Here's Why Your Washing Machine May Be Leaking And What You Can Do To Fix It
Waking up in the morning and walking into the laundry room only to discover a puddle of water in front of your washing machine is less than ideal, to say the least. Not only does our pile of dirty laundry grow larger as we spend time determining the cause, but the average price to make repairs is around $75 to $200. So, to keep costs low, it's best to figure out the issue quickly before it worsens. However, there are many reasons why this could happen.
A likely explanation for why your washing machine is experiencing a leak may be due to your fill and drain hoses. These parts often become blocked, damaged, or disconnected, which can cause a leak to appear at the bottom of your machine. To fix this, you'll need to either secure them back in place, remove blockages, or replace hoses that are damaged beyond repair. However, if you've already inspected these parts, other likely culprits may be causing your appliance to leak.
Examine the door of front-load washing machines
When inspecting a front-load washer, you may notice that the leak is coming from the door, which means there's likely an issue with the seal. This material often tears if the door is frequently opened and closed, resulting in water dripping onto the ground while a cycle is running. If you've noticed any damage along the seal, you'll need to replace it to prevent future leaks. However, this could also happen if the seal is dirty, so it's important to routinely wipe away any dirt or hair that has started to clump together.
Also, don't forget to investigate the door switch. If it's not closing properly, it could open slightly and allow the release of water. If you believe this to be the case, we suggest hiring a professional to replace or repair the necessary parts.
Additionally, a leaky washing machine door can result from certain washing habits, such as using an excessive amount of detergent. This could end up creating a mound of bubbles that clog your overflow tube. So, although soapy bubbles are a sign of cleanliness, noticing them on your washing machine door is also a good indicator that you use too much detergent.
What if the water is coming from the back?
If your leak is coming from the back of your washing machine, there are a few steps you'll need to follow. First, turn off your water valves by twisting them to the right. While doing this, if you notice that the valves are wet, then this is likely where your leak is from. Once you've turned off the water, you can properly inspect the area to examine the extent of the damage. If you're confident this is where the leak is coming from, you'll need to replace the O-ring and seal it with plenty of plumber's tape.
However, you'll likely need to check the water lines if the water valves are dry. To do this, you can simply brush your hand against the line to check if they're wet. If they are, it may be due to a faulty connection. To fix this, you can disconnect the line, replace the seals, and reconnect it with a rubber O-ring and tape.