug the washer before moving it.
- Washer-box replacement inside a wall and any pan drain tied into the building drain are plumbing work that may need a permit; follow local code.
- Plug-through shutoff units must match the washer's voltage; 240 V washers need the version the maker lists.
Diagnostic steps
Unlock all 10 steps with expected values
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