Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking?
John Turpin is our resident home service repair expert here at Service Direct. He’s got the knowledge and experience to help homeowners like you make sense of most home repair issues. And with Service Direct, we connect you with top-tier service professionals to help with any repairs needed.
Don’t Panic if You Find Your Washing Machine Leaking
It’s worrying when you see your washing machine leaking all over your floor, but don’t panic. It’s not usually a costly problem, or serious enough that you need to buy a new machine. Most of the time, you can fix it yourself with help from some troubleshooting tips from the owner’s manual. Or, you can call a service technician for help.
In this article, we will help you avoid spending a lot to fix your leaking washing machine by showing you what to do. Continue reading and you will learn how to diagnose and repair the most common issues behind a washer leaking from the bottom.
Common Causes Why a Washing Machine Is Leaking
There are various possible causes behind a leaking washing machine. Some of them occur with both front-load and top-load washers, while others are unique to the type of machine. Below are examples of these issues you will encounter:
Top Loading Washing Machine Leak
Overflow Tube
Is your top load washer leaking from the front? The usual cause of this is a tilted or clogged overflow tube. The overflow tube often ends up clogged because of excess suds if too much detergent is used or laundry products are combined incorrectly. Prevent oversudsing simply by using less detergent when doing your laundry.
Spray Rinse Timers
Some top-load washers have a spray rinse function. It sometimes leads to leaks if you interfere with its cycle when you advance its timer manually. Advancing the cycle may lead to it overflowing or going too long.
Drain Plug
If the leak is at the back and the washer is new, there’s a good chance the culprit is the drain plug. You might have forgotten to remove the plug before you installed the drain hose. Try fixing the leak by removing the hose and then the plastic plug you find inside.
Hoses
It is also possible for the washer to leak at the back because the drain hose wasn’t properly secure. Make sure that you have fully inserted the hoses into the drainpipe. It should help with the leak, but if the drain hose is still dripping, it might be clogged. As a result, the water backs up and overflows.
Hose Connections
Loose hose connections are also common in a top-load washing machine leaking from the back. In this case, what you can do is turn the water supply off and then remove the hoses. You can also change the fill hoses if there is still a leak after tightening or replacing the hose connections.
Water Pump
If the leak comes from under the washing machine, it could be that the water pump is damaged. It could have a hole, and in that case, you need to replace it immediately to prevent water from getting to the motor. You can try to fix it yourself by following your washer’s repair manual and purchasing the necessary replacement parts.
Front Loading Washing Machine Leak
Suds
Like front-load washers, top-load washing machines can also overflow in the back due to excess suds. You can prevent this from happening by using high-efficiency detergent. Also, use only a small amount of detergent, which should effectively lessen the suds that the washer produces.
Gasket
An unsealed gasket is one of the most common causes of leaks in front-load washers. It typically happens when the door seal isn’t kept clean. It’s essential for gaskets to be cleaned weekly, especially paying close attention to their edges. As such, make sure to check the seal regularly to look for soap, soil, any trapped items, or punctures.
Drum Door
The drum door being out of alignment or not closing properly is another common cause of leaks in front-load washing machines. Over time, the washer’s hinges loosen and will need readjustment to make sure they are aligned correctly.
Hoses
It is also possible for the washer to leak at the back because the drain hose wasn’t properly secure. Make sure that you have fully inserted the hoses into the drainpipe. It should help with the leak, but if the drain hose is still dripping, it might be clogged. As a result, the water backs up and overflows.
Drum Seams
Front load washers have inner and outer drums, the latter of which is often produced in two halves. The two parts of the outer drums are typically bolted together, which when unsealed leads to the washing machine leaking. The seams will have to be repaired or replaced.
Water Inlet and Drain Hoses
When it comes to leaks coming from the back of the front load washing machine, two of the usual culprits are the inlet water and drain hoses. The same with top loading washers, improperly secured hoses can lead to leaks, so make sure that they are inserted fully into the drainpipe.
Other Possible Causes
Detergent Dispenser
The detergent dispenser regulates the soap and other products used during laundry. When one of the hoses of these dispensers becomes clogged, it leads to the washing machine leaking while running or even while off. In this case, you will have to de-clog the dispenser or buy a new one.
Overloaded or Out of Balance Washer
Washing machines, particularly top load washers, would often leak when it is out of balance or overloaded. It’s a good thing though that it’s easy enough to resolve. Just make sure it is level and if it’s overloaded, reduce the load size.
Pressure Switch or Water Valve
If the problem isn’t that your washer is leaking, but overflowing, it’s probably because of the pressure switch or water valve. The pressure switch is what tells the washing machine when it needs to be filled with water, as well as how much. If something’s wrong with the switch, it could easily lead to overflowing.
Before you do any of the troubleshooting tips mentioned above, there are a few things you need to do. Turn off the washer, unplug its power cord from the outlet, and make sure that you set all its water valves off. You should also turn off all its controls. This way, you can prevent any water damage and electrical hazard that could possibly happen.
Our resident home repair guru, John Turpin, has provided a list of common reasons why your washing machine might be leaking, along with some suggested solutions and DIY tips to fix it.
DIY vs. Professional
Most of the things that cause washing machines to leak are not too complicated for ordinary homeowners. They can usually perform these repairs by following simple instructions. This goes to say that although a leaking washing machine is frustrating and inconvenient, it is not a costly or difficult repair.
However, there are also times when you may need the help of a professional. If nothing from the tips above worked for you, there’s a good chance the problem is with one or more components of the machine. In these situations, it’s best to leave it to the hands of experienced appliance repair technicians.
Is a Leaking Washing Machine Broken?
Leaks do not automatically mean that your washing machine is completely broken. Most of the time, the leak was caused by only a minor issue, which can be repaired or replaced. You can do this on your own following the troubleshooting tips in the owner’s manual or the above guide. Or, you can contact a trusted appliance repair contractor.
Is It Worth Repairing a Leaking Washing Machine?
Many issues that lead to a washing machine leaking are easy enough and significantly low cost to repair compared to buying a new washer. Some issues ordinary homeowners can fix, but some you might need the help of a professional. The rule of thumb is if the washer’s age is not yet past its life expectancy if the parts are easily found, and the cost of repair is below 50% of the original price, then your washer is still worth it to repair.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaking Washing Machine?
Fixing a washing machine can cost around $300 on average. But it depends on the nature of the issue, the brand, and other factors. Minor issues may only cost as low as $85. Extensive repairs, however, can go as much as $580. To know exactly how much it costs to fix a leaking washing machine, you should have a professional evaluate it.
Hire a Local Plumbing Pro
The methods above are effective DIY tips to investigate, diagnose, and fix your leaky washing machine. But if you need professional help, then don’t hesitate to contact a local appliance repair pro using the phone number or form on this page.