Causes of Washing Machine Leaks
Water Leaking on the Bottom Front?
Does your washing machine leak periodically? IF so read on to find out what are the most common causes and how to fix them. Water leaks are sometimes tricky to diagnose. Water may appear in one location, but the leak itself occurs some distance away. A washing machine has several points where leaks can develop. You can troubleshoot which one is responsible for the water leak after removing the metal cabinet and checking under the washer with a flashlight as an aid. Avoid electrical shock or accidental cycling of the washer by first unplugging the appliance from the wall outlet.
Water Supply Hoses
Worn hoses that stretch from the hot and cold water taps to the washer sometimes spring leaks that can cause water to pool at the bottom, front of the machine. If the hoses are brittle, show damaged spots, or if the connection points are corroded with rust and mineral deposits, replace the hoses. Buy parts designed for use on washing machines, since these are rated for hot water use.
Drain Hoses
Drain hoses are a likely culprit for leaks. One drain hose reaches from the water pump to the tub. Another connects the pump with the external drain pipe. Depending on the manufacturer, one or both of these drain hoses may pass near the front of the cabinet. The drain hoses typically attach with spring clamps, which can stretch and loosen. Look for the telltale marks of leakage — rust and mineral deposits — that point to loose fittings. Replace the clamps if necessary. Check the condition of the hoses as well. Like supply hoses, these drains can become brittle with age, which means they need to be replaced.
Water Pump
The water pump pulls soapy and rinse waters from the washer’s tub and sends them down the drain. Internally, the pump has several seals that can tear or break. Look for a possible leak where the pump’s drive shaft enters the pump casing. This is one of the most likely pump seals to break. Water pumps typically require replacement rather than rebuilding once they have failed. The water pump is often positioned near the bottom of the tub, so a leak here could show up at the front of the cabinet.
Seals
A device called an air dome helps control water levels inside the tub during normal washer cycling. The seal on this device is one that may leak as the washing machine ages. The tub also has several seals that are meant to prevent leaks — under the agitator as well as at the base of the outer tub. However, like any other seal, they can become brittle or hard with age, which leads to failure. Look for drips or beads of water near the seals. On front-load washers, check for moisture around the outside of the door seal. An overloaded front-load machine is prone to leakage.
Over Sudsing
If you use too much detergent in a wash cycle, or if you use high-sudsing detergents, the excess foam can overflow outside the machine. This is especially true during the wash cycle. If water pools under the front of the machine during the wash cycle, check the amount of detergent used versus the manufacturer’s recommendation.
