Why Water Pools in Your Laundry Steam Closet and How to Fix It

A laundry steam closet is one of those appliances that makes life easier,  and your clothes look amazing. With just the push of a button, it steams away wrinkles, refreshes fabrics, and even sanitizes. But if you’ve opened yours lately to find a pool of water sitting at the bottom, you already know something’s not working the way it should.

We’ll show you step-by-step how to figure out what’s causing the water to pool and what you can do to fix it.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Why Is Water Pooling in Your Steam Closet?

Your steam closet works by heating water into steam, which fills the chamber and treats your clothes. That steam then condenses back into water, which is supposed to drain away neatly through a drain hole or hose into a tray or outflow.

When water ends up pooling instead, it usually means something in that drainage system has stopped working as it should.

Common causes include:

• A clogged or blocked drain
• A kinked or pinched drain hose
• A dirty or misaligned drain tray
• Excessive lint, mineral deposits, or debris
• A faulty drain pump (on models with active pumping)
• Improper leveling of the appliance is causing water to collect in one spot

Each of these is easy enough to troubleshoot and fix yourself with some basic tools and a little know-how.

Signs You’ve Got a Drainage Problem

You might already suspect the drain is the issue if you’re seeing water at the bottom of your closet. But here are a few other signs that confirm it:

• Standing water remains at the bottom after every cycle
• Clothes come out damp even though the cycle includes drying
• A musty or stale odor inside the closet
• Visible lint or debris in the drain tray or around the drain hole
• Water overflowing from the tray or pooling onto the floor

If any of these sound familiar, you’re in the right place.

What You’ll Need to Fix It

Before you get started, gather up a few supplies:

• A small bucket or towels to catch or soak up water
• Warm water with a drop of dish soap
• White vinegar (optional, for hard water deposits)
• A flexible drain brush, pipe cleaner, or soft bottle brush
• Microfiber cloths
• A flashlight
• A level (to check if your steam closet is sitting evenly)

Step 1: Power Off and Unplug

As with any repair, start by unplugging your steam closet from the wall. Even though this fix is simple, you’re working around water and internal parts; better safe than sorry.

Step 2: Remove Standing Water

If there’s already water pooled inside, soak it up with towels or use a small cup to scoop it into a bucket. Removing as much as you can now will make it easier to see what you’re working with.

Step 3: Locate and Inspect the Drain

Next, find your drain. On most models, it’s located at the bottom of the chamber and is usually covered by a small grate or sits just below the removable drain tray. Remove the tray and check for:

• Standing water in the tray
• Visible lint, debris, or residue in or around the drain hole
• Signs of mold, mildew, or hard water deposits

If you see any gunk blocking the drain, gently remove it with your fingers or a cloth.

Step 4: Clean the Drain and Tray

Even if it looks fairly clean, it’s a good idea to give everything a thorough cleaning.

1. Wash the drain tray with warm, soapy water.
2. Dry it completely and set it aside.
3. Dip your brush or pipe cleaner into warm soapy water and gently scrub inside the drain opening.
4. Follow up with a rinse of warm water.

For stubborn buildup from hard water, pour a mix of half vinegar and half water into the drain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing again.

Step 5: Check the Drain Hose

Some steam closets drain into a hose that empties into a nearby sink or drain line. If this hose is kinked, pinched, or blocked, water won’t drain properly and will back up into the chamber.

1. Pull your steam closet away from the wall if necessary.
2. Locate the drain hose at the back or underneath.
3. Look for any sharp bends or kinks and straighten them out.
4. Feel along the hose for any blockages or build-up.
5. If the hose is removable, disconnect it and flush it through with warm water and vinegar.

Reconnect it securely when you’re done.

Step 6: Check Appliance Leveling

If your steam closet isn’t sitting evenly on the floor, water can collect in one corner instead of draining properly. Use a level and check both side-to-side and front-to-back.

If it’s not level:

• Adjust the leveling feet at the corners until the bubble is centered.
• Check again after adjustments and make sure it sits flat and stable.

Step 7: Run a Test Cycle

Now it’s time to see if your work paid off. Plug the closet back in and run a short cycle (without clothes). Check that water drains properly into the tray. If all looks good, you’re set! If water still pools, you may need to move on to one final test.

Step 8: Test the Drain Pump (If Equipped)

Some steam closets use a small pump to actively move water out of the drain tray. If this pump fails, water won’t drain even if the line is clear.

To check it:

• Unplug the appliance and remove the back or bottom panel.
• Locate the pump (refer to your manual if needed).
• Inspect for visible damage or debris clogging the impeller.
• Spin the impeller gently to make sure it’s free to move.
• If you have a multimeter, you can test the pump for continuity.

If the pump is blocked or faulty, it’s easy to replace,  just disconnect the wiring harness, remove the screws, and install a replacement part.

Tips to Prevent Future Water Pooling

Once you’ve cleared the blockage, keeping things clean is simple and can save you from repeat problems:

• Wipe down the chamber and drain area after each use.
• Clean the drain tray weekly.
• Run a monthly rinse of warm water and vinegar through the drain to prevent buildup.
• Check the drain hose every few months for kinks or blockages.
• Make sure your steam closet stays level.

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 reach out. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!