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  1. Repair

Dryer leaking water

Common reasons your dryer leaking water

The most common reasons your dryer is leaking water are an open heating element, defective electronic control board or a faulty condensate drain pump.

  • 42%

    42% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Condensate Drain Pump

  • 29%

    29% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Common dryer repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these dryer parts may fix your problem.

    Heating Element Replacement

    If water is leaking from your condensing or ventless dryer, it might be due to an open heating element. In a condensing dryer, the electronic control board will detect this issue and usually stop all dryer functions. Consequently, the drain pump won't receive power from the control board to drain condensate water. If you notice water leakage, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect and repair your dryer.


    How to replace a dryer heating element

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    If water is leaking from your condensing or ventless dryer, it's possible that a faulty electronic control board is not sending electric current to the drain pump motor. A malfunctioning relay on the control board may hinder the flow of current to the drain pump, preventing it from draining condensate. Additionally, internal issues with the control board's logic could impede its ability to detect dryer conditions. If you observe water leakage, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect and resolve the issue.

    Condensate Drain Pump Replacement

    If water is leaking from a condensing or ventless dryer, the issue might stem from a cracked or malfunctioning condensate drain pump. This pump is responsible for directing water from the dryer to the house drain while in operation. Any crack in the pump body or a compromised seal could lead to water seeping out of the dryer cabinet. It's recommended to have a Sears Home Services Appliance Technician inspect the dryer if water leakage occurs from the bottom. If the condensate drain pump is found to be cracked, worn, or faulty, the technician will replace it accordingly.

    What to expect when you experience a dryer leaking water issue

    How is a leaking water problem in a ventless dryer fixed?

    Repairing most instances of water leakage typically entails replacing either the heating element, electronic control board, or condensate drain pump. Nevertheless, since there could be various underlying causes, a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the issue effectively. An accurate assessment is fundamental for determining the extent and cost of the repair.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for fixing a ventless dryer that is leaking water

    When your dryer is leaking water, there could be several causes behind it. To prevent replacing parts unnecessarily, we advise having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians possess extensive experience in diagnosing various types of dryer malfunctions.

    What a dryer leaking water diagnosis looks like

    Identifying issues with modern appliances without the right expertise can be challenging. Trying to solve problems without using the correct diagnostic methods often leads to replacing parts without certainty. In the past decade, appliances have advanced significantly, with many now featuring complex electronic components that are hard to assess. As a result, do-it-yourself repairs on the latest models are becoming more challenging.

    Why is my condensing dryer leaking water?

    Several different issues can cause your condensing dryer to leak water. Problems with the water container or the drain hose are the most common causes of a ventless dryer leaking water. Check these common issues first.

    water-container-in-a-condensing-dryer

    Check the Water Container

    If you have your condensing dryer set up to collect water in container at the top of the dryer, make sure that the drawer is fully inserted so water doesn’t leak from that component.

    Check the container for cracks or damage and replace the water container if it leaks.

    how-to-connect-a-condensing-dryer-drain-hose

    Check the Drain Hose

    When you have the dryer set up to drain condensate water through a house drain, check the drain hose connection as shown in the image above. Fix the drain hose connection if it’s loose or disconnected. Replace the drain hose if it’s damaged and leaking.

    Other Issues that Cause Leaks in a Condensing Dryer

    A cracked or damaged drain pump or a leaking internal condensate water hose are additional issues that can cause a condensing dryer to leak. The water container will also leak if the water level sensor fails and that container overflows.

    A service technician will typically need to fix these issues when they cause your dryer to leak water. Schedule dryer repair service when you're unable to find and fix the cause of a water leak on your own.

    What our customers say about us

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    Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.


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    Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert


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    Dryer service

    He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


    Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

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    Glossary Terms

    Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.

    A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.

    A dual inverter air conditioner incorporates advanced inverter technology with two rotary compressors, providing ultra-efficient cooling with minimal noise and energy consumption. This innovation offers a significant leap in air conditioning technology, providing precise temperature control and longer-lasting performance.

    A ductless air conditioner, often referred to as a mini-split, is a highly efficient cooling system that operates without the need for extensive ductwork, making it ideal for space-specific cooling and homes without existing ducts.

    Common dryer symptoms to look out for