How to Fix an Overflowing Washing Machine

Many different model washing machines employ a pressure sensor that tells the machine when to stop filling with water. It usually looks like a small box about the size of a bar of soap, and it's mounted on the bottom left side of the wash drum. A plastic tube will come off the top of it and reach toward the back of the washer. When enough water has filled the inside, it creates enough air pressure to trip a cutoff switch inside the machine that will stop the flow of water.

The problem that some owners might encounter is that the air tube used for this sensor can get clogged over time. I'm not sure what exactly causes it to happen, but it most likely has something to do with all the heat and moisture mixed with dirty clothes and soapy water. When that tube has too much blockage, it disrupts the air flow so that the washer won't know when to turn off the water, and the result is that it keeps filling up and overflows onto your floor.

If your washing machine overflows onto your carpet and you aren't sure how to fix it, I have the solution. You don't need to call any repair technician or buy a new washer, because this simple cleaning can be done in just a few minutes and all you need are some toothpicks and a screwdriver.

Getting Started

The first thing you need to do is unplug the power cable for safety reasons. Lots of exposed motors and wires will be visible, and chances are there will still be some water pooled at the bottom of the washer if it has recently overflowed. This can be a deadly combination with electricity.

While you have it unplugged, look behind the washer to locate the drain hose. This is a plastic tube that comes out the back of the washer and should go into a hole in your wall. Make sure that the drain hose is not bent in any place so that it can get clear water flow. Often times, it gets crushed or pinched because of the way it hangs behind the machine and people push the washer too far against the wall without realizing what they've done.

If you find a problem with the drain hose, fix it first then test your water fill up. It may fix the problem and you won't need to proceed any further. If, however, it does not stop the overflow issue, then your next step is to check a part called the pressure switch.

Open the Washer

With the power cable unplugged, you can safely remove the front panel from the washing machine. If you're lucky, it just snaps on so you don't need any special tools. I found it easiest to use a large flat head screwdriver. In this example, I took a photo of my own GE brand washer.

Insert the screwdriver into the gap on the upper left or right side of the front panel, a few inches from the top, then pry backward. You may have to work your way down toward the bottom before you get it free enough, then the side should pop off. Now you can easily pull the rest of the panel away and set it aside. It can dent easily, so don't lay it flat on the floor and then accidentally step on it.

Note: If this method does not work because of the design of your washer, you may need to consult the manufacturer for more information on how to open the machine.

Cleaning the Air Hose

With the panel now off, you can see the inner workings of the washing machine and you need to find the pressure switch. You're going to be looking for a small box or device mounted on the side of the wash drum, and there will be a clear plastic tube going from the top of the box to the back of the appliance. See photo for reference on my GE washer.

Carefully lift straight up on the tube and remove it from the connector. If you look inside, you should see some gummy junk around the end of the tube. This is what has been causing your washer to overflow because it disrupts the airflow and makes the pressure sensor not work properly.

I found it best to use toothpicks to clean the narrow tube. Get the wooden kind that have square edges instead of round, and then stick the toothpick inside the tube and scrape the inside clean. You'll probably use two or three in the process, and make sure you get all that slime out of there. Also be careful not to push any of it too far back into the tube.

Being very careful not to damage the inside of the pressure switch, also clean the tab where the tube connects. Use a toothpick to dig any more junk from around the opening, but don't stick the toothpick too far down inside. I break mine in half so that I don't have to put the pointy end down there.

Now that you've completely cleared the passageways for the tube and the pressure switch, you need to reattach the tube. Press it all the way down on the tab that sticks up, and make sure it's on tight. You want it to make a good seal in order for the air flow to work properly.

Reattach the front panel of the washing machine, then plug the power cable back in. I suggest you run a cycle by letting it fill with water and make sure it turns off when there is enough inside the wash drum. You should hear a click sound from the back of the machine whenever the water turns on or off.

Preventive Maintenance

If cleaning the pressure switch and hose fixes the problem, you should check that air hose every six months just to make sure it isn't getting stopped up again. It's much easier to pop that front panel off and visually inspect the tube than it is to wait until your floor is sopping wet from another overflow.

Note: If cleaning the air tube and making sure the drain hose is not obstructed still did not work and the washer still overflows, you may have a more serious problem that requires repair or replacement parts. You should consult the manufacturer for further advice, or contact the store from which you bought the machine and see if they do repairs or warranty replacements.