How to Fix a Leaking Washing Machine
Dealing with a leaking washing machine? Explore the common causes and simple DIY fixes. From cracked hoses to excessive suds, we'll walk you through troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue and advise you on when to seek professional help or opt for a replacement.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- There are several common reasons why a washing machine might leak, including cracked fill hoses, damaged drain hoses, faulty door seals, excessive suds, and clogged detergent dispensers. Identifying the source of the leak is crucial for effective troubleshooting.
- For certain issues like damaged hoses or clogged detergent dispensers, homeowners can often address the problem themselves with simple DIY fixes. These solutions can range from inspecting and replacing hoses to adjusting detergent usage to prevent excessive suds.
- While some leaks can be resolved with DIY efforts, others may require the expertise of a professional technician, especially when dealing with internal components like the water level pressure switch or electronic control board. Knowing when to call for professional repair services is important for timely and effective resolution of washer leaks.
Got a puddle of water on the floor after doing a load of laundry? Don’t panic. It could be a simple problem that you can fix with common DIY troubleshooting.
What to do if your washing machine is leaking?
As soon as you discover the water leak, shut off the water supply valves behind your washer to prevent further leaking.
If the washer leaked a large amount of water, use a wet/dry vacuum or a mop and bucket to pick up the water on the floor.
Next, try to find the source of the water leak.
Check the fill hoses
One of the most common causes of a washing machine water leak is cracked or damaged fill hoses. Examine the fill hoses for cracks or damage and signs of leaking.
Replace the fill hoses if they’re leaking. This may quickly fix your washer leak.
Examine the washer drain system
Check the drain hose for cracks or damage. A leaking drain hose will cause a puddle to form behind that washer that can then spread across the entire laundry room floor. Replace the drain hose if it’s cracked or damaged.
Check for a clogged house drain for the washer. Water will back up and leak out of the stand pipe if the house drain is clogged. Clear the house drain for the washer using a plumber’s snake if the drain is clogged.
Check the door and door boot seal on a front-load washer
A damaged door, door lock or door boot seal could cause a front-load washer to leak water.
Check to see if the door closes properly. Check the strike on the door and see if it keeps the door shut properly. If you find problems, replace any damaged components.
A torn or damaged door boot seal is a common cause of washer leaks. Examine the door seal for tears or damage. Check in between the folds of the door boot because the folds can hide a tear or damage.
Replace the door boot seal if it’s damaged. Even though there’s plenty of DIY repair advice on replacing a washer door boot seal, we recommend that you have a Sears Technician complete this washer repair because it’s difficult to install the new door seal.
Look for excessive suds
Overdosing the washer with detergent or using the wrong kind of detergent can cause excessive suds to form during the cycle. The suds overflows the tub or pushes out through the washer vent and winds up dissipating as water on the floor around the washer.
Check the clothes inside the washer for suds and soap residue. If you see signs of oversudsing inside your washer, you’re using too much detergent or you’re using non-HE laundry detergent in an HE (High Efficiency) washer.
If you’re using non-HE detergent in an HE washer, switch detergents to an HE version. You’ll see the HE logo on HE detergent containers. You need to use HE detergent in HE washers because HE detergent is specially designed to create less suds while getting the clothes clean in a low water usage washer.
If you’re using the right laundry detergent in your washer and seeing excessive suds, use less detergent. In an HE washer, you won’t need to use more than a tablespoon of detergent to clean most loads.
Check the detergent dispenser
A clogged detergent dispenser can cause a leak. Check the detergent dispenser and clean it if you find that it’s clogged.
Have a Sears Technician find and fix the leak
When you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the washing machine leak on your own, schedule a Sears Technician to fix the washer. The tech should be able to find the cause of the leak and fix it.
Technicians have discovered these additional causes for washer leaks:
- Faulty water level pressure switch or water level sensor causing the washer to overfill and leak.
- Internal hoses such as dispenser hoses leaking.
- Leak in the internal drain system or drain pump.
- Leaking tub seal.
- Cracked washer tub.
- Faulty electronic control board.
Is it worth fixing a leaking washing machine?
When you can fix a leaking washer yourself and don’t have to spend a ton of money on parts, then it’s definitely worth it to fix a leaking washing machine.
When the washer is over ten years old and it will require a major and expensive repair to fix the leak, then it’s likely time to buy a new washer.
Sears Home Services Has Washing Machine Repair Experts in Your Area
Most households rely on their washing machine on a daily basis. You can count on Sears for fast, efficient repairs whenever you have a washer leak or your washer won’t start. We have laundry appliance repair experts in your neighborhood and we offer same-day or next-day washer repair service in many areas.
Schedule your washer repair and we’ll send a local Sears Technician to your home to diagnose and repair your washing machine.
Sears Home Services is the leading appliance repair service in the nation. We repair most major appliance brands, makes and models, no matter where you bought them. Our goal is to provide quality repairs to help you extend the useful life of your household appliances.
When it comes to your home, the house experts at Sears want you to know you don’t have to do it alone. Sears Home Services delivers solutions for your entire home, from appliance care to interior and exterior upgrades for your home. You can trust our experts to help take care of your house so you can enjoy your home.
Schedule your washer repair now!
With years of experience, our technicians possess the skills to repair your washer, regardless of the issue.
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Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.
Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.
Common Repair Washer Symptoms
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't stop filling are a clogged water valve, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't spin or drain are a seized gearcase, a broken motor, or a failed door switch.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't turn off are a malfunctioning electronic control board, broken motor or a jammed door lock assembly.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't start cycle are a malfunctioning electronic control board, jammed door lock assembly or a faulty user interface.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer vibrates are a damaged suspension rod, malfunctioning electronic control board or a dead fan.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer is experiencing the rinse cycle not working are a broken lid switch, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control board.