Water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerator ice makers cause a large share of indoor water damage, often slowly and out of sight. Here's how that plays out in Sonoma, what to do right now, and how to reach an independent, licensed local provider. Call (628) 336-1777 any time, or use the form on this page.
Appliance and water heater leaks in Sonoma: what we see
Sonoma's older homes have had kitchens and laundry rooms remodeled over the years, often with supply lines and shutoffs hidden behind cabinets. Second homes and vacation rentals in the valley add leaks that go unnoticed for days.
The local picture
Where appliances sit in local homes. Housing type decides where leaks go and who they affect. Sonoma has older and historic homes near the Plaza alongside newer neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods include the Plaza area, the east and west sides of town, and nearby valley communities. Conditions vary from street to street, so a provider should look at your specific home rather than assume.
What to do right now
- Turn off the appliance's water supply valve, or the main.
- For a water heater, turn off power or gas per the manufacturer's instructions, and the cold-water inlet.
- Photograph the appliance, the failed part and the wet areas.
- Move belongings, and pull back wet rugs.
- Call a plumber or appliance technician and a restoration provider.
Want a local pro to take a look?It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation.
Sonoma checklist
- Make sure every appliance shutoff valve is reachable and turns.
- Put drain pans and leak sensors under the water heater and washer.
- Replace rubber supply hoses with braided lines.
- Check the water heater's age and look for rust at the base.
- Know where each appliance's shutoff valve is.
Local resources for Sonoma
- Permits: City of Sonoma (Permit Sonoma outside city limits)
- Emergency alerts: SoCoAlert, the County's free notifications
- Sandbags: Sonoma County sandbag locations, updated during weather events
- Contractor licenses: CSLB license check
How a provider handles it
A provider maps where water traveled, especially under cabinets, flooring and into walls, extracts it, removes what can't be dried, and dries the area with daily readings. For the full picture, read our complete guide and the deep dive The water damage drying process. We also have a storm-season article: SoCoAlert flood warnings.
Before you hire anyone, check the license on the CSLB site. Here's how we vet providers.
Dealing with this right now?Tell us what's happening and we'll connect you with an independent local provider.
More for Sonoma
- Water damage in Sonoma: our full local page
- Appliance and water heater leaks service
- Burst pipe water damage in Sonoma
- Crawlspace flooding in Sonoma
- Sewage backup cleanup in Sonoma
- Storm and flood damage in Sonoma
- Same problem nearby: appliance leaks in Glen Ellen & Kenwood, appliance leaks in Petaluma, appliance leaks in Santa Rosa
- Appliance and water heater leaks in every Sonoma County town
Sources
- SoCoAlert sign-up
- Sonoma County sandbag locations
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- CDC: flood safety
- CSLB license check
Sources checked October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who's responsible for a leak in a vacation rental?
It depends on the rental agreement and the policies involved. Document the damage and notify the owner and insurer.
Is a water heater leak covered?
Sudden water damage is commonly covered, subject to your policy; the heater itself often isn't.
Why check under cabinets?
Water from dishwashers and sinks often spreads under cabinets, where it can't dry on its own.