Repairing Guides

how to repair a leaking washing machine

by Dr. Flossie Kub Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Turn off the water main or shutoff valve.
  • Unscrew the supply hoses with pliers.
  • Examine the hoses. If they look old and corroded, replace the hoses with no-burst hoses and new washers.
  • If the hoses are still in good shape, replace the internal washers. Old washers lose elasticity and don't fit as tightly.
  • Make sure all of the connections are tight and secure before using the washer again.

Why is my washing machine leaking when not in use?

Water Leakages From The Back Of The Washing Machine

  • One of the first things to check if your washing machine leaks from the back, is the drain hose. ...
  • If the drain hose is not properly secured in the drain pipe, a leakage might occur. ...
  • If you check and find out that the drain hose is well inserted into the drain pipe, the leak could be due to a clogged drain pipe.

How to fix a washer leaking from the bottom?

  • An overloaded or unbalanced washer. If you're trying to load up the washer with too many clothes, that can cause water to leak out. ...
  • A tendency to interrupt the rinse cycle to add more time. ...
  • Make sure the manufacturer's drain plug is removed. ...
  • Make sure the drain hose is properly secured in the drainpipe. ...
  • Make sure the drain isn't clogged. ...

Should you repair or replace your washing machine?

How to Decide Whether to Repair a Washing Machine or Replace it

  • Defects and Recalls. Appliance-makers usually cover washers with a one-year limited warranty that includes repairs necessitated by defects.
  • Natural Disasters and Insurance. ...
  • Household Budget and Convenience. ...
  • Energy Bills. ...

Why would a washing machine leak from underneath?

Washing Machine Leaking From Bottom – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis

  1. Loose or Missing Hose Clamp. The drain hose of your washing machine should be connected to the drainage pipe that extends out of the washer.
  2. Door seal issues. There are many possibilities for why your washing machine is leaking from the bottom. ...
  3. Defective tub seal. ...
  4. Faulty Pressure switch. ...
  5. A Leak from the Detergent Drawer. ...
  6. A clogged catch basket or filter. ...

More items...

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Why is my washing machine leaking water from underneath?

In most cases, the leak will be caused by a loose or punctured drain hose, a fault with the drain pump, or a worn-out tub-to-pump hose. If it is possible to run the washer without causing further damage, removing the access panel and then running the washer will allow you to observe where the leak is coming from.

Is it worth fixing a leaking washing machine?

Repair: If the repair would cost less than 50% of the price of a new appliance and your machine still has several expected years of life left, a quick fix could be a cost-effective solution over replacing the entire washer. An active warranty can also make any repair worthwhile.

How do you fix a leak in the bottom of a washing machine?

0:242:38Washing Machine Leaking From Bottom - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMachine first things first clean up any water just grab some towels. And go if the leak isMoreMachine first things first clean up any water just grab some towels. And go if the leak is substantial. And has found its way to your carpet. It's especially important to act fast a wet carpet can

What is the average life of a washing machine?

10 to 13 yearsWashing Machine Lifespan The average life of a washing machine ranges from 10 to 13 years, although some brands can manufacture washing machines with an even longer lifespan than the average appliance.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a washing machine?

Repair Costs Are Significant As a general rule, if an appliance repair will cost more than 50 percent of the price of a replacement, it might be prudent to buy a newer model if your budget allows for it.

Why does my washing machine leak during the spin cycle?

You observe water escaping during the “spin” cycle. This common problem often looks like a leak, but it's actually a blockage. Tackle this easily by softening the clog with hot water and fishing it out with a straightened wire hanger, much like you might a clogged shower drain.

How much does it cost to replace a tub seal on a washing machine?

Front-Load Washer Rubber Seal You'll likely pay $150 to repair or replace the rubber seal of a washer. A faulty seal will dump water all over your floor when you run your washer, so it's important to replace it as soon as you notice any damage.

When should you replace your washing machine?

The average life expectancy of a new washing machine is 11 years. Consumer Reports recommends replacing any appliance that's more than eight years old, unless it's a high-end model and has a particular appeal to you.

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MY WASHING MACHINE WON’T SPIN

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WASHING MACHINE IS LEAKING

Water is meant to stay in the washer. But if you’re noticing some water appearing on the floor, it may be a simple fix. Try cleaning the door seal,...

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What to do if your washing machine leaks?

If after making all the common repairs your washing machine still leaks, call your machine manufacturer to see if they can help you assess the problem. It might be time to bite the bullet and call a washing machine repair person to come over and finish the job.

How to tell if your washing machine is leaking?

To determine where the washer is leaking, you'll need to look at where the water is pooling and try to figure out where it's coming out of the machine.

Why does my washer leak so much soap?

See if oversudsing could be the problem. When the soap you put in your washer produces too many suds , it can cause overflow problems and lead to leaks. This is a common issue in households with water softeners, which make soap suds up more easily. If you have a water softener, you don't need to use as much soap to get the job done.

Why does my washer leak water?

An overloaded or unbalanced washer. If you're trying to load up the washer with too many clothes, that can cause water to leak out. Leaking issues can also happen if the washer has been loaded so that heavier clothes are on one side, causing an imbalance that shakes the washer during the spin cycle.

What to do if your hoses are corroded?

Examine the hoses. If they look old and corroded, replace the hoses with no-burst hoses and new washers.

Why is my washer hose clamp not working?

The reason for this issue is that the washer's hose clamp could be either loose or worn out. Try looking where you're draining the fluid to see if there are any issues, if there are no visible issues, move on to the hose that you are using.

Where is the supply hose located on a washing machine?

Check and repair the supply hoses. These are located at the back of the machine, and they feed water into the machine during the wash cycle. Old or damaged supply hoses are a common cause of leaks located at the back of the machine. If you have a supply hose leak, the leak will continuously drip throughout the wash cycle. Here's how to repair water supply hoses:

What is the cause of a leak in a washer?

The hoses are the most likely origin of a leak on a washer. There will be fill hoses to bring water in to the machine, connecting up to the main water supply for your house. These normally come into the washer at the back, so look there to see if the faucet is what’s leaking, or if the hose is threaded on crooked or loose.

How to tell if a front load washer is leaking?

A leak in the area of the door on a front load washer might signal a tear in the bellows (or door boot seal) that keeps water from the outer tub from spilling out the door. Anything sharp that’s fallen out of the pockets of your clothes could have torn the bellows, or they may have cracked due to age and wear. Use a flashlight and some caution to check for sharp items lodged in the bellows, or the tears they’ve left. If you need to replace a torn or worn bellows, unplug the washer, remove the front panel and door assembly if need be, and install a new bellows.

Why does my tub overfill?

Sometimes a defect in the devices used to measure the water level can cause your tub to overfill during the fill cycle. Here’s how the water level is measured: there’s an air dome tube or hose hooked up to the tub. The water pressure in your filling tub compresses the air in this tube. When the tub is full enough, ...

Where is the water inlet valve on a washer?

You’ll find the water inlet valve at the back of the washer ; just unplug the machine and take off the rear panel or lift up the top. Replace the valve if need be, and tighten up those hoses and clamps.

How does a water pressure pump work?

The water pressure in your filling tub compresses the air in this tube. When the tub is full enough , the air in the tube pushes against a diaphragm at the water level switch. And the water level switch then turns off the inlet, stopping the flow of water.

Why does a leak in a water valve ruins the process?

A leak or restriction in the tube ruins this process because the pressure in the tube never gets strong enough to push the diaphragm in the switch. A flaw in the switch itself could also mean that the water inlet valve doesn’t get turned off.

Why do front load washers have a door catch?

If you have a front-loading washer, the door catch is essential for holding the door closed and keeping water inside the machine, and to prevent the door from opening during operation. But sometimes a door can lock even when it isn’t completely sealed against leaks, such as when the door catch is worn or distorted.

How to fix water on floor in washer?

But if you’re noticing some water appearing on the floor, it may be a simple fix. Try cleaning the door seal, tightening hose connections and cleaning the drain pump filter.

What to do if your washer spins but doesn't spin?

In this case, turn on a spin cycle or drain and spin cycle to get rid of the remaining water.

How high should a drain pipe be on a Maytag washer?

For most Maytag ® washers, the drainpipe should be installed at a maximum of 96" and a minimum of 39" from the bottom of the machine . Your washer will not be able to adequately pump water out of the washer if the drainpipe reaches too high. In this case, water may flow back into the washer. Consult your washer's installation instructions for model-specific installation requirements or watch this video on proper drain hose and drainpipe installation for Maytag ® washers.

Why do washers spin?

A washer needs to spin correctly in order to fully rinse clothes and drain water from the tub. Before scheduling a service call, check if the power has gone out, that your load is balanced and that the washer is level.

How to contact Maytag for repair?

If you need professional repair help, schedule service online or call 1-800-344-1274.

Why does my washer make a hum?

It’s normal to hear the pump or motor make a continuous humming sound while loads are washing, along with periodic gurgling or surging as water is removed during the spin or drain cycles . You may also hear the hum of the sensing spins after you have started the washer.

Why does my washer make a clicking noise?

Many washer lids make clicking noises while they’re locking in place at the beginning of a cycle. It’s also normal to hear metal items on clothing like buckles or zippers touch against the stainless steel basket. Always empty your pockets before putting clothes in the washer—it’s possible for coins or other items to fall between the basket and the tub, which may require a service call.

Why does my washer leak?

For top-load washers, the most common cause of leaking is clogging or tilting of the overflow tube. What causes the clogging? Usually, clogs happen due to improper use of laundry products. For example, combining different products or using excessive detergents.

What is the source of leakage in a washer?

The fill hose, which connects the water inlet valve of the washer to the household supply, is another source of leakage. Make sure that the connections are secure and that water does not seep out.

What to do if you can't find the source of a washer?

If you still cannot find the source, look at the bottom. If the source is there, the problem is most likely a drain pump. You should not use the washer until it is replaced. Otherwise, water leaking and spilling over the motor could cause more damage – a costly one.

How to tell if a drain pump is leaking?

One clue that the leakage is caused by the drain pump is if water leaks during the wash or the drain cycle. It does not matter if it is belt-driven or direct drive. Some brands may have a separate electric pump. You can access the drain pump by removing either the front or rear panel. It would be attached to the drive motor or on the base frame. See if there is a loose hose clamp. You could do the repair yourself if you are handy enough.

What is the problem with front load washing machines?

Front-load washing machines have an inner and outer drum. The problem of leakage could occur if the outer drum is made of two halves joined together. If the seams begin to fail, that is where water could flow out.

Why is my washing machine not level?

If your washing machine is not level, that obviously can be the source of the problem. Overloading is also another possible reason. Lastly, if your unit has a spray rinse function, do not manually advance the cycle because that can also cause leakage.

What happens if there is a leak in a pressure switch?

If somehow there is a leak on the tube, then the pressure switch would not be able to determine the correct water level. The tendency is for the tub to overfill.

Why does my washer leak water?

If the water becomes sudsy, you are using too much detergent. The washer can leak if it is overloaded or out of balance. Check to be sure the washer is level, reduce load sizes, and keep an eye out for the leak. You may have solved the problem.

What causes a front load washer door to leak?

Leak at Front of Washer. If the door seal on a front-load washer is not kept free of soil and soap, the seal will leak. It is important to clean the gasket weekly and pay close attention to the edges. Inspect the seal and look for punctures or trapped items. A leak can also occur if the door is not closing properly.

What does it mean when a washer drain hose is clogged?

Be sure that the hose is fully inserted into the standpipe (drainpipe). If there is still a leak around the drain hose, especially during the washer spin cycle, the drainpipe is probably clogged. The clog is not allowing the water to continue down the pipe and causing it to back up and overflow onto the floor.

What does it mean when your washer puddles?

A puddle in the laundry room almost always means that your washer is leaking. Fortunately, some of the puddles mean only a minor repair is needed; others indicate a bigger problem. No matter the reason or the brand of your washer, every leak needs to be investigated and repaired before the puddle becomes a flood.

Why is my water overflowing?

Overflowing is hardly a leak but it is a problem usually caused by a water valve or pressure switch problem. Time for a repair!

Can rubber washers cause a leak?

Skipping the use of rubber washers is common and can cause leaks. If after replacing and hand-tightening the connections there is still a leak; replace the fill hoses. There could be a pinhole leak that will soon erupt into a flooding of your floor.

Can a front load washer leak?

While some leaks have universal causes in both front-loading and top-loading washers, these tips will help you identify the problem depending on the type of washer in your laundry room. Once you've pinpointed the source of the leak, you may be able to do the repairs yourself.

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