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In this guide, we will discuss how to locate the cause for your washing machine leaking from bottom. We’ll discuss both top load machines and front load machines. Some of these solutions are an easy fix, and you can do it yourself without the cost of a technician. Read on for more.
Top Load Washing Machine leaking from bottom: Possible Causes
The three most common places where a leak can develop on Top Load Washing Machines:
- Internal or External Water Hoses
- Drain Pump
- Drum Sealing or Bearings
Tips to repair a Top Load Washing Machine:
For some people, repairing a top load washing machine is a little simpler. Usually, you can access the parts of these machines with no assistance.
Top load washing machines are assembled from the bottom up. This means that disassembling is from the top down, with all of the heavy parts stationed at the bottom.
Commonly in washing machines, the water will be injected into the unit from the rear water hoses. If the water is not leaking from the rear hoses, you can be sure that it will be from a component at the bottom.
After you have disconnected the washing machine from the power supply, you can begin safely inspecting the machine.
In some situations, you may have to keep the washer machine plugged in to diagnose a leak.
For top load washing machines, the control panel is what needs to be removed first. Next is the door with the door fittings.
Read also: Samsung Washing Machine Leaking from the Bottom: how to fix it
Internal or External Water Hoses
External Hoses
When diagnosing the leaks of any washing machine, it is a good idea to start with the hoses that can be seen from the outside.
The clamps can loosen over time, causing a slow leak down the back of the machine to the floor. Also, the hoses can develop cracks from the constant rattling when the clamps are pinched. Both of these issues happen near the top of the machine where the water comes in, but the water runs down and appears like the washing machine leaking from bottom.
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Visually inspect the external hoses, with and without water running through them. If you have a problem with the hoses, replacements can easily be purchased online at retailers such as Amazon. Hoses are inexpensive ($20) and will last the remaining life of the appliance. Click here to purchase quality hoses online.
Internal Hoses
Some internal water hoses are located around the drum’s sides. Not near the electrical components or beneath the drum. They are located in easily accessible places.
Some of the hoses will have seals/gaskets that help maintain and flesh contact against the water flow point. Sometimes these seals wear out or start to leak, even with normal use.
For the hoses with no gaskets, you can determine that they are sealed to the water flow destination by inspecting a clamp of some sort. Check that the clamp is tight and is evenly in position on the hose.
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Drain Pump and/or drain hose
The function of the drain pump is to, obviously, drain the water at the end of the cycle. In some cases, an older machine will have a leak from the drain pump. Older seals in the pump can start to leak. The pump can also fail mechanically or electrically.
Mechanical failures in drain pumps are caused by a foreign object clogging the centrifugal pump’s impeller. As a result, the impeller inside is broken or otherwise damaged.
Electrical failures include a short-circuit inside the pump or loose/damaged pump wiring.
How to fix it: The most practical solution to a failed drain pump is a complete replacement. If you decide to replace it, you can find the drain pump underneath the sump. The drain pump will be at the lowest part, no matter your washer model.
Read: Why Washing Machine Makes Loud Noise When Draining?
You need to watch on the drain pump for any white residue, usually caused by leaking water. When calcified water dry out, you will be able to see white residue on the outside of the drain pump.
Also, the drain pump plastic hose can be cracked and will start to leak. If the drain hose is not inserted all the way into the wall drain, it can also leak and run down to the floor. This hose should be easy to visually inspect.
Drain Pumps and drain hoses can easily be replaced by purchasing replacement parts online. Amazon carries drain pumps for around $25, and drain hoses for $17. Click here for part suggestions. Double check the model number before ordering.
Read also: Why Washing Machine Drain Pump Keeps Running
Drum Sealing or Bearing
A drum leak can be seen by adding some water to the washing machine. The drum has a gasket that separates it from the drain. Usually, you will be able to see a pool of water right under the transmission if it was leaking. Washing Machine Leaking from bottom.
Just fill the washer with water by starting the wash cycle. Stop it after a few minutes, in order to check for any leakage underneath.
If no leak, the problem is not there. Let the washer machine run through a drain/spin cycle to remove the water.
Front Load Washing Machine leaking from bottom: Possible Causes
Usually, there are five places where the water will come from when leaking from the bottom components. Listed below will be common five places:
- Door Seal
- Drain Pump or Filter
- Drum Seals and Bearings
- Water Inlet Valve
- Soap Box Leak (Detergent Dispenser)
Door Seal
If you see water leaking from the door of the machine, this indicates that there is a bad seal between the door and the machine.
This usually requires a little cleaning with a damp cloth or, at most, a new seal.
The usual places that leak from here are the door seal, the pump, split hose, or bearings. You should be able to see those components from beneath the washing machine.
Drain Pump or Filter
Sometimes, when the water leaks from the left side of the washing machine, it could mean that the water pump is the source. Read the paragraph above regarding replacement of the drain pump. It is fairly straightforward to access, and a moderate repair. See picture below.
This is a common problem across all brands of washing machines.
Read Also: GE Front load Washer Not Draining- Troubleshoot 4 Causes
Drum Seals and Bearings– a more complex repair
Locating a bad drum seal is easy, but to repair it is a little more complex. Usually, you need to take back cover OFF of the washing machine. Then you will see the motor shaft with bearings. Look for discoloration after removing the back panel for inspection.
Can you see brown-ish color stains? If yes, drum seals damaged.
Also, if you see brown water on the floor or near the drum, this indicates that the seals that block the water from bearings have worn out. When the drum seals wear down, it allows water to get to the bearing and cause rust color. These bearings should not be exposed to water at any point in the wash cycle.
If water gets into this compartment, it then pushes the oil from the bearings out. Sometimes this oiled water will stain your clothes on contact.
When the bearings themselves are worn out, the washing machine’s spinning will be a lot noisier than usual. This usually means the bearings themselves need to be replaced.
Again, this is not a simple repair and should be done very attentively.
Water Inlet Valve
Another common leak in washing machines is the inlet pipe connected to the water valve, or simply the valve itself.
The inlet pipe has to be tightened well enough that the seals are blocking any potential water exits. When not tightened securely, the water will drip from the pipe insert.
You should be able to tighten it securely with your hands or a pair of pliers/grips.
Take note to be careful when tightening this hose, because the ends are usually very fragile plastic. Cracking the plastic or bending it will result in a broken seal and will require a replacement inlet valve.
Visually inspect the inlet pipe for cracks and check for the proper amount of tightening. If you have a problem with the hoses, replacements can easily be purchased online at retailers such as Amazon. Hoses are inexpensive ($20) and will last the remaining life of the appliance.
Soap Box or Detergent Dispenser
One of the common leak sources can be the hose connecting the soap box to the drum. This hose is exposed to lots of soap, which causes the rubber to deteriorate and leak. The soap box itself could also be cracked, so be sure to inspect it as well. It may require adding some water.
Although less likely, either of these issues with the detergent dispenser could cause the appearance of the washing machine leaking from bottom.
Conclusion: washing machine leaking from bottom
Hopefully, this guide has helped you determine what is causing the washing machine to leak from the bottom. If you are still uncertain, or simply do not want to tackle the major tasks associated with your problem, contact a specialist for a quote on repairs. If you were able to diagnose the problem and obtain your own parts, you’ll save time and money on getting a technician to repair.
