You rely on your washing machine to make your life easier. It keeps clothes clean in a timely fashion, takes care of spills, dirt, grime, and messes with the simple push of a button. So when you notice a pool of water below your washing machine mid-cycle, it can be frustrating. It’s not always easy to pinpoint the cause when a washer machine leaks water. A washing machine leak can seem to appear out of nowhere, while seemingly able to produce gallons and gallons of water. This water can cause significant damage to floors and items in your laundry room. That’s why it’s important to immediately address your washing machine leaking right away to prevent damage or injury. So why would a washing machine leak from underneath? Let’s review some of the most common causes of washing machine leaking and discover some simple solutions to get your machine working right away again. Washer Machine Leaking Water From Bottom You started a load of laundry then continued on with other errands around your home only to come back and discover a pool of water underneath your washing machine. Water is slowly making its way across the floor, but there doesn’t seem to be an apparent cause for the leak. Washers are hard-working machines and have many unique components and mechanisms that keep them working efficiently. But as machines age, there can be a number of issues that can arise that cause them to malfunction and leak. Leaking Hose One of the most obvious reasons for your washing machine to leak from the bottom is a hole in one of the hose lines. There are several hose lines that run water to and from your machine so you can get your clothes their whitest. These hoses can crack and split with age or can break if they are damaged during moving or receive a sudden blow. This is a quick and affordable repair on most machines. First, determine which hose is causing the leak. Is it the hose bringing water into the machine or the hose removing dirty water? These hoses are easily accessible at the back of the machine. It may also be an internal hose, which may be a little trickier to access, and are found in the cabinet portion of the washer. Make sure to check all connections and washers to make sure there is no damage to the seal or issues with leaking around the end of the hose. Broken Tub Seal Your washing machine can use nearly 20 gallons of water with each load. This water can quickly find its way to your floor if the tub seal is broken. The tub seal is located on the bottom of the washing machine. You can identify if the tub seal is the issue if the leaking begins during the rinse cycle. Always make sure to turn off your washing machine before inspecting the tub seal. It is also wise to remove any excess water from the drum to prevent water from spilling onto the floor when turning the machine over. Remember a washing machine can weigh more than 200 pounds so never try to turn it over without the help of another strong person or service technician. Broken Water Pump Your washing machine relies on a water pump to drive water into your machine. If there are cracks or damage to the two hoses connecting to the pump you may experience significant water leaks at the bottom of the machine where the pump is located. These hoses can become clogged with debris causing a backup of water. The pump itself can also wear out over time with regular use. A quick visual inspection can usually determine if there is any damage to the water pump or the hoses. Clogged filters Other areas that can become clogged over time are catch baskets and filters. Debris from clothing during washing is designed to collect in these places and should receive regular cleaning to prevent leaks. Filters and baskets can be located in several areas of the washing machine. They are typically found in older machines. Your owner’s manual will be able to provide you with the exact location (such as the drum or end of a hose) and the best cleaning methods. Faulty Coupler If your clothes are left in a pool of water at the end of a cycle, then it may be time to inspect your coupler seal. There are a number of seals that help prevent water from leaking from your washing machine. One of the most important is the coupler seal which is located near the drum. It is designed to be a failsafe for your machine to prevent it from damage in the event another component breaks. How To Fix A Leaking Washing Machine? There are a few simple things you can do to fix your washing machine if you notice it is leaking from the bottom. The most important thing to do first is to unplug your machine. This will allow you to safely inspect all areas of the machine without the risk of causing harm. Move the washing machine away from the wall to allow you to access the back panel where the motor and hoses are located. Check to see if there are any obvious leaks or water running down the sides of the hose. This may mean a washer or valve may need tightening. If the water stops running down the hose, fill the machine with water again to see if water begins to accumulate on the floor. If you still find your machine is leaking, remove the water hose to see if there are any cracks or blockages. Remember to shut off the water valve to your washing machine before removing hoses. Once you have disconnected the hose, let it drain in a sink or bucket to prevent water from spilling on your floor. Replacing hoses is one of the easiest and affordable ways to fix a leak in your washing machine. It is recommended to replace all the hoses and threading to prevent further leaks. How To Prevent Washing Machine Leaking From Bottom? Making sure your washing machine is well maintained is one of the easiest ways to prevent your washer from leaking from the bottom. Here are some helpful hints to keep your machine operating correctly and free from leaks. Check Doors Seals – Regularly inspect your washing machine door to make sure there is no debris caught in the seal which could prevent it from closing.Check Hoses and Valves – One of the easiest ways to prevent leaks is to maintain your hoses and valves. If you notice damage or breakage, replace them immediately. This can prevent a more costly repair in the future.Never Overfill Your Machine – Not only does it ensure that your clothing is cleaned properly, but it also prevents water from pooling in your machine or causing a sudden shift in weight, which can cause damage to your machine and anyone who may be standing near it. Safety Tips For When Your Washing Machine Is Leaking Many washing machine leaks are quick and easy fixes. Most of the time it is a simple hose leak that can be replaced in no time. But before you begin doing any repair work to your washing machine, make sure to take note of these important safety tips. Unplug your washing machine to prevent shock.Clean up any water leaks to prevent injury to yourself or further damage to your floor or belongings.Turn off water valves to prevent any further flow of water into the machine while you are making repairs.Always move the machine with the help of someone else and never tip it towards you without assistance.Never put your hand into a moving washing machine drum as this can cause serious injury.Remove clothes or other objects from the washing machine before attempting repairs.Check filters and baskets for debris before servicing to avoid damage or fire.Consult with your owner’s manual or service technician when replacing parts. Each washing machine brand has its own unique components. Do not attempt to use parts that are not designed for your washing machine make and model. A washing machine is a major appliance that requires knowledge and skill when making more serious repairs such as replacing the motor or other components. If you have done these basic inspections and are still experiencing leaking from the bottom of your washing machine, then begin inspecting the interior such as the motor and bearings as mentioned earlier in this article. If you are not sure about making the repairs yourself, contact a service technician who can ensure the work is done correctly and safely. The friendly and professional team at Fix It Right Appliances can get your machine back up and running again, repairing any leaks quickly and expertly. We offer a free estimate before beginning any work so you can feel confident you are getting the very best work at the best price.
