Why Would a Washing Machine Leak from Underneath?
A puddle of water seeping out from beneath your washing machine is an unwelcome surprise.
Finding the source of the leak quickly helps prevent water damage and keeps your laundry room dry.
Let's examine the most common reasons your washer might leak from underneath—and what you can do about it.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Inspect and Maintain Hoses Regularly: Leaks often result from damaged, loose, or deteriorated hoses—including fill hoses, drain hoses, and internal hoses. Regular inspection and timely replacement can prevent leaks.
- Clogs Cause Leaks: A clogged household drain for the washer can cause water to back up and spill onto the floor. Periodically clearing drains helps prevent water damage.
- Prompt Repairs Prevent Damage: Address leaks immediately by replacing worn or damaged parts such as hoses, door boot gaskets (front-load washers), and drain pumps to avoid significant water damage and maintain washer performance.
Cracked, Loose, or Damaged Fill Hoses
Check the water supply hoses at the back of your washer first.
These hoses connect your washer to the household water supply. Rubber fill hoses often deteriorate over time, developing cracks or splits that allow water to escape.
A loose connection at either end of the hose can also lead to leaks. Replace old or damaged hoses promptly, and tighten loose fittings securely to avoid leaks.
Leaking Drain Hose
The drain hose carries used wash water from the machine into your home's drainage system.
A worn-out or damaged drain hose frequently causes leaks beneath the washer. Inspect this hose closely for cracks, holes, or loose connections. Ensure the drain hose is securely seated and replace it if damaged.
Clogged House Drain for the Washer
Your home's drain pipe might become clogged with lint, detergent residue, or other debris. This clog causes water to back up through the drain hose and spill onto the floor.
Clearing the clog typically solves this problem. Use a plumbing snake or consult a professional plumber to unclog the drain safely.
Leaking Internal Washer Hoses
Inside your washing machine, several hoses direct water between different components. Over time, these internal hoses can loosen or crack due to vibration and normal wear.
Open your washer’s cabinet (or hire a professional technician) to inspect internal hoses. Replace any damaged hoses, and ensure connections remain tight to prevent leaks.
Damaged Door Boot Gasket on a Front-Load Washer
The door boot gasket—a rubber seal on front-loading washers—stops water from leaking through the washer door during operation.
Over time, this gasket can crack, tear, or become misaligned. Inspect the gasket thoroughly. If you notice signs of damage, replace it immediately to prevent further leaks.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace the door boot on a front-load washer:
This is a fairly complicated repair. If you’re not completely confident that you can replace the door boot on your own, schedule washer repair service to have a technician replace that part for you.
Damaged Drain Pump
The drain pump pushes water out of the washer during the drain cycle.
If the pump or its seals crack or become damaged, water can leak from beneath the washer. Listen for unusual noises during the drain cycle, which can indicate pump problems. If your washer leaks around the pump area, consider replacing the drain pump assembly to restore proper operation.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace the drain pump on a common type of top-load washer:
Preventing Washer Leaks
Regularly inspect your washer hoses and connections, maintain cleanliness to prevent clogs, and promptly repair or replace damaged parts.
Schedule annual professional washer maintenance to ensure that you washer stays in top shape and operates smoothly all year long. A technician will be able identify developing problems that can lead to water leaks and fix problems before they turn into a catastrophe.
Following these proactive steps helps keep your washing machine running efficiently—and your laundry room dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Repair Washer Resources
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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 is not rinsing are a faulty lid switch, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a defective timer.
The most common reasons your GE washer is not filling are a clogged water valve assembly, malfunctioning electronic control board or a bad water level pressure switch.
The most common reasons your Samsung washer top load is not filling with water are a clogged water valve, a malfunctioning PCB, or a cracked hose.
The most common reasons your Samsung washer is noisy are a damaged suspension rod, malfunctioning electronic control board or a broken motor.
The most common reasons your Samsung washer has a loud spin cycle are a damaged suspension rod, a broken motor, or a failed suspension spring.
The most common reasons your Electrolux washer is not draining are a broken motor, malfunctioning electronic control board or a jammed door lock assembly.