We have a "FloodStop" gizmo; its sensor lays on the floor. If the sensor gets the slightest bit wet it shuts the water off @ the FloodStop. I know it works well because a couple of times a carelessly aimed bug spray nozzle got the sensor wet and I've had to re-set it (easy done). I can't remember how much we paid for it ... not inexpensive, I think, but well worth the money. On the other hand, with no sensor for the dishwasher, I keep a close ear & eye open when it's running. I already had one dishwasher water problem where I not only had to replace the dishwasher, but also a few floor tiles. Good thing I had a few spare tiles.

You have my total sympathy! It has been two years now since the same thing happened to me on Dec. 8th due to frozen pipes. Thank goodness I was home, it could have been a lot worse. If you have insurance it should cover all the damages but your deductable. Hope it all works out for you.

Awww. Rotten day but things can only get better from here. Have a blessed day.

That would happen at my parents' house every so often when the roots from the trees would block the drainage pipes. My mom's sewing room was also the laundry room in the basement. She got smart and started putting everything in plastic tubs to prevent stuff from getting damaged. The laundry room was one step down from the rest of the basement, so water rarely made it into the rest of the basement... just the laundry room.

I wonder if front-load washers have the same issues? I thought a few months ago that my washer (that is directly over the crawl space) was leaking because there were wet spots on the black plastic near the back of my crawl space. Come to find out, much to my disgust, that my cat was getting up in the crawl space and using it as his personal toilet! Talk about a MESS and the stench was horrific.

I am glad the water didn't do too much damage, but I can sympathize with you... all the work it takes to clean up! Yuck!