Why Would a Washing Machine Leak From Underneath?
There are several issues that can cause your washing machine to leak from underneath. If you have woken up to a pool of water and you’re not quite sure where the source of the leak is, there are a few parts of your machine that you can check.
In this article, we’ll discuss how you can troubleshoot your washing machine leak, and what you can do to fix a washing machine leak from underneath.
How do I fix a leaking washing machine from the bottom?
One of the most popular causes of a leak is a loose hose, or in some cases, your machine may be missing this attachment. This fixture is connected to the drainpipe which extends from the washer.
A clamp then secures the hose and drain pipe together. If this connection is absent or loose then your machine is likely to leak. It is likely that this issue can be rectified by hand tightening the connection.
Another reason could be due to a tub seal that needs replacement. Over time, these seals are prone to developing mold or tearing and will eventually become ineffective in retaining water.
Fixing this problem is slightly more complex so you may need to enlist the help of a repairman who can do the job for you. Furthermore, many leaks underneath washing machines are caused by damaged water pumps that have developed holes.
If the machine appears to be shaking intensely during the completion of a wash cycle it is likely that this is the issue. To find these connections you will need to inspect the bottom of your machine as this is where they are typically found.
Once located you can then evaluate the source of the issue. If the leak persists despite your attempts to resolve the issue, it is likely that you will need to consult a professional.
Should there be water in the bottom of my washing machine?
If you have gone to take your washing out of the machine after a finished cycle only to find that it is still wet and sat in water, you may be questioning whether this is normal.
The cause of this problem is typically due to the machine failing to drain the water that it has collected during the cycle. This may be because of a drain hose blockage that has stopped the water from exiting the tub.
It has likely that this has been caused by smaller clothing garments that have slipped out of the tub and headed towards the drain. Such blockages can affect the speed at which the machine is able to drain the tub and you will be able to notice if this is an issue if the water in the tub appears to drain but then returns to the machine’s tub.
To resolve this issue you will need to identify the obstruction that is causing this blockage and remove it accordingly. Upon doing so, you will find that the washing machine proceeds to operate as normal.
Aside from this, there may be water sitting in the bottom of your washing machine because the hose that is responsible for draining it has become twisted. As a result, the water is unable to travel through it smoothly so it instead remains inside the tub.
If your water is failing to drain from the tub of the washing machine, using a few tools you can drain the machine manually. Of course, it is important to ensure that you approach this task in a safe manner and turn off any connections that present a risk to your safety.
Then you can disconnect the drain hose and pour the water into a bucket. At this point, it is likely that you will be able to see what is the cause of the blockage.
Can overloading a front loaded washing machine make it leak?
Forcing too many clothes into the inner tub of a washing machine puts a lot more strain on your appliance and often means that it struggles to function as efficiently as you would expect. This can often cause the washing machine to leak and it may also force it out of balance.
If this is the case, you must respond to the leak as soon as possible because it is a hazard to your home and those inside it and there is also a risk of the moisture developing into mold.
To see whether overloading is the cause of the leak, run the machine on a quick wash cycle without adding any clothes or using any detergent. If the machine doesn’t appear to leak during this cycle, evidently overloading was the route cause.
Ensure that your machine is levelly positioned and also adjust your load sizes accordingly. You shouldn’t wash a lot of bulky fabrics or a heavy load at once because a machine that doesn’t have the capacity to handle this is of course going to struggle to function without encountering any issues such as leaks during the cycle.
How to Troubleshoot a Leak Problem on a Washing Machine
Watch this informative video on how to find out why your washing machine is leaking from underneath, and how you can fix your washing machine leak from underneath.
Related Washing Machine Articles:
- Can Overloading A Washing Machine Break It?
- Is It Safe To Use A Washing Machine When The Bearings Have Gone?
- How Does A Washing Machine Work: Simple Explanation
- How To Know If My Washing Machine Drain Is Clogged
- How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Washing Machine?
