Why is my Washing Machine Leaking Water?

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Why is my Washing Machine Leaking Water?

Aug 06, 2021

There are few things more immediately stressful than noticing your washing machine leaking water all over the floor. Washing machines have a self-contained system which is not designed to leak; if you notice a spreading puddle, it means that something is wrong. Your first step is to get control of the situation; once that is done, you’ll need to locate and fix the cause of the problem. There are a number of things that can cause your washing machine to leak water. Let’s go through some of the most likely scenarios to help you gain some perspective on the issue.

Loose Water Hoses or Supply Valves

The first place you should start is on the wall. Check the water supply valves; they should be located next to or behind your washing machine. If the taps are wet, they may have become loosened from their fixtures - or, more likely, there is a problem with the hoses that connect the supply valves to your washing machine. If they are damaged or connected incorrectly, you’ll experience leaks.

A Loose or Clogged Drain Hose

The next most easily-checked issue is the drain hose that allows your washer to dump out soapy water and rinse water. Look for a third hose or pipe that leads out of your washer (separate from your hot/cold water supply hoses) and check it for any signs of damage or moisture. If you notice any problems, this could be the source of your leak. If you don’t notice a problem, there could still be the possibility of a clog, which would cause a backup that would result in puddles.

Broken Door Catch or Boot Seal

This is generally a problem you’ll see on a front-loading washer: is your door closing correctly? If your door switch stops holding on tightly, your door may open during the wash cycle and allow water to escape - and if your rubber boot seal becomes damaged or loose, you might start seeing water leaking out during a wash cycle.

Damaged or Disconnected Internal Water Hoses

If there are no obvious sources of your puddle, you might have to open up your washing machine to inspect the internal components and hoses. There will be several hoses inside your washer that lead to and from the tub. If any of them are damaged, you will see leaking.

Broken or Disconnected Drain Pump

Your drain pump is responsible for sucking water out of your washer tub and pushing it down the line into the drain. A disconnected or broken drain pump is likely to dump water all over your floor through the washer housing.

Malfunctioning Water Level Switch

The water level switch is the component that tells your washing machine how much water to use and when to stop filling the tub. If this switch is broken or malfunctioning, it will become very easy for your washer to overfill, which can cause a leak. Your water level switch is made up of three different parts; if any of them break, you could be seeing puddles in no time.

Contact a Professional

Because your washing machine is made up of so many different parts and components, it’s important to know what you’re doing - or to consult a professional who does. A professional will work quickly, accurately identify the issue the first time, and work efficiently to correct it. If your washer has started leaking water, take quick action and call a professional appliance service to diagnose and repair the problem. You’ll be back to doing laundry without problems in no time at all!