Common Washing Machine Leaks

When you notice washing machine leaks, your first impulse might be to call a repair service. Unfortunately, the bill from that service will likely be half as much as what it would cost to purchase a new washing machine, and some leaks can be repaired at home, using tools you've got in the garage.

Off-Center Drum

This happens to my washing machine on a monthly basis. The drum is the metal part of the washing machine that surrounds the laundry. If it is tilted too far back after your last wash cycle, your washing machine might seem to have sprouted a leak during subsequent loads. Each time I load my washing machine, I pull the drum forward to ensure it is in place.

Hose Cracks and Leaks

Sometimes washing machine leaks are as simple as a worn or cracked hose. There are two types of hoses found in washing machines: drain hoses and fill hoses. The drain hose is the likely culprit if you notice water spilling out during spin cycles, while fill hoses usually cause leaks when you first start the machine.

Defective Seals

On front-load washing machines, leaks are often caused by a defective seal around the door. Water seeps out because there is insufficient contact, so the seal might need to be replaced. This can also happen if the hinges are corroded or improperly mounted.

Overflow

If you put too much laundry in a washing machine or if your fill levels aren't set correctly, overflow can look like a leak when really water is just pouring out of the top of the machine. The easiest way to diagnose this problem is to watch your machine work. If the water is coming from the top and there is no evidence of defective parts, this is the likely culprit.

Defective Pump

The water pump is another common cause of washing machine leaks. If the pump pulley is rusted or if the pump won't rotate when manually turned, it probably needs replaced. You can try cleaning the pump filter first (if your machine has one), or you can simply order a pump and follow the instructions in your manual to install it.

Clogged Drain Hose

Some small items, such as socks and underwear, can get stuck in drain hoses, resulting in a leak. This might be the problem if your washing machine leaks during the spin cycle but there are no obvious problems with the drain hose. In this case, use a metal coat hanger or a similar tool to fish out the obstruction, which should resolve the problem.

Loose Hoses

Even if hoses aren't defective, ripped, worn, or otherwise damage, they can be loose. Use a wrench to tighten each of these hoses to see if it eliminates the leak. Just make sure not to tighten them too much, or you won't be able to get them off again.

DIY Washing Machine Repair

In my experience, washing machine leaks are easy to fix as long as I still have access to the machine's manual. Even if I don't, however, I've learned that you can retrieve manuals for many appliances and electronics online. Visit the web site for your machine's brand and see if you can't download the manual from there.

Source:

Repair Clinic.com