Fixing a Washing Machine Leaking Water
That sinking feeling when you spot a puddle spreading out from under your washing machine is all too familiar. It’s the classic sign of a leak, and while it’s tempting to panic, a few quick, calm steps can make all the difference.
Loose hoses or a clogged filter are often the culprits, but before you start investigating, safety comes first.
What to Do Immediately When Your Washing Machine Leaks
The first few moments are all about damage control and keeping everyone safe. Your absolute priority is to cut the power and water to the appliance. This prevents any risk of electric shock and stops the leak from getting any worse.
If you’re not sure how to shut off the water at the source, our guide on how to turn off your water mains will walk you through it. It’s a simple step that can save a lot of headaches.
Once you've made the area safe, it’s time for a bit of detective work. Take a look at the water itself. Is it sudsy or is it clear?
- Soapy water usually means the leak is happening during the main wash or drain cycle.
- Clear water often points the finger at a problem with the water supply hoses before the water even enters the drum.
Assessing the Damage
With the machine isolated and the standing water mopped up, take a moment to check your flooring. Water can cause serious damage, especially to wooden floors. For some excellent advice on this, check out this guide on how to restore your hardwood floors after water damage.
Quick Leak Assessment Guide
To help you get a head start, here's a quick reference table. Just match where you see the water to find the most likely cause.
| Leak Location | Most Likely Cause | Water Type (Soapy/Clear) |
|---|---|---|
| Back of the machine | Loose or split fill/drain hoses | Can be clear (fill) or soapy (drain) |
| Front of the machine | Clogged filter, door seal issue | Usually soapy |
| Underneath the machine | Internal hose, pump, or tub leak | Can be either, but often soapy |
| Detergent drawer | Blocked jets, too much soap | Soapy |
This table should give you a solid starting point for figuring out what’s gone wrong before you dive into the fix.
Checking Hoses at the Back of the Machine
When you spot a puddle forming behind your washing machine, the culprit is often something surprisingly simple: the hoses. Before you panic, let's look at the two main suspects – the smaller water inlet hoses and the larger drain hose.
You'll need to carefully pull the machine away from the wall to get a good look. Once you have access, run your hand along the connections where the inlet hoses screw onto the machine and your wall taps. Is there any dampness? Sometimes, all it takes is a quick quarter-turn with a pair of pliers to stop a frustratingly slow drip.
What to Inspect on Your Hoses
If tightening the connections doesn't do the trick, it’s time to give the hoses themselves a thorough check. Run your eyes and fingers along their entire length. Over time, rubber can go brittle and develop tiny cracks or splits that are easy to miss at first glance.
Don’t forget the drain hose, either. Make sure it isn't sharply kinked or bent, as this can cause water to back up and spill over. It’s also worth checking for any visible clogs near the end where it enters your standpipe.
Tackling Leaks from the Front Door and Drawer
When you spot water pooling at the front of your washing machine, the culprit is almost always one of two things: the door seal or the detergent drawer. The good news? These are some of the easiest problems to diagnose and often fix yourself.
Let's start with the big rubber gasket circling the door opening. Gently pull back its folds and have a good feel around the inside. You're on the hunt for anything that could break the seal – trapped hair, lint build-up, or even a stray coin.
While you're at it, give the seal a thorough inspection for any small tears or cracks. Over time, the rubber can perish, and even a tiny split is enough to let water seep through during a cycle.
The detergent drawer can be another sneaky source of leaks. A build-up of old soap and fabric softener can easily block the jets that flush the drawer out. When that happens, the water has nowhere to go but over the top and down the front of your machine.
Finding Leaks Underneath Your Machine
Discovering a puddle under your washing machine usually points to an internal problem you can often handle yourself. More often than not, the reason a washing machine is leaking water from the bottom is a clogged drain pump filter. Stray coins, lint, and other small bits from pockets can easily cause a blockage, forcing water to find another way out.
Most machines have a small access panel for the filter at the bottom on the front. Before you unscrew the cap, slide a shallow tray and some old towels underneath. A surprising amount of trapped water is about to come out.
If you’ve cleaned the filter and it’s clear of debris, the next culprit could be a blocked waste pipe. We’ve put together a handy guide on how to unblock a washing machine waste pipe with detailed instructions to help you sort it.
Simple Habits to Prevent Future Leaks
A little bit of prevention is worth a whole lot of cure. Getting into a few simple, regular habits can make all the difference, stopping a flood before it ever starts.
Start by giving the hoses a quick once-over every now and then. You’re just looking for any signs of brittleness or cracks – the early warning signs of a potential burst. It also pays to wipe down the rubber door seal after your last wash of the day. This simple action prevents grime build-up, which can eventually cause tiny tears and slow leaks.
One of the most common culprits behind a surprise puddle is a clogged drain pump filter. It’s a job that’s easy to forget, but this little component can cause a world of trouble when it’s blocked by lint or stray coins. Our guide explains exactly how to clean a washing machine filter to keep water flowing where it should.
Beyond the machine itself, think about your laundry room's defences. If the worst does happen, having the right flooring can seriously mitigate the damage. Investing in water-resistant materials is a smart move. This ultimate guide to moisture-resistant flooring options is a great place to start for some long-term peace of mind.
Your Leaking Washer Questions Answered
We've heard just about every question there is when it comes to a washing machine leaking water. Here are some of the most common queries with straightforward answers.
Why Does My Machine Only Leak During the Spin Cycle?
If you only see a puddle during the spin cycle, it's almost certainly a drainage issue. The force of the drum spinning is trying to expel a large volume of water, and if there's a blockage, that water has to go somewhere.
Your first port of call should be the pump filter. Give it a good clean. If the problem persists, check the main drain hose. A simple kink or a build-up of gunk could be all it takes to stop the water from escaping quickly enough, causing it to back up and spill out.
Is It Safe to Use a Leaking Washing Machine?
In a word: no. Water and electricity are a recipe for disaster. Even a tiny leak creates a serious risk of electric shock and can cause a shocking amount of expensive damage over time. It can warp your flooring, rot skirting boards, and ruin kitchen units. The moment you spot a leak, switch off the power and water at the mains and get it sorted before you even think about running another wash.
When Should I Call a Professional?
If you’ve checked the hoses, inspected the door seal, cleaned the filter, and you still can't pinpoint the source of the leak, it’s time to call in an expert.
Some internal repairs can get complicated fast, and it’s always better to let a trained technician handle them. If you're feeling out of your depth or just want the peace of mind that it's fixed properly and safely, the team at Go Assist is here to help. You can book your appliance repair with us in just a few clicks.
