The 5 Most Common Causes of Washing Machine Leaks

If you’ve ever had to use a laundromat or a community laundry room, you know just how convenient it is to have a washer and dryer in your own home. That is, until the washing machine decides to leak and cause water damage. And because washing machines use an average of 15 gallons each cycle—with older models using between 30 to 45 gallons a cycle—a leak can cause major water damage in your home and damage personal property.

Here’s a list of parts that can most commonly cause leaks:

1. Plugged floor drain: Before disassembling your washing machine, check that the floor drain is clear of debris like lint that can build up over time. Water on your floor may be the result of a clogged drain and not an issue with the washer itself. Remove the drain cover and pour hot water down the drain, a cup each of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water, or use a plumber’s snake for major clogs.
2. External supply hoses: Start a fill cycle on your machine and look for drips around the water supply connection hose. If the hoses themselves seem to be in good shape and aren’t corroded or rusted but are dripping, try replacing the internal washers to create a tighter seal.
3. Internal hoses: If the supply hoses aren’t leaking, check the internal hoses that connect the inlet valve to the tub by opening up the washer cabinet. Cracked or perforated hoses may be the problem, or loose or corroded spring clamps may need to be replaced as these can become worn-out over time.
4. Water, or drain, pump: This pump is responsible for draining the water from the washing machine tub. The pump may be belt driver, direct drive, or a separate electric pump. If the leak is originating from the pump—usually near the pulley seal—and not other nearby clamps or hoses, the pump will need to be replaced. Be sure to disconnect power to the washing machine before attempting to repair.
5. Seals: On front-load washers, door boot seals are used to seal the area between the door and outer tub. Normal wear and tear can cause these rubber seals to crack or rip. If your washer seems to be leaking near the door area, check for any signs of damage or dirt build-up that could be preventing a tight seal to the door. For top-loading machines, tub seals are used to keep water from leaking where the basket shaft enters the tub. If your machine is leaking during either the fill or agitation portion of the wash cycle, damaged tub seals could be the cause and will need to be replaced.

If you’ve experienced a leaking washing machine, give us a call. We can help clean up the water damage and minimize further damage caused by mold.

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