The short answer
Shut off the Water
The first move is to stop the flow. Most kitchen sinks have shutoff valves underneath, one for hot and one for cold. Turn both clockwise until they stop. If the leak is from a refrigerator water line, look for a valve on the wall behind or under the fridge, often near the floor.
If you cannot find a fixture valve, shut off the main water valve for the whole house. It is usually near the water meter, in a basement, or at the exterior wall. Make sure every adult in the home knows where it is. If you live in Redmond, keep the location written down near the electrical panel.
Contain the Water
Once the water is off, contain what is already out. Place a bucket or large pot under the leak to catch drips. Lay thick towels or old rags around the base to soak up water spreading across the floor. If the leak is overhead, move anything valuable or easily damaged out of the way.
Do not walk through standing water if you are unsure whether electricity could be involved. If the leak is near an outlet or appliance, turn off power at the breaker only if it is safe to do so. Otherwise, keep people and pets away from the water until the power is off.
- Keep a bucket under the drip point
- Use towels to soak up floor water
- Move furniture and rugs away
- Turn off power if water is near outlets
- Open cabinet doors to dry inside
Dry the Area Quickly
Drying fast matters because moisture soaks into wood, drywall, and flooring. Use a wet-dry vacuum if you have one to pull water off hard floors. For carpet or rugs, blot with towels and then run a fan or dehumidifier to speed up drying. The longer water sits, the more damage it can cause.
Open windows if the weather allows, and use fans to circulate air. Remove wet items like cardboard boxes or paper goods. If you have a crawlspace or basement below the kitchen, check for water dripping down. Catching it early can prevent more serious issues.
When to Call the Pros
Some leaks are simple to stop, but others require more than a towel. If the leak is from a pipe in the wall, under the floor, or behind an appliance, the water may have spread to places you cannot see. Local water damage pros have moisture meters and drying equipment to find hidden moisture.
For appliance leaks, a plumber or appliance repair person may be needed to fix the source. For water that has soaked into subfloor or drywall, the pros can assess the extent and dry the structure. If you notice discoloration, sagging, or a musty smell, do not ignore it.
- Leak inside a wall or ceiling
- Water under the floor or in the crawlspace
- Appliance leak you cannot stop
- Signs of mold or mildew
- Water near electrical wiring
Prevent Future Kitchen Leaks
After a leak, check the likely spots. Look at the seals around the sink, the connections under the sink, and the water line to the fridge. Replace worn washers or tighten loose fittings, but do not overtighten plastic nuts. A small drip now can become a burst later.
In Redmond's wet climate, keeping an eye on moisture is wise. Wipe up spills quickly and check under sinks monthly for dampness. If you have a shutoff valve, test it once a year to ensure it moves freely. Knowing how to stop a leak before it happens saves trouble.
Water damage does not wait
Call (425) 407-5186 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (425) 407-5186Frequently asked questions
What do I do if the leak is from the dishwasher?
Turn off the dishwasher and stop the cycle. Shut off the water supply valve, usually under the sink or behind the dishwasher. Remove the bottom rack and check for pooled water. Wipe up what you can and call an appliance repair person if the leak persists.
How do I know if a leak is serious enough to call for help?
If you cannot stop the water flow, or if water has spread to walls, floors, or ceilings, call the pros. Also call if you see signs of mold or if the water is near electrical outlets. Otherwise, you may be able to handle small drips yourself.
Can I use a hair dryer to dry the area after a leak?
A hair dryer can help on small, hard surfaces, but it is not effective for large areas or inside walls. Use fans and a dehumidifier for bigger jobs. If water has soaked into drywall or insulation, professional drying equipment is often necessary.