How to Fix a Leaking Washing Machine

What to do if your washing machine is leaking?

As soon as you discover the water leak, shut off the water supply valves behind your washer to prevent further leaking.

Shut off the house circuit breaker for your washing machine or unplug the washer power cord if you can safely reach the outlet plug without standing in water.

If the washer leaked a large amount of water, use a wet/dry vacuum or a mop and bucket to pick up the water on the floor.

Next, try to find the source of the water leak.

Check the fill hoses

One of the most common causes of a washing machine water leak is cracked or damaged fill hoses. Examine the fill hoses for cracks or damage and signs of leaking.

Replace the fill hoses if they’re leaking. This may quickly fix your washer leak.

Examine the washer drain system

Check the drain hose for cracks or damage. A leaking drain hose will cause a puddle to form behind that washer that can then spread across the entire laundry room floor. Replace the drain hose if it’s cracked or damaged.

Check for a clogged house drain for the washer. Water will back up and leak out of the stand pipe if the house drain is clogged. Clear the house drain for the washer using a plumber’s snake if the drain is clogged.

Check the door and door boot seal on a front-load washer

A damaged door, door lock or door boot seal could cause a front-load washer to leak water.

Check to see if the door closes properly. Check the strike on the door and see if it keeps the door shut properly. If you find problems, replace any damaged components.

Here’s a DIY repair video that shows how to replace a door lock assembly on a front-load washing machine:

A torn or damaged door boot seal is another common cause of washer leaks.

Examine the door seal for tears or damage. Check in between the folds of the door boot because the folds can hide a tear or damage.

Replace the door boot seal if it’s damaged. Here’s a video that shows how to replace the door boot seal on a common type of front-load washer:

Replacing the door boot on a front-load washer is a fairly advanced repair. If you’re not completely confident that you can safely and effectively replace the door boot on your own, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to replace the door boot for you.

Look for excessive suds

Overdosing the washer with detergent or using the wrong kind of detergent can cause excessive suds to form during the cycle. The suds can overflow the tub or push out through the washer vent on a front load washer. Overflowing suds eventually dissipates as water on the floor around the washer.

Check the clothes inside the washer for suds and soap residue. If you see signs of oversudsing inside your washer, you may be using too much detergent or you could be using non-HE laundry detergent in an HE (High Efficiency) washer.

If you’re using non-HE detergent in an HE washer, switch detergents to an HE version. You’ll see the HE logo on HE detergent containers. You need to use HE detergent in HE washers because HE detergent is specially designed to create less suds while getting the clothes clean in a low water usage washer.

If you’re using the right laundry detergent in your washer and seeing excessive suds, use less detergent. In an HE washer, you typically won’t need to use more than a tablespoon of detergent to clean most loads.

Check the detergent dispenser

A clogged detergent dispenser can cause a leak. Check the detergent dispenser and clean it if you find that it’s clogged.

Leaking Water Inlet Valves

Grit or debris can get past the inlet water screens and wind up preventing an inlet water valve from closing fully. If you find the washer tub overflowing, you likely have a water valve that is stuck partially open.

Drain water out of the washer using a wet/dry shop vacuum. If it’s safe to plug the washing machine back in because there isn’t any water on the floor around the washer’s electrical outlet, you can use the washer drain pump to evacuate the water by running a Drain & Spin cycle. Unplug the washer after using that cycle if the floor around the washer is still wet.

Replace the water inlet valve assembly if a water valve is leaking and water constantly fills the washer even when it’s off.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace the inlet water valve assembly on a common type of front-load washer:

This video shows how to replace the water inlet valve assembly on a common top-load washer:

Have a Sears Home Services Technician find and fix the leak

When you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the washing machine leak on your own, schedule washer repair to have a Sears Home Services technician fix the washing machine. The tech should be able to find the cause of the leak and fix it quickly.

Technicians have discovered these additional causes for washer leaks:

• Faulty water level pressure switch or water level sensor causing the washer to overfill and leak.
• Internal hoses such as dispenser hoses leaking.
• Leak in the internal drain system or drain pump.
• Leaking tub seal.
• Cracked washer tub.
• Faulty electronic control board.

Preventing Washing Machine Leaks

Follow these expert tips to help prevent washing machine water leaks:

• Regularly Inspect Hoses and Connections: Check hoses for wear and tear every six months. Replace them every five years, even if they appear fine, as a precaution.
• Use the Right Detergent: For high-efficiency washers, use only HE detergent. Regular detergent creates excess suds, leading to residue buildup and potential leaks. Also, use the right amount of detergent to avoid excessive suds.
• Avoid Overloading: Stick to the washer's load recommendations. Overloading strains parts and leads to imbalances that can cause leaks.
• Clean the Washer Monthly: Run a cleaning cycle with a washer cleaner such as Affresh or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. This prevents mold and grime from clogging components.
• Use a Drip Pan: Placing a drip pan under the washer adds an extra layer of protection against water leaks damaging your floor.
• __Schedule Professional Washer Maintenance & Cleaning Yearly: Annual professional washer maintenance will ensure that you washer stays in top shape and operates efficiently all year long. A technician will be able identify developing problems that can lead to water leaks and fix problems before they turn into a catastrophe.

Fixing a leaking washing machine and preventing leaks doesn’t have to be daunting. By addressing common causes, following the outlined steps, and incorporating regular maintenance into your routine, you can prevent future leaks and extend the lifespan of your washer. A little proactive care goes a long way in keeping your laundry days stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth fixing a leaking washing machine?

When you can fix a leaking washer yourself and don’t have to spend a ton of money on parts, then it’s definitely worth it to fix a leaking washing machine. When the washer is over ten years old and it will require a major and expensive repair to fix the leak, then it’s likely time to buy a new washer.

What is the most common cause of washing machine leaks?

For front-load washing machines, the most common cause of washing machine leaks is a torn or damaged door boot seal. Excessive suds also causes frequent leaks in front-load washers. For a top-load washer, a clogged house drain or a damaged or loose drain hose are the top causes of water leaks.

Is it safe to use a leaking washing machine?

No. A leak from the washing machine will cause a wet floor next to the electrical outlet. Shut off the house circuit breaker for the washer when you see a major leak that fills the whole laundry space floor. Unplug the washing machine power cord if you can do so safely by standing on a dry portion of the floor. Fix the leak or have a service technician fix the leak before using the washing machine. Soak up or pick up water that leaked on the floor before plugging the washing machine back in.

How do I clear the drainage in my washing machine?

The best way to clear the drainage system in your washing machine is to use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck a clog out through then end of the washer drain hose. For a front load washer, you may also need to remove the drain pump filter and remove debris from that filter after emptying water from the washer tub.