Why is my Washer Leaking? Top 10 Reasons

Wondering what to do about that puddle collecting near your washing machine? Your washer is a complex and frequently used appliance, so there will be issues with it from time to time. Fortunately, there are ways to find the source of the problem and easily fix some issues. There are several different reasons that can lead to your washing machine leaking, and they do not all require a contractor to fix. Here’s our comprehensive list of what causes a washer to leak and some DIY fixes for them.

Where is the Leak Coming from?

The most important thing to do before you try to diagnose the problem of what’s causing your washer to leak is to find out where the leak is coming from. A washing machine leaking from the top will most likely have a different cause than if you find a puddle forming underneath the machine. Once you locate the source of the leak, you can begin to troubleshoot the repair.

Front of Washer Leaks

1. Clogs can occur in your top-load washing machine if you are using too much detergent. This will result in oversudsing and water leaking from the washer’s door. The cause of this usually stems from your water softener. To prevent this all you have to do is use less detergent if you have a water softener. This will put less pressure on your washing machine’s drains.

2. An unlevel washing machine can lead to leaking. It’s easy to overlook, but if your machine is propped in a way that is not completely level with the floor or the pedestal it rests on, you’ll probably find leaks coming from it. The easy way to fix this is to level the washer so it’s stable on the ground or its pedestal.

3. Disrupting your washing machine’s spray function will cause an overflow. If you manually adjust the timer while the spray function on the machine is still running, you may cause the spray function to go on for too long leading to an unwanted mess. If you want to adjust the timer, stop the cycle first.

4. A weakened seal on your washer’s door can cause leaks. Make sure the gasket is clean and that the door properly closes. Often soap or other debris can get caught in the gasket over time, preventing the washer’s door from properly closing. Additionally, the adhesive seal that attaches the gasket can wear down over time.

5. A leak resulting from a problem with the washer’s water level switch isn’t something that you can fix on your own. The water level switch, which is composed of three parts, is what tells the washer how much water to fill up with and when to stop. A problem with this part of the machine can lead to overflowing and potentially worse. 

Back of Washer Leaks

1. There may be no major cause for alarm if you notice your brand new washing machine dripping. Make sure you remove the manufacturer’s drain plug from the drain hose before you begin using the machine. No need to call a contractor if you forgot this step, but make sure to remove this plug as soon as you can before more damage is caused to your top-load machine.

2. Your washing machine drain leaking is the most common cause of unwanted puddles pooling around your appliance. In order to prevent this make sure the drain hose found at the back of the machine is properly secured to the drainpipe with no gaps. The other reason for a leak in this area is because the drainpipe may be clogged. Cleaning the drainpipe is manageable and good for your washer’s maintenance. 

3. A loose connection between the fill hoses will cause leaks to develop in the back of the washer. Often this can be corrected by removing the hoses and ensuring that the rubber washers are in good condition. If you find there’s still a leak after replacing these, it may be time to replace the fill hoses.

Leaks Under the Washer

1. If there is a puddle underneath the washer, it could be coming from a hole in the water pump. The water pump is a vital part of the washer and should be replaced immediately if there’s a hole in it. A hole will cause water to overflow your washer’s motor.

2. There could be an issue with the washer’s outer drum. A front load washer has an inner and outer drum. If the seams become loose on an outer drum, leaks will occur at the bottom of the washer. 

Washing Machine Troubleshooting

Now that you know where your washer is leaking from, you can begin to do the necessary repairs. Some repairs on your washer will need to be done by a trained technician. Yet, there are ways to troubleshoot and take care of some leaks coming from your washer.

1. Unclog and secure the drainpipe if this is the source of the leak. Checking on the drainpipe should be done to maintain your washer, so there’s no harm in doing this task on your own with the right tools. You will need to detach the drain hose from the drainpipe to see if there’s any debris clogging it. Once detached, check to see if there is anything stuck. Make sure the drain pipe is secured to the drain hose when you reassemble it. You may need a screwdriver to do this.

2. Replace your washing machine’s rubber washers. Worn rubber washers are easy to replace. To do this, first turn off the water supply and then remove the hoses. Once removed, you’ll find the rubber washers.

3. Resealing your gasket is another easy repair. You can buy the proper adhesive to seal the gasket to your washer’s door at your local hardware store. 

Get Your Washing Machine Warranty

Your washing machine is complex. It is one of the most used appliances in your home and withstands a fair amount of wear and tear. That said, it’s important to maintain this home appliance and to be prepared when those unexpected breakdowns occur. Home warranty coverage of your washing machine will help prepare you and protect your wallet when the time comes for those costly repairs. It will also provide coverage of other home appliances and systems. At Liberty Home Guard, we offer the most comprehensive coverage with competitive prices. 

The U.S. News & World Report rated Liberty Home Guard the #1 Home Warranty Provider in America. We promise the highest quality workmanship and pride ourselves on our unparalleled customer service. Contact our customer support team at (866) 225-7958 for a quote on washing machine coverage today.