Why does my Washing Machine Leak?
“Why does my washing machine leak?” It’s a common question you ask yourself when you come home after a long day at work, only to find a large pool of water that has flooded your utility room. It can drive you crazy and the clean-up isn’t much fun either! However, your next point of call is determining the problem at hand and whether you need to call the repair man or if worse comes to worst forking out for a brand new appliance. To minimise damage to your home even a minor leak is worth investigating and ensuring it gets fixed as further flooding could cause more problems than it’s worth to your home.
Picture the scene you have just walked into your utility room or kitchen and discovered a puddle of water appearing from under your washing machine. A mix of emotions runs through your body - fear, panic, worry, shock. Well, do not worry, this article will guide you through all the necessary steps you need to take and any precautions you will need to follow before examining and diagnosing the issue at hand with your washing machine.
First and foremost your safety is paramount and before you do anything with your washing machine you must turn off the washing machine with the controls and unplug the power cord from its socket. Also, ensure that all the water valves are turned off. These precautions will help to prevent any electrical or plumbing hazards.
There are many possible causes when it comes to a leaky washing machine and we will detail the most common and frequent problems many people have when it comes to their washing machines leaking.
An easy problem to resolve when it comes to checking for the issue of your washing machine leaking is the drain hose on your appliance. This drain hose allows the washing machine to dump out the soapy water. The drain outlet is often located between the supply valves however it is always best to check your user manual if you are unsure. Look for the third pipe leading out of your washing machine and check if there are any signs of wetness or damage as this could be the source of the leak. If you can’t find any damage to the hose it could be a possibility that the drain hose is clogged up and the blockage will need to be amended.
If water is appearing from under the washing machine it is often the cause of a faulty or leaking water pump. You can usually tell if this is the problem because you will notice a lot of shaking and noise when completing a wash cycle. If this is the case it is essential you replace the water pump immediately to reduce any chances of water falling directly onto the washing machine’s motor. If the motor gets damaged this can cause your machine to break down and not work. It is always best to check your user manual to locate whereabouts your water pump is located and if damaged can always be replaced with a spare part.
A simple but common problem that a lot of front load washing machines face is the problem of a faulty door catch. If the door can shut but the latch does not equip, it can give the opportunity for water to escape. Even if your washing machine indicates that the door is closed if the latch is not equipped fully during wash cycles the door could become open.
Hopefully, this article has helped you to identify your problem and you have now resolved your issue of a leaking washing machine. However, if you are unsure of what steps to take or you cannot identify the issue it is always best to ask for professional help and call a repairs team.
If you cannot fix the issue and would rather look for a brand new washing machine in the Wirral, we have a wide range of all your favourite leading retailers from Bosch, Hoover and Hotpoint. We provide all sorts of styles and designs from integrated and freestanding washing machines in a variety of colours so you can find the ideal washing machine for your home.
Before you Begin
Picture the scene you have just walked into your utility room or kitchen and discovered a puddle of water appearing from under your washing machine. A mix of emotions runs through your body - fear, panic, worry, shock. Well, do not worry, this article will guide you through all the necessary steps you need to take and any precautions you will need to follow before examining and diagnosing the issue at hand with your washing machine.
First and foremost your safety is paramount and before you do anything with your washing machine you must turn off the washing machine with the controls and unplug the power cord from its socket. Also, ensure that all the water valves are turned off. These precautions will help to prevent any electrical or plumbing hazards.
Possible Causes For Leaks
There are many possible causes when it comes to a leaky washing machine and we will detail the most common and frequent problems many people have when it comes to their washing machines leaking.
1. A Clogged or Unsecured Drain Hose
An easy problem to resolve when it comes to checking for the issue of your washing machine leaking is the drain hose on your appliance. This drain hose allows the washing machine to dump out the soapy water. The drain outlet is often located between the supply valves however it is always best to check your user manual if you are unsure. Look for the third pipe leading out of your washing machine and check if there are any signs of wetness or damage as this could be the source of the leak. If you can’t find any damage to the hose it could be a possibility that the drain hose is clogged up and the blockage will need to be amended.
2. Unsecured Hoses
A common problem that leads to washing machines leaking and leaving a puddle, is one of the drain hoses not being properly secured to the drain pipe. This will lead to water that is trying to empty out of the washing machine ending up on the floor of your home. To avoid this problem, simply ensure that all the pipes at the back of your laundry appliance are fully inserted into the drainpipe. If you are unsure about what process to follow it is always best to look back at your washing machine guide.3. A Faulty Water Pump
If water is appearing from under the washing machine it is often the cause of a faulty or leaking water pump. You can usually tell if this is the problem because you will notice a lot of shaking and noise when completing a wash cycle. If this is the case it is essential you replace the water pump immediately to reduce any chances of water falling directly onto the washing machine’s motor. If the motor gets damaged this can cause your machine to break down and not work. It is always best to check your user manual to locate whereabouts your water pump is located and if damaged can always be replaced with a spare part.
4. Unsealed Drum Seams
A common issue that occurs with older front load washing machines is that the drum seam becomes unsealed and begins to leak. This is often due to the fact that front load washing machines drums are manufactured in two parts with an inner and outer drum seal. The outer drum is also made in two parts and then bolted together. The seams holding the drum together can begin to wear away and leave gaps where water can leak through. The best way to fix this issue is to replace or fix the outer drum in your washing machine.5. Faulty Door Catch
A simple but common problem that a lot of front load washing machines face is the problem of a faulty door catch. If the door can shut but the latch does not equip, it can give the opportunity for water to escape. Even if your washing machine indicates that the door is closed if the latch is not equipped fully during wash cycles the door could become open.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you to identify your problem and you have now resolved your issue of a leaking washing machine. However, if you are unsure of what steps to take or you cannot identify the issue it is always best to ask for professional help and call a repairs team.
If you cannot fix the issue and would rather look for a brand new washing machine in the Wirral, we have a wide range of all your favourite leading retailers from Bosch, Hoover and Hotpoint. We provide all sorts of styles and designs from integrated and freestanding washing machines in a variety of colours so you can find the ideal washing machine for your home.
