If you see that your washer has started to leak water that can damage your floor, don’t panic. You can always call your local washing machine repairmen to quickly help fix the problem. Should you decide to fix your washing machine without the help of an expert, you can go ahead and start by identifying and ultimately repair the problem. Below are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to fix a leaking washing machine.
Hoses
The first thing you should check with a leaking machine is the hose. The drain hoses and the fill are the main water ways of your washing machine. You can find these hoses at the back of your machine. Check the thread and hoses to see if they are tight and in place. Then, the drain can be checked if it’s properly installed.
Other candidates for leaks are the internal hoses. These hoses connect the inlet valve to the tub. These hoses can leak while filling the tub with water. These hoses can be accessed if you remove the top or the cabinet. Check the hoses if they are in good condition. Then check if the tub injection and siphon are broken. In cases of front loading washers, the detergent dispensers act as water ways. So, make sure to check this area for any leaks when filling up your machine. In cases where the leaking happens while washing, you should inspect the hose connecting the tub to the drain pump.
Water Level Switch
Overfilling could be the cause for the leak in some cases. This is what the water level switch is for – to determine the correct amount of water in the tub. You can find this switch if you check the back of the control panel of the washing machine. You will see a hose or an air dome connecting to the tub. For electronic controlled washers, you may find the water level switch in the sump area which can be found under the tub. The air inside the tube will be compressed while filling the tub, pushing the diaphragm inside the switch. This process turns off the valve, keeping the right level of water.
A leaking tube will cause the valve to shut down due to insufficient pressure, making the washing machine overfilled and will in turn leak. First thing to do before replacing the switch is to check the air dome hose. Finding signs of blockage, cracking, or wearing in the hose might be the cause of a switch malfunction preventing the valve from shutting.
Pump
The pump is the one responsible for draining water from the washing machine. Check the drain pump if the leaking happens while washing or draining. It should be spotted right away if water is leaking from the drain pump as it means that there is a problem with this machine’s part. The drain pump is located at the base frame where it is commonly attached to the motor. Always make sure that the washing machine is not connected to the power outlet when trying to do any of these troubleshooting steps.
Boot Seal or Bellow
Signs of water leak near the machine’s door is usually caused by a cut or worn out bellow. You can check the bellow by carefully opening the machine’s door. Inspect for any signs of dust, dirt or damage. Detergent could build up over time, blocking the tight seal so look for any signs of this as well. Do not use sharp tools to check the bellow to avoid causing cuts and tears.
Gasket for the Tub Cover
Water leak during the spinning phase could indicate that the tub cover gasket of your washing machine has a problem. In order to prevent water from leaking, you need a rubber gasket to seal the outer tub and the tub cover. You can easily identify the culprit by looking for signs of soapy water leaks.
Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve is the one responsible for controlling hot and cold water flow into your washing machine. You can usually find this valve at the back of the machine. Removing the panel or raising the top will get you to the water inlet valve. The inlet valve could be the problem if the leaking is coming from the end side while filling your machine with water.
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