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Troubleshooting Washing Machine Leaks |
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Written by jeff (North Kingstown, Rhode Island)
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 If your washing machine is starting to fill up the laundry room with water instead of the tub that holds your clothes and linens, it might be worth trying to figure out why. Here's a quick set of troubleshooting tips for washing machine leaks.
If it's safe to do so, the very first thing you should do is unplug the washing machine
from an electrical socket, or better yet, cut off power to the unit at
a circuit breaker. That washer paired with moisture on the floor is a
massive conductor of electricity, just looking to shock you--or
worse--someone else. Some newer models even have the ability to shock
you after they're unplugged, so have the washer's manual handy before
proceeding. When in doubt, give the washer a few minutes so that the
charge can be released.
If the leak occurs while it's filling, pull it away from
the wall and see if water drips from the inlet hoses or valves as the
unit fills. If it does, simply tighten up the faucet packing nuts, then
take a look at the water hoses and replace them if they have become
cracked or split.
Another suspect could be cracks in the casing of the
inlet valves. Replace any cracked valves. Valves will start to give
way and crack when the hot water flowing through them exceeds 170°F
(around 75°C), or if water is left in the washer in the unlikely event that a house's internal
temperature fell below freezing (think of the same kind of damage done
to pipes when that happens).
A cracked inlet nozzle can also leak during a fill of water. The leaking
water will drip down the outside of the washer tub and collect under
the unit. Be sure that the hose connected to the inlet nozzle is
tightly clamped, and replace the nozzle if you find cracks in it.
If the leaking happens during the wash sequence other than
when the machine is filling up with water, certainly turn off, wait and unplug the unit
(be careful not to stand in a puddle of water in the process), remove
the back panel and take a look at the parts under the machine. Tip the
unit on its side or to the front to get a better look. Tighten any hose
clamps that may be loose. If water is leaking from the washer's pump, you'll
need to replace it. Depending on the model and the way it's bundled with the motor, a replacement pump can run from $20 to $100.
Note that the gasket between the washing machine tub and the splash guard could also wear out and
leak. To check the gasket, lift the top, then remove the snubber and
splash guard. If the gasket is worn out, replace it.
Even more interestingly, a hole can develop in the bottom of the tub. If the hole is small
enough for a screw, remove the washer's agitator and the basket from
the shaft, then seal it with a small metal screw, a nut and two washers.
If it's any larger than that, you'll need to replace the basket,
unless you happen to be handy with metalworking.
And that sums up the most likely causes of a washing machine leak.
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