How To Fix A Washing Machine Leaking Water From The Bottom? Updated 2022

Washer leaking? Here are tips to fix a washing machine leaking water from the bottom. When your washing machine leaks, there can be several factors causing it. These troubleshooting methods will cover washer water leaks from underneath, during fill, when not in use, during wash cycle, in front, behind washer, around door, and leaks from the detergent drawer. The information covered can be used on all front load and top load washing machines as the information below is generalized for all washer water leak issues.

Washing machine leaking water from the bottom

Table of contents:
Faulty parts that can cause a washer to leak
Fix washing machine leaking from water hoses
Washer leaking from rubber seals in water hoses
Washing machine leaks from detergent drawer
Washer drain hose causing leak
Washing machine drain pump causing leak

Fix Washing Machine Leaking From Bottom

What Is The Most Common Reason A Washer Leaks?

If a washing machine is leaking, first try to determine if a water hose is leaking. This is the most common issue when a washer leaks. A water hose at the rear of the washer might be loose and simply needs to be hand tightened.

What Faulty Parts Cause A Washer To Leak?

Check the following washing machine parts to be sure they are not leaking:
1. Water Hoses – May be leaking in washer or on wall water tap causing a back leak.
2. Drain Pump – May be clogged or a hose loose causing a bottom leak.
3. Water Inlet Valve – May be faulty, loose, or clogged therefore causing a leak from back/bottom.
4. Tub Cover Gasket – May be damaged and letting water leak out on front.
5. Door Catch – Holds door locked, if damaged can let out water leak in front.
6. Boot Seal/Tub Seal – On transmission shaft where basket shaft enters the tub and if damaged can leak from bottom.
7. Bellows Or Door Boot Seal – On front loaders during fill or spin cycle and may be damaged and causing a front water leak.
8. Water Level Switch/Pressure Switch – Determines the correct water level and if bad can cause overfill.

NOTE: If a washing machine is leaking from the back, it may seem like it is leaking from the bottom as the water will flow forward and make you think the washer leaks from bottom. The best thing to do when a washer is leaking, is to verify the LOCATION of the leak before you begin troubleshooting as this will help you to pinpoint the issue.

Washing Machine Leaking – TOP 6 Reasons & Fixes

How To Fix A Washer Leaking From Water Hoses?

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet.
2. Slide the washer out about 12 inches (Be careful to not damage the water hoses).
3. Find the water hoses behind the washer.
4. Find where the water hoses connect to the wall and the back of washer.
5. Hand tighten both water hoses connected to the water outlets on the wall (Hot and Cold).
6. Hand tighten both water hoses connected to the washing machine (Hot and Cold).
This is the most common reason a washer leaks, if you still have a water leak, see below for more info…

How To Troubleshoot A Washing Machine Rubber Seal Leak?

1. Inspect water hoses and connections to find if they are the source of the water leaking.
2. Using your hand, feel around on the connections for moisture.
3. If you find moisture or a connection leaking check to be sure it is installed correctly and secure.
4. Turn off water, remove water hose, and check the water hose washers in the threading.
5. If water hose washers are damaged, replace all 4 water hose washers with new and reconnect.

Water connection at back of washer – Water hose washers (seal) may be causing leak

How To Fix A Leak From The Detergent Drawer?

1. Check that the detergent being used is being used as per directions/manual.
2. Be sure the detergent in the detergent drawer does not go past the marked max line.
3. If washer detergent drawer leaks water, use less detergent.
4. Always be sure that when running the washer the detergent drawer is fully closed.

Is The Washer Drain Hose Causing The Leak?

1. Make sure the drain hose is not put more than 6 inches into the tub or standpipe.
2. Be sure the drain hose is properly secured so it does not slide down.
3. Use a zip-tie to secure the drain hose into the standpipe.
4. The standpipe needs to be no shorter than 18 inches and higher or longer than 96 inches.
5. Check to be sure the drain hose and the standpipe are not airtight as this can cause issues.
6. Make sure the drain hose has a hose retainer to keep it in place.
7. If the drain pipe is correctly placed, be sure the washing machine is 100% level.

Is The Washer Drain Pump Causing The Leak?

1. Check the drain pump area for any type of leak.
2. Inspect the water hoses going to and from the drain pump.
3. Check all the hose clamps on the water lines on drain pump to be sure they are tight and not damaged.
4. To fix a leaking water hose on the drain pump, tighten it to stop the water leak.
5. If you find a damaged water line or hose clamp on the drain pump, replace it with new.
6. A drain pump that leaks will need to be replaced.

Once you have troubleshooted all the above issues, run a quick wash cycle and inspect to see if the water leak has stopped.

MORE WASHING MACHINE LEAKING HELP (TROUBLESHOOTING)
13 Reasons Why A Washer Leaks – Water Under Washing Machine – Is It Leaking Or A Spill?

Washer parts to fix leaking washer

WASHER STILL LEAKING?
If you still have a leaking washer after checking all the above troubleshooting methods, you will need to further troubleshoot the washer water leak. We recommend finding the washing machine service manual for your washer (Amana, Bosch, Frigidaire, Haier, HiSense, Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool) and then inspecting what part is causing the leak to occur.

If you need more assistance when your washer is leaking, please leave your washer model number and question below and we will assist.

Written by Keith Schneerer

Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com

Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.

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