How to Fix a Leaking Washing Machine

A puddle in the laundry room almost always means your washing machine is leaking. The size of the puddle indicates the severity of the problem, with small leaks indicating a minor issue. The most common cause of a leaking washing machine is a damaged, disconnected, or clogged hose that transports and drains water; luckily, it's usually an easy fix. Every leak should be investigated and repaired to prevent water damage to your home.

These tips will help you identify the problem in front-loading or top-loading washers and suggest ways to repair it yourself.

Leak at the Front of Washer

Front-load machines have an added challenge—gravity. Water does not leak through the top lid in top loaders, but side-loaders may leak through the door. If you notice leaks from the front of the machine, review these potential causes:

• Clogged overflow tube: Leaks at the front of a top-load washer are usually caused by a clogged or tilted overflow tube. Clogs can happen from excess suds caused by using too much detergent or combining laundry products inappropriately.
• Too many suds: Oversudsing is not only a problem with too much detergent; it can also adversely affect homes with soft water, which needs even less detergent per load. Also, HE machines always require only a small amount of high-efficiency (HE) detergent. To test if you are using too much detergent, take a freshly washed item, like a small hand towel, and place it in a bowl of hot water before drying. If the water is sudsy, you are using too much detergent.
• Unleveled or overloaded washing machine: It can leak if the washer is overloaded or out of balance. Check to be sure the washer is level and reduce load sizes.
• Adjusted spray rinse timers: If you have a washer with a spray rinse function, interrupting the cycle by manually advancing the timer can cause leaks. Manually changing the setting can cause the spray rinse cycle to go on too long and overflow.
• Unsealed gasket: The fix may be as simple as cleaning the rubber seal or gasket on your front-loading washer, as door seal leaks commonly lead to drips. The rubber seal will leak if not kept free of soil and soap. Clean the gasket weekly and pay close attention to the edges. Inspect the seal and look for punctures or trapped items.​
• Door out of alignment: A leak can also occur if the door does not close properly. The hinges can be loosened and readjusted to ensure correct alignment.

Leaks at the Back of the Washer

If you notice leaks from the back of the machine, review these potential causes:

• Drain plug not removed: If your new top-load washer doesn't drain, you may have forgotten to remove the manufacturer's drain plug before installing the drain hose. Remove the hose, and you'll find a plastic plug that must be removed and discarded. Have a bucket and towels ready to catch the excess water.
• Unsecured hoses: A leak at the back of the washer can also be caused by a drain hose not adequately secured in the drainpipe. Ensure 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, causing it to back up and overflow onto the floor.
• Loose hose connections: Another possible cause for a leak at the back of the washer is a loose connection at the fill hoses. Turn off the water supply and remove the hoses, then check that the rubber washers are in good shape and are being used. If there is still a leak after replacing and hand-tightening the connections, replace the fill hoses that might have pinhole leaks.
  
• Excess suds: A front-load washer can leak in the back overflow area due to too many suds. Ensure you're using the recommended amount of detergent; only use HE detergent if you only have a HE machine or maybe you have soft water.

Leaks Under the Drum

If you notice leaks under the drum, review these potential causes:

• Water pump damage: A leak under the wash drum of a top-loading machine indicates a hole in the water pump, a part that circulates the water through the appliance. This is usually a job for an appliance repair professional to fix unless you are an experienced DIYer and can find the exact part.
• Clogged drain hose: A kinked or clogged drain hose can cause drainage obstructions, causing water to leak from the drum of a top loader.
• Unsealed drum seams: A front-load washer has an inner and outer drum. In many washers, the outer drum is manufactured in two halves and then bolted together. These seams can begin to leak and must be replaced or repaired.

Interior Washer Leaks

If the machine leaks even when the washer is off, it could indicate a problem with the water inlet valve. The water inlet valve fills the tub with water and controls water flow. You can clean the inlet ports and conduct a test to see if the valve is damaged.

Fixing a water inlet valve can involve cleaning the filter screens, replacing damaged valve seals, repositioning the valve if misaligned, and replacing the entire valve.

Overflowing Washer

If your washing machine is overflowing, this problem is usually caused by a water valve or a pressure switch inside the machine. The pressure switch tells your washer when to fill with water and how much to use, so an issue with this component can easily lead to overflows.

After unplugging the machine and turning off the water taps, inspect the water level tube for any blockages. If no blockages are present, the switch may need to be repaired. Consider hiring a professional to ensure all electrical terminals function correctly or replace the switch if required.

Washing Machine Leaking Oil

If you see oil on the floor near your washer, the washing machine's transmission has failed or is not properly working. A transmission turns the agitator shaft inside a top-load washer. A professional can likely fix the problem, but the repair cost may not be worth it, and a new machine might be a better solution.

When to Call a Professional

You can easily replace damaged hoses on your washer. If the problem does not disappear after replacing hoses or taking other steps, there could be a more severe internal problem with the appliance's machinery or electrical components. A professional can diagnose the problem and tell you if it's worth fixing the machine.