How to troubleshoot a leaking washing machine

If you notice water leaking from your washing machine, it usually means something has gone wrong, and most of the time, it’s easily fixable. 

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Washing machine leaks often happen because of worn-out hoses, cracked seals, loose connections, clogged drains, or even something as simple as using too much detergent. Here’s a simple guide to help you troubleshoot the problem and get your machine running smoothly again:

1. Find where the leak is coming from

First things first, figure out exactly where the water is leaking. Look around your washing machine carefully. If water is pooling at the front, it could point to issues with the door seal or the detergent drawer. If you see water behind the machine, it might be a loose or cracked supply hose or a problem with the drain hose. Additionally, water leaking from underneath often means a problem with the water pump or internal hoses.

2. Check for simple issues first

Before you start replacing any parts, check for simple issues that can be easily fixed and might be causing the leak. Overloading the washing machine or placing heavy items unevenly can throw the drum off balance, which may cause water to spill during the spin cycle.

If your washing machine is new, make sure the manufacturer’s drain plug has been removed. If it’s still in place, it can block drainage and lead to overflow. Also, ensure that the drain hose is securely fitted into the drainpipe. If it’s loose or not positioned correctly, water can leak out. Finally, check the drain itself; sometimes, the problem isn’t the washing machine at all, but water backing up from a clogged or slow drain.

3. Watch out for too many suds

Believe it or not, using too much detergent can also cause washing machine leaks. When there’s too much foam, it can push water out through the detergent drawer or door seal, especially if you’re using a water softener at home. To check if oversudsing is the problem, rinse a piece of clothing after a wash cycle in clean water. If you see lots of bubbles, you’re using too much soap. Try cutting the detergent amount in half next time and see if that fixes the issue.

4. Run a test cycle and observe

Once you’ve checked for the basics, run a normal wash cycle and keep a close eye on the washing machine. Watch carefully to see exactly when and where the leak starts. If water leaks from the front, it’s often a door seal or detergent drawer issue. Leaks from the back usually point to a loose hose, and leaks underneath could mean the pump or internal parts are damaged. Noting when and where the leak happens will help you decide what needs to be repaired or replaced.

5. Replace any damaged parts

If you’ve identified the issue as a damaged hose, seal, or pump, it’s time to replace the faulty part. Always start by unplugging the washing machine from the power source and turning off the water supply before you begin any repairs to ensure your safety. If the problem is with the external hoses, use pliers to unscrew the old hoses and replace them with new ones, making sure to add fresh rubber washers. 

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For a worn-out door seal, you may need to remove the front panel of the washing machine to access and replace it. If you suspect the internal pump or hoses are the problem, you’ll have to remove the back or side panel of the washer to inspect these parts. Make sure to disconnect any hoses and electrical connections carefully before replacing the damaged components.

If the leak still persists after trying these fixes, it might be time to contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for a more in-depth checkup.