Washer leaking water

Before you start

More in appliance repair safety basics.

All the checks, in order

1. Rule out normal drips

   Safe to tryAbout 1 minFront-load only

   A few drips when you open a front-load door are normal. It only counts as a leak if water escapes with the door closed.

   1. Dry the floor, run a short cycle and watch where water appears with the door shut.

2. Cut back on detergent

   Safe to tryAbout 2 min

   Excess suds can push water out of the door seal or detergent drawer.

   1. Use only HE detergent, the smallest amount that works, below the MAX line.
   2. If there’s foam, run empty cycles with no detergent until it’s gone.
   3. Don’t overload the drum.

3. Check the supply hoses

   Take careAbout 10 min

   A cracked hose or a worn rubber washer inside the coupling leaks under pressure.

   1. Turn off both water valves behind the washer.
   2. Look along each hose and at both ends for cracks, bulges or drips.
   3. Unscrew each end and check the rubber washer inside the coupling is in place and not damaged.
   4. Replace any damaged hose or washer, refit and turn the water back on.

4. Check the drain hose

   Safe to tryAbout 5 min

   A drain hose that slips out of the standpipe sprays water behind the washer.

   1. Make sure the hose sits 6 to 8 inches into the drain pipe and is secured, for example with a zip tie.
   2. Check it isn’t sealed airtight, kinked or split.

5. Clean the door seal

   Safe to tryAbout 5 minFront-load only

   Hair, threads and debris in the rubber seal can stop the door sealing.

   1. Fold back the rubber seal and remove hair, thread and anything trapped in it.
   2. Look for tears; a torn seal needs replacing.

6. Clean the detergent drawer

   Safe to tryAbout 5 min

   A clogged or overfilled drawer can overflow during filling.

   1. Take the drawer out and clean it.
   2. Use less detergent and make sure any drawer cover is seated properly.

7. Check the pump filter cap

   Take careAbout 15 minFront-load only

   A pump filter that isn’t screwed in fully will drip at the bottom front.

   1. Unplug the washer and put towels and a tray down. Water will come out.
   2. Unscrew the filter, clean it, and screw it back in firmly.

8. Level the washer

   Take careAbout 10 min

   A washer that rocks can slosh water out.

   1. Check all four corners sit firmly on the floor.
   2. Adjust the feet, then tighten the lock nuts.

When to call a technician

Error codes that point here

If your washer shows one of these, open it for the brand’s exact meaning.

Questions

Sources