Hello,

I'm getting a new washer and dishwasher and am concerned about the
wood underneath them. If they happen to leak or overflow in the
future, the wood floors underneath will be subjected to the water, and
mold and mildew could grow, and the wood eventually rot. Can anyone
recommend me a good way to protect this wood ?

Thanks.

When I install a dishwasher I caulk between the floor and the cabinets
and along the back wall. Theory is that if a leak occurs the water
will have to come out the front where it is visible instead of
sneaking under the cabinets or down the wall.

Pans are available for washers to catch water and also hoses that
shutoff if they burst. You can also install a fancy solenoid device
that only allows water to flow if the machine is on.

To protect your floors you need to catch a leak right away. No finish
will keep the floors from getting ruined if they are subjected to
constant moisture.


www.repairclinic.com has trays that go under the dishwasher that protects
the floor and flows any potential leak out to the front where you would be
sure to see it. Not sure if they have anything like that for washers, but I
would think your biggest leak risk on the washer is the fill hose bursting
or the drain backing up. For that matter it's the same with the dishwasher
as well.