It’s an all too familiar scene – you’re in the middle of a load of laundry and you notice a puddle forming around your washer.
You’re wondering why your washer is leaking from the bottom and what you can do to stop it.
If you’re dealing with a washer that’s leaking from the bottom don’t panic! In this blog we’ll discuss the most common causes of a leaking washer and how to address them.
Diagnosing the Problem
The most important part of tackling any repair job is correctly diagnosing the problem.
In this case you’ll want to look for any water on the floor around your washer or any visible signs of leaking.
You should also check inside the machine and around the door seal to make sure that there’s no water pooling there.
If you can’t spot any obvious leaks then it’s time to get a bit more creative in your investigation.
Have a look at the hoses going to and from the washer and check for any signs of wear and tear that might be allowing water to escape.
You should also check the drain hose for any kinks or blockages that might be causing a backup of water leading to a leak.
Common Causes of Leaking
Once you’ve narrowed down the source of the leak it’s time to consider the underlying causes.
A few of the most common reasons for a washer leaking from the bottom include:
- A worn or damaged door seal
- Blocked or kinked drain hose
- Clogged or blocked pump
- Worn or damaged hoses
In some cases the issue might be as simple as a loose connection that needs to be tightened.
Finding the Solution
Depending on the cause of the leak finding the solution can take some time.
For example if it’s a blocked drain hose then you might be able to clear it out yourself with a bit of elbow grease.
However for more serious issues like a worn door seal you will probably need to replace the part in order to stop the leak.
The Most Common Causes of a Leaking Washer
The most common causes of a leaking washer include:
- A damaged drain hose
- A faulty water supply hose
- Overloaded washer
- Faulty door seal
- Faulty pump
Before attempting to repair your washer make sure to unplug it from the power source.
A Damaged Drain Hose
A damaged drain hose is one of the most common causes of a leaking washer.
A drain hose connects the washer’s tub to the house’s waste pipe.
Over time drain hoses can become cracked or frayed allowing water to leak out of the hose and onto the floor.
If you suspect that your drain hose is the source of your leaking washer you can try to inspect the hose for any signs of damage.
If the hose is damaged you will need to replace it.
A Faulty Water Supply Hose
A faulty water supply hose can also be the source of a leaking washer.
A water supply hose carries water from the house’s plumbing system to the washer’s tub.
Over time these hoses can become worn or cracked causing water to leak out of the hose.
If you suspect that your water supply hose is the source of your leaking washer you can try to inspect the hose for any signs of damage.
If the hose is damaged you will need to replace it.
Overloaded Washer
An overloaded washer can also be the source of a leaking washer.
When a washer is overloaded with too much laundry the weight of the laundry can cause the washer to become unbalanced.
This can cause the washer to vibrate and shake causing water to leak out of the washer.
If you suspect that an overloaded washer is the source of your leaking washer you can try to reduce the amount of laundry in the washer.
If the washer is still leaking you may need to balance the load.
Faulty Door Seal
A faulty door seal can also be the source of a leaking washer.
The door seal is a rubber gasket that is located around the edge of the washer’s door.
Over time the door seal can become worn or cracked allowing water to leak out of the washer.
If you suspect that a faulty door seal is the source of your leaking washer you can try to inspect the seal for any signs of damage.
If the seal is damaged you will need to replace it.
Faulty Pump
A faulty pump can also be the source of a leaking washer.
The pump is responsible for pumping water out of the washer’s tub.
Over time the pump can become clogged or damaged causing water to leak out of the washer.
If you suspect that a faulty pump is the source of your leaking washer you can try to inspect the pump for any signs of damage.
If the pump is damaged you will need to replace it.
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with a leaking washer don’t panic! In this blog we discussed the most common causes of a leaking washer and how to address them.
If you’re still having trouble contact a professional to inspect your washer.