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How To Fix A Leaking Washing Machine

An effective washer is a crucial asset to any home for eradicating stains and foul odors from clothes, bedding, towels and more. Your washer should work properly whenever necessary, and a washing machine that leaks can completely disrupt the laundry process.Nobody wants his or her laundry room to flood, and a leaky washing machine can cause significant damage to your home fast. This may be a serious problem, but with the right preventative practices, it can be resolved. To help with washer maintenance and repairs, we’ve compiled some useful information on how to fix a leaking washing machine.

First, Check The Washer’s Hoses

If you notice leaking around your washer, you should first check its hoses for any possible problems. These hoses bring water to and from the appliance, and hose issues are one of the most common causes of washer leaks.

To start, inspect your unit’s fill hoses to ensure they are properly connected and are not ripped or broken in any way. These hoses fill your unit with water, and connect your household’s water supply to the water inlet valve typically located at the rear of the appliance. You should also check that the drain hose, which is installed into the household drain, is securely connected.

If there are no issues with your fill or drain hoses, you should check the machine’s internal hoses. These hoses connect the water inlet valve to the washtub, filling the tub with water during wash cycles. Checking these hoses may require you to remove the washer cabinet to inspect for any issues. For assistance, you can contact a professional washer repair technician.

Check The Drain Pump

Do you notice your washing machine leaking during or at the end of its cycles? If so, there may be a problem with its drain pump. This pump drains water from the tub while the washer operates, and a defective drain pump can cause serious leaks.

To check the drain pump, you should unplug your washer and find the pump behind the unit’s front or back panel, depending on its design. Investigate the hose clamps around the pump to check for tight connections, and look at each hose individually to ensure it’s not damaged. If all the clamps and hoses appear normal, you may need to replace your drain pump. Enlist help from a certified appliance repair expert to determine if you should invest in a replacement pump.

Inspect the Tub Cover Gasket

You washer’s tub cover gasket is used to provide a protective seal between the outer tub and the tub cover, ensuring water stays in the washtub during cycles. If you notice leaks occurring during the wash or spin portions of your cycles, there’s likely a problem with the gasket.

Tub cover gasket problems are fairly easy to detect. For a top load washer, lift the top and inspect the seal that separates the outer tub from the tub cover. With a front load unit, you’ll need to take off the front panel to inspect the same area. Be sure to check for any water stains or detergent residue on the seal, as this indicates leaks. If there appear to be leaks, you should replace the tub cover gasket.

Additional Washer Components To Check

Issues with hoses, drain pump and tub cover gasket are three of the most common causes of a leaky washing machine. However, there are a host of other faulty components that may cause this problem.

If your pump, gasket and hoses all appear normal, you may want to move on to check the water inlet valve itself. This valve connects to several hoses and helps supply the unit with water, and a defective water inlet valve will often cause leaks coming from the back of the unit. You should also inspect all door and tub seals, as well as the water level switch and door catch, as problems in these components can result in both minor and major leaks. Given the sheer number of potential causes relating to this issue, it’s best to contact a professional washing machine repair service for comprehensive maintenance on your appliance.

Effective Washing Machine Repair & Maintenance Services

A leaking washer has the potential to wreak havoc on your laundry room, damaging the space and resulting in expensive repairs. With knowledge on what causes this problem, you’ll be prepared to diagnose and resolve the issue, restoring your appliance to working order and ensuring your leaky washing machine does minimal damage to your home.

Washer repairs can be a daunting challenge for many homeowners. Should you need assistance, you should definitely contact a professional appliance repair service.