Washing machines are very convenient and indispensable appliances in every home these days, but a leak turns convenience into stress. In the article below, we will list the frequent causes of leaks in washers. We will also give a description of these problems and tips on how to fix them. Whether it’s a faulty drain pump or a worn door seal, understanding the nature of the problem will help you decide when a do-it-yourself repair is enough and when it’s time to call in the professionals. Learn more about our washer repair services:
Main Issues When Washer Is Leaking
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Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Faulty Drain Pump
A drain pump is a small device with a motor that pumps water out of your washing machine. At the end of the pump is a sort of small fan that helps push the water out. The pump is one of those parts that unfortunately breaks down quite often. This is often due to the fact that small, hard or sharp objects, such as coins, fall into the drum. If there is an error in the drainage of water, modern machines show this on the screen. The older your washing machine model is, the less likely it is to have that function.
Broken Water Valve
The water valve is responsible for supplying water to the machine during the fill cycle. It is one of the first components to turn on when the washing machine starts. Water can come in, but the machine will not fill and therefore will leak. Most often in such cases, it is a faulty water valve that is the problem. Every such valve has a filter built into it, but despite its presence, small particles can get in and block it. Very often, it is observed that the problem is not even in the valve, but in dirty water, which clogs it. Therefore, the valve may be working, but not enough water is flowing through. Washing machines are programmed to take a certain amount of time for the drum to fill with water. And if the filling does not occur within this period, the machine may display an error, or simply stop, depending on the model.
Clogged Drain Hose
If your washing machine is leaking, a common cause that many appliance owners notice is a blockage in the drain hose. The drain hose connects to the drain pump and carries the used water from the washing machine to the plumbing system. If you see that the hose is disconnected or cracked, this is a serious problem as it can cause significant leaking during the drain cycle. The hose can also be improperly installed, which is another cause of leaking.
Overloaded Washer
Overloading the drum is a very common user error. Many machines have a built-in feature where the washing machine will give an error and will not even start the water fill cycle. You will know exactly what the problem is. Some machines do not show a picture or error code, but signal with a characteristic sound. But there are also such models, mostly old ones, which will not signal an error, but will simply stop the cycle or even start leaking. So how to understand what the problem is in such a case? From our experience, if you have noticed: leaks only happen with large or heavy loads (for example, when loading a blanket or a pillow), the washer shakes excessively, water appears near the front or sides of the unit – all this indicates overload.
Not Sealed Drum
The rubber seal around the door – the drum gasket – provides door sealing, protection of internal components (prevents water and detergent or rinse agents from getting inside the machine’s body, where electronic and mechanical elements are located), reduction of vibration and noise, as well as your safety (makes the loading area safe when closing the door). If the gasket is worn out, torn, or was initially installed incorrectly, water may leak from the front of the washing machine, especially in front-loading models. Over time, the seal can also become dirty and moldy. You may notice a musty smell around the washing machine door.
Repair Cost
| Drain system cleaning or drain pump replacing | $220 – $320 |
| Water valve replacing | $220 – $280 |
| Drain hose replacing | $180 – $280 |
| Drum gasket replacing | $200 – $310 |
The price for washer repairs varies based on factors like the brand, model, and the complexity of the issue.
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8 Comments
How can I tell if the washer drum seal is worn out without obvious damage?
Hello Emily! First, if you notice water leaking from the washing machine, especially around the door area, it could indicate that the seal is no longer maintaining a proper seal. You may also notice increased noise during operation, which could be related to the seal not fitting tightly against the drum. In some cases, a musty or damp smell may develop due to water not draining properly. Additionally, if stains appear on your laundry, it could suggest that the seal is worn, as water and detergent seep through the gaps.
Can there be other reasons my washing machine is leaking, apart from those mentioned in the article?
Good day Mason! Yes, aside from the issues listed, a washing machine can leak due to cracks in the tub, damaged or poorly secured water supply hoses, worn seals on the drum bearings, or a malfunctioning detergent dispenser if it overflows or leaks around the compartment.
I realized I’ve been using the wrong detergent for several months, and during this time, my washing machine started leaking. Could this be related?
Hi Harper! Yes, it’s quite possible. Often, using the wrong detergent or using too much detergent creates excess foam that can leak through seals or spill over from the detergent compartment. Over time, this can cause clogging of the drainage system, contamination of water level sensors, or even lead to the breakdown of certain parts, which can result in leaks. We recommend switching to HE (high efficiency) detergents and performing preventative maintenance, including cleaning the drain filter and detergent compartment.
Do I need to turn off the water supply to the washing machine after every wash to prevent potential leaks?
Hi Brooklyn! It’s recommended, especially if you don’t use the machine every day. Even when the washing machine is off, water pressure remains in the hoses at all connection points — this is especially critical if the hoses are old, of poor quality, or poorly secured. Over time, this can lead to hose rupture or slow leaks at the connection points.