Washing Machine is Leaking: Top 6 Reasons and Fixes

Is your washing machine leaving a surprise puddle on your laundry room floor? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Solving this common homeowner dilemma is easier than you think, and with our step-by-step guide and accompanying how-to video below, you’ll have the know-how to fix the leak and get back to your regular wash routine in no time.

Once you have identified the part needed for your washer, search below using your washing machine model number to identify the exact part needed:

If your washing machine is leaking, there’s no need to panic! When there’s a puddle in the laundry room, you can usually fix the issue on your own within an hour or so.  The first order of business is to identify the reason behind the leak. To help you out, our experts at Appliance Parts Pros.com have put together this step-by-step guide to determine why your washing machine is leaking and what part you’ll need to replace to get it spinning again.

Need a laundry machine part? Shop for any and all washer parts on Appliance Parts Pros.com.

Why it’s important to fix a leaking washing machine

Water leaks can cause significant damage to your home. When you notice your washing machine leaking, it’s essential to stop the leak and fix the machine as soon as possible. For example, if the fill hose on your washing machine bursts, it can cause severe water damage to your home – flooding it with up to 500 gallons per hour! You should take special care to keep your laundry machine serviced and repaired in order to avoid these types of situations.

How to buy the correct washing machine part

As you repair your washing machine, you may need to buy a replacement part. To get the right one for your model, you can simply search on AppliancePartsPros.com with your model number.

Alternatively, you can also go straight to our washer parts section and browse items as needed. Simply use the filters on the left-hand side to narrow down your options.

What you’ll need to identify the issue & fix your washing machine

Time: 1 hour or less

Parts

• You may need a replacement part, such as a drain pump, door seal, hose, tub seal, water inlet valve or detergent dispenser. All these items you can find on Appliance Parts Pros.com.

Tools

• You may require a screwdriver to open the panels of your washing machine. Check your operator’s manual to find out the exact size of the screws.
• Work gloves

How to identify the reason behind your washing machine leak

Warning: Unplug your laundry machine and turn off the hot and cold water supply

It’s important to stay safe as you work on your laundry machine. Before getting started, be sure there’s no risk of electrocution or further water leaks by unplugging your laundry machine and turning off the water supply. 

Reason #1: Drain pump

The drain pump plays a key role in removing water from the tub during the spin and drain cycles. If the drain pump has a bad seal or the pump body is cracked, it may cause leaking.

If it’s leaking, you’ll notice:

• Water underneath the pump area.
• Dry white residue on the pump itself (where the soapy water has been leaking).

Where to find it:

• You can find the drain pump mounted on the bottom of the washer or on the motor itself.

You should check:

• The drain pump to see if it has a bad seal or a crack in the pump body.
• The hoses to make sure they’re not loose or leaking at the connections.

Solution:

• Buy a new drain pump and replace the old one.

Reason #2: Door seals and clamps

For front load washers, you should also check the door seal and clamps. These parts ensure a watertight seal between the tub and the front panel. Most commonly, the door seal will start to leak because something sharp has gone through the laundry and punctured it.  The door seal may also be leaking due to a loose or rusted clamp, which allows the seal to slip off the front panel or the tub.

If it’s leaking, you’ll notice:

• Water coming out of the front of the washer.

Where to find it:

• The door seal and clamps are located right inside the front washer door.

You should check:

• The seal all around the machine door to see if it’s damaged or punctured.
• The clamps that hold the seal in place to make sure they’re not rusted or damaged.

Solution:

• Buy a new seal or clamps and replace the old ones.

Reason #3: Hoses

Washing machines contain many different types of hoses, which are designed to carry water throughout the machine. When hoses wear out, they can cause leaks. To fix a hose leak, you must first identify which hose the water is leaking from.

If it’s leaking, you’ll notice:

• Water dripping from the hose.

Where to find it:

Hoses are located throughout the washing machine. The most common hoses that cause leaks include:

• Fill hoses, which are located at the back of the washer.
• Dispenser hoses, which may appear differently depending on whether you have a top load or front load machine. For a top washer, they’re located between the water inlet valve and the inlet. On a front washer, they’re located between the water inlet valve and the dispenser, as well as out the tub.

• Tub-to-pump hose, which is located at the bottom of the tub and connects to the drain pump.

• Internal drain hose, which runs from the pump to the back wall.

• External drain hose, which runs from the back wall to the drain.

You should check:

• The hoses by flexing them and looking for small pinholes or cracks.

• The clamps to be sure they’re not rusted or damaged.

Solution:

• Once you identify the leaky hose (or damaged clamps), buy the right hose and replace the old one.

Pro tip: Fill hoses can cause significant water leaks, so be sure to inspect them 1-2 times a year. Examine the entire hose for signs of bulging or leaks, as well as for corroded fittings. You should also check the washers and screens within the head of the hose and clean them out if needed. If the hose is rusted or damaged, you should replace it ASAP. For extra leak protection, you might also consider purchasing a braided stainless steel fill hose.

Reason #4: Tub seals

Tub seals are essential to ensure the tub doesn’t leak when it’s full of water. These parts are used to seal the drive shaft so that water can’t escape.

The exact tub seals for your machine will depend on whether you have a front load or top load machine. Both types have tub seals for the driver shaft, but the front load washer has an additional seal that fits between the two halves of the tub.

If it’s leaking, you’ll notice:

• Water leaking from the bottom of the machine overall.
• For a top load: water draining onto the gear case, with water marks on the inside of the washer wall due to spinning water flinging off to the sides.
• For a front load: water leaking from the back of the tub, near the bearings. If the additional seal is leaking, you’ll also see water leaking from the split between the tubs and dripping down onto the bottom of the machine.

Where to find it:

Tub seals may be located in different areas depending on your machine.

• For a top load, the tub seal is located on the bottom of the tub, near the gear case.
• For a front load, the tub seal is located inside the tub at the rear. Typically, you can’t see it without taking the washer apart, but it’s located just behind the bearings.
• The additional front load seal runs along the two halves of the tub, so be sure to check around the full length of the split.

You should check:

• The tub seal for any cracks or damage.
• The additional seal for a front load machine.

Solution:

• Buy a new tub seal and replace the old one.

Reason #5: Water inlet valve

Another common cause of washing machine leaking is the water inlet valve. This valve controls the hot and cold water that enters the tub. If the seal has failed or the body is cracked, it can lead to leaks.

If it’s leaking, you’ll notice:

• Water when your washing machine fills up.

Where to find it:

• The water inlet valve is located on the back panel of the washer, near where the fill hoses hook up.

You should check:

• The water inlet valve seal for any damage, as well as the body for any cracks.

Solution:

• Buy a new water inlet valve and replace the old one.

Reason #6: Detergent dispenser

The detergent dispenser is what regulates the soap and other additives during laundry cycles. Leaking can be caused by the hoses becoming clogged, or the body of the dispenser cracking.

If it’s leaking, you’ll notice:

• Your washing machine leaking water from underneath the dispenser.

Where to find it:

• The detergent dispenser is located near the top of the machine, under the top panel.

You should check:

• The detergent dispenser hoses for clogging and the body for any cracks.

Solution:

• Buy a new detergent dispenser and replace the old one.

Maintain your washing machine with Appliance Parts Pros.com

Nice work – you’ve identified the issue behind your washing machine leak! Now that you’ve pinpointed the problem, you can purchase the part you need on AppliancePartsPros.com and replace the old one.  Remember that it’s important to maintain your washing machine on an annual basis to keep it in good working order. Once or twice a year, be sure to check the fill hoses, run a “Clean Washer” cycle and wipe the machine down for any mildew. In case you need any other washer parts, you can also get what you need on AppliancePartsPros.com!

Washing machine leaking FAQs

Does a leak mean my washing machine is broken?

Leaks are rarely the sign of a completely broken washing machine. Often, the leak is caused by a minor issue with a washer part, which you can simply identify and replace. You can do this yourself by following our guide above and determining where the leak is coming from!

Are leaks different for top load and front load washing machines?

Leaks impact both top load and front load washing machines. The biggest difference is that parts (such as the dispenser hoses) may be located in distinct areas of the machine. In addition, you will need to check the front load washer for door seal leaks, as well as tub seal leaks along the split between the tubs.

How can I be sure to buy the correct washer part for my machine?

Washer parts may seem complicated, but you can do yourself a favor by looking at your operator’s manual for your machine model number. This is the key to getting the right washer part for your washing machine. Simply type it in Appliance Parts Pros.com, find the diagrams you need and check out the list of relevant parts for purchase.

Where to find us

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to contact or call us at 877-477-7278. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!

Since 1999, AppliancePartsPros.com has helped millions of people repair their broken appliances by providing high-quality original parts at well below retail prices, free support and troubleshooting, and award-winning customer service from an expert, friendly, US-based customer support team!