Install a drain pan for clothes washers over finished areas

Second-floor laundries are convenient, but also a risk.
Many homeowners appreciate a laundry room located in a finished space on the first floor or even the second floor. This is far more convenient than having a laundry in the basement, for instance, but it also means a leak or a burst hose can cause catastrophic water damage. Installing the clothes washer on a pan and connecting it to the drain system is a smart strategy for reducing this risk. Some insurance policies offer discounts for preventive measures such as this.

Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia

Appliances

Further resources

Checklist for Decay Resistance

Clotheswasher Drain Pan Specifications

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