Here is a troubleshooting guide to repair and fix your leaky washing machine… Instead of calling a repairman and spending from $75 to $200 dollars on a service call, here are the most common reasons your washing machine will leak. We will assist you on diagnosing and repairing that leaky top load or front load washer. Whether it has flooded the room or it is a small dripping leak, you will find the DIY solutions to fixing it yourself right here.
The MOST COMMON REASON a washing machine will leak is clothing overload and or excessive suds. If your washer leaks, first try removing the clothing after the cycle, run the machine with NO CLOTHES and NO DETERGENT on the quickest wash cycle. This is to determine if you have a true leak or if the machine was simply overloaded. If the machine still leaks then you have a genuine leak. If it does not leak then you probably had the machine overloaded. NOTE: Make sure you are using an HE (high efficiency) detergent with your front loading washer. If you are not, the machine will create excessive suds and will leak or stop the tub mid cycle.
The next area to check is the water supply and drain hose at the back of the washer. There is one hot water hose, one cold water hose, and one drain hose. We know it may be difficult to move your washer away from the wall so try this first… To tell which hose may be leaking, observe the washer during different wash cycles. If the washer leaks from the back when filling with water, then more than likely one of the water supply hoses are not tight or need replaced. If the washer leaks when in the spin or drain cycle, it may be that the drain hose is not properly secured or needs replaced. If the washer leaks from the bottom or underneath when in wash mode, the leak is coming from a part that is inside your washer.
If the hoses are in good working order, check to be sure your washer is on level ground. Sometimes a washing machine can move around when in the spin cycle. Make sure it is not leaning in any certain direction. Your washing machine may have feet that can be extended or retracted to get the washer level. If your washer is on a level surface then you can rule out this as to why your washer is leaking.
If you have a front loading washer, the door may have a warped, cracked, or missing door seal. Check to be sure that there is not any buildup of soap or residue on the door seal as this may prevent the door from fully closing properly.
The washer fill valves may be faulty. The washer fill valves are located on the back of the washer. The water that comes into your washer are controlled by these valves. If one of the valves is bad, a leak can occur. Slide the washer out and inspect the valves for leaks.
Check the hot and cold water tap spigots (faucet) on the wall behind the washer. The water supply valves can leak and make it seem as if your washing machine is leaking.
There are hoses and clamps inside your washer that may have become worn or loose. Safely remove the main panel on your washer and visually check every hose and clamp to see if you spot the problem.
It may be possible that the drain that the drain hose drains into is clogged. Check to be sure you do not have a clogged drain.
If none of the above “washer leaking” solutions have helped you… Is your washer more than 20 years old? Are there signs of rust? Do some of the controls not work properly? These may be signs that your washer has reached the end of its life cycle. You may want to consider searching for a new washer and putting an end the the old one you are constantly trying to repair.
Have a tip to fixing a leaky washer? Please leave a comment below.
I have a top load washer and it leaks from front underneath everytime it’s in use. What’s causing this and can it be fixed?
Replace water inlet Values
I have a Kenmore front load washing machine that is leaking @ 3 bolts on the bottom of the wash drum. Can these be tightened ( torque lbs) to see if that stops the leak? Is there a drum gasket that may also be part of the problem. The machine works fine other than the leak problem. Thanks for any information you can provide.
The water drips always. Even when the clothes is washing it continues to drip. Even after the cycle it still drips. What to do?
I have a Bosch combi wash and dry, and it leaks during the dry cycle, could you please help me with a possible cause?
I have a front load washer. The water is leaking into the washer, not out. The leak seems to be coming the same way it would when turning on a cycle. I am assuming that it is a problem with the inlet valve. Is there a way to troubleshoot this or do I have to replace the part?
S. Perry,
You most likely have a water level switch or water inlet valve leak. Make sure the water hoses are tight. If loose this may be causing your issue. If the water leak is coming from the top portion of your Kenmore top load washer. Unplug the washer. Turn off water. Remove water hoses. Open panel and have a look to see where the water is leaking from. Most likely this will be an easy fix as a simple water line may have popped off its fitting. Let us know what you find.
-RR
I have a Kenmore elite top load washer. No water will enter the tub. When I turn the washer on all of the water ends up on the floor. The leak is coming from the top.
Ngawang Dorji,
Your washing machine may have a siphoning issue. Make sure the drain hose is positioned properly by lifting the end a little higher up. If the drain hose is too low, some washers will drain the water out as it fills.
-RR
When I try to fill my washing machine, the water just keep on draining (about 50%) from the drain hose. Could u suggest what could be the problem? Thanks!