Skip to content

Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From Bottom [Problem Fixed]

Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From Bottom

Is your washing machine leaking profusely? Are you finding it difficult to identify the source of that leakage? Then do worry you are exactly in the right place where we will educate you about those parts and places where the leak usually happens. So don’t skip and read attentively. 

Usually when a washing machine starts leaking at the bottom that could mean that there is something wrong with any of the parts located at the bottom of the washing machine. If you have cracked or punctured the door bellows, cracked drain pump, damaged hoses, clogged hoses, clogged filter, etc.

But you identify the exact cause you need to know more deeply which is explained down below. Also, some tips and tricks could save you lots of money, time, and effort while dealing with the issue. 

Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From the Bottom?

If you want to identify the main causes of a leaky washing machine that leaves water on the floor then these are the causes that can help you do that:

Door Seal

When a washer is leaking water underneath it is most likely that the door seal is not working properly or it has been damaged or clogged somehow. The lip of the door seal can become damaged due to bringing heavy washing in and out of the machine or getting torn by zips. If it’s damaged you have to replace it or otherwise, it’s going to leak.

Filter

Remove the filter cover and take out the filter. Inspect the filter for any cracks or damage it clogs because if there is something wrong in the filter it will leak water for sure. If cracked you’ll have to replace it but if clogged you have to clean the clog nicely.

Hoses

If you notice that the machine is leaking when it is full of water during a cycle tho could be due to the hoses inside the machine. So use a torch to inspect those for any damage.

Tub

Fill the tub with kettles worth of water to make sure that there aren’t any leaks coming from the tub. Because the tub can be damaged by metal or a coin becoming trapped within it.

How To Fix A Washer Leaking From The Bottom 

While unloading your washer if you notice your feet are getting wet, not a good sign. What should you do? A leak from the bottom of the washing machine means a problem with internal parts and a fix best left to a qualified professional. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to minimize the damage and expedite the fix. So the thing that you can do is follow our tips to deal with a leaking washing machine:

Tips 1: Clean Up Any Water 

Just grab some towels and clean up the water that is on the floor. If the leak is substantial and has found its way to your carpet it’s especially important to act fast. A wet carpet can lead to mold. Throw dry towels on the carpet and stomp on them to soak up as much water as you can. 

If you have a wet/dry vac use it to suck up what’s left. Finally, direct a fan towards the damp area. If the carpet does not dry completely pull it back, cut away the damp backing and replace it. Consider renting a professional drying fan. 

Tips 2: Determine What Is Causing The Leak

The more information you can give your repairman the more he’ll be able to give you an accurate repair estimate and come prepared with the parts needed to get your washer working again. An important clue is, ‘when the lean occurs?’ Any top-load washer that leaks in the center only when the machine swirls may have a defective center post gasket or spin tube seal. 

Leaks that occur after the fill cycle starts could mean a rusted tub seal or a hole in the tub caused by rusting or wear from constant imbalance. If the problem is rust around the tub seal a new, a new seal may fix it. But, if rusting is severe you may have to buy a new washer. Tubs are replaceable but expensive so it may be more cost-effective to buy that new washer you’ve has your eye on. 

Note: Rusted tubs may be covered under warranty, however, one with holes, is not.

Tips 3: Source Of The Leakage

Another important clue is where your leak is coming from. Unless your leak is more like a flood try this trick. Tick a dry newspaper under your washer and run a load. The newspaper may be able to map out where the leak occurs. A leak from the back may indicate a leaky pump for most models. 

Leaks from the side may mean a faulty air dome seal. Leaks from the middle may mean a faulty spin tube seal on the agitated shaft seal. It’s likely your service professional will have to disassemble your machine to properly diagnose and fix it. 

Tips 4: Prepare Your Washer To Be Repaired

You can save time and money by emptying your washer of clothes and water and cleaning access to the machine as much as possible. 

Top Loading Washing Machine Leaking From Bottom

If your top load washer is leaking water then you must know the probable causes to solve that problem. The 4 most probable causes are:

Causes 1: Drain Pump

If the washer’s drain pump is cracked or damaged or if the bearings are worn out the pump could leak water since the pump is not repairable. If you discover any damage you should replace the pump with a new one. 

Causes 2: Torn Tub Seal

The outer tub seal might be torn causing water to leak from the seal area. Since the leaking water has the potential to damage the tub bearing or bearings we recommend installing both the new tub seal and tub bearings at the same time.

Causes 3: Split Tub To Pump Hose 

The tub-to-pump hose may have split or torn as well to prevent future ruptures you should replace the entire hose instead of attempting to remove just the damaged section. 

Causes 4: Damaged Drain Hose

While a damaged drain hose is more likely to leak from the connection between the drain pump and the rear panel, the hose can also be damaged if the washer is pushed too close to a wall. Thoroughly inspect the entire length of the hose and replace it with a new one if necessary. 

Front-load Washing Machine Leaking From Bottom

If your front load washing machine is leaking water from the bottom and you want to fix it then you are in the right place. Here we will explain why this kind of leakage happens, the part that causes this problem, where they are located, and the procedure to access those for replacement. 

Cause

The most common cause of water leakage in the front-load washer from the bottom would be the tub-to-pump be-to-pump hose. If you are getting a lot of water leaking, suspects that might be the cause. The tube-to-pump hose usually has an accordion portion of it. Because the outer tub moves constantly. Any impairment to that hose will form a major leak. 

The causes for leaks in this hose are foreign objects that have gotten in between the inner basket and the outer tub and have gotten down through the sump area and into this hose. One of the major culprits will be bra wires and since they are firmly shaped, they can easily puncture that hose. Other items such as finished nails and screws can also get down in that area and damage that hose. 

Location

The tube-to-pump hose is located at the very bottom of the outer tub and it directs water from the sump area of that outer tub to your drain pump. In some models, the tube-to-pump hose may also be connected to a circulating pump as well. 

Access 

To access that part you will need to either remove a lower access panel on some models or in some models, you will require the whole front panel to access that tube-to-pump hose. When the lower access panel is removed, you can now view that tube-to-pump hose. You will be able to see the accordion portion if there. 

Inspection 

You have to carefully look for any leaks in the tube-to-pump hose as well as take caution that there may still be a sharp object inside of that hose. Verify that the clamp on the inlet to the pump is secure as well as the clamp on the bottom of the outer tub. Verify that the hose is pressed firmly against the outer tub and the clamp is properly in position. 

Solution 

If there is damage to that house, you’ll need to remove the old one and install a new one. 

Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From Top

If your washing machine is leaking from the top you need to check the detergent dispenser which is located on the top of the machine. It restrains the soap and other additives that go into the washer during the cycles. The detergent dispenser had all the hoses attached for the different additives. 

If it’s clogged or the body is cracked water could be overflowing and leaking from it. Once you take off the top you can examine it for impairment. If you see any cracks in the body or the top you have to replace the damaged part. 

Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From Door

Cause: One of the most common parts that cause leaks from doors in the front-load washing machines is the door bellows or the door boot. Oftentimes any foreign object happens to get stuck in this area and perhaps punctures that door bellows. Sometimes they might also just wear out with excess movement or the material dries out and becomes brittle. Other times they can become damaged from dragging clothes out of the washer tub without lifting them over that edge.

Inspection: inspect around the lip of the door bellows. Make sure that there’s no damage to cracks or splits. If it’s leaked you’ll see water at the front of the washer during the whole cycle. You’ll then look for a cut or a split down in this area 

Removal: To replace that door bellows, typically there is a wire band that runs around the front edge that secures it to the front panel. Take a flat blade screwdriver, go into a hook on the end of that spring, and pop that off. Now you can simply peel that door bellows away from the panel to disengage it. 

To detach it from the outer tab, you’ll need to remove the lower access panel, most likely the console on the main top to access the screws that secure the front panel in place. 

Reinstallation: To find the proper procedure for your model, simply type your model number into the search box on the brand’s official page, look up that particular part, and purchase. You might also find videos on that exact part to show you how to replace the door bellows on your model. 

Caution: To prevent future damage to that door below, be sure to empty all pockets of any foreign objects before they enter the washer. Do not overload the washer and use caution when pulling the laundry out of the tub area.

Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From Drawer

If your washing machine is leaking water from the soap drawer which attaches to the hose pipe there might be a few things going wrong with it. The first thing that could go wrong is the water pressure inside the machine. If you have unknowingly filled too much water in the machine it will splash or leak from the top because when the machine turns on the excess water creates too much pressure inside which pushes the excess water out. This water could also get into the soap dispenser drawer and overflow it which could also cause leakage from the drawer. 

Another thing that could happen is leakage in the soap box because it is joined together. What this means is, that the soap drawer has two parts; a bottom and a top part. These two parts are joined together with glue or adhesive. So if the adhesive somehow gets loose from the side those places could eventually leak water. This can also happen if there is too much water pressure or the soap drawer is clogged, and water will start to come out from the joint. 

So if your drawer is leaking water you have to inspect the drawer for any cracks or leakage, clean out any clog that might be in there or if it is clacked badly you can simply replace it with a new one. 

Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From Drain Hose

If you are experiencing any leakage from the drain hose of your washing machine you need to inspect the hoses. Because these hoses carry the water through the different parts of the washer. Once you identify the area where the water is coming from you’ll have to inspect the hose. There are many hoses inside the washer. The most common ones are:

  1. The fill hoses
  2. Dispenser hoses
  3. Tub-to-pump hose
  4. Internal drain hose
  5. External drain hose

If your washing machine is leaking from the drain hoses then follow the instructions below to identify it:

  • The internal drain hose goes from the pump to the back wall and the external drain hose goes from the back wall to the drain 
  • When inspecting the hoses it’s helpful to flex them 
  • This may show small pin holes and cracks that may not be visible when the hose is in its normal position
  • Once you find the hole and it’s leaking, you’ll have to replace it 
  • Also, make sure you inspect the clamps; if any are rusted or damaged you’ll have to replace those too

Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From Front

If you have a front-load washing machine it would leak at the front. Because there is a possibility that the tub seal is damaged. The tub seals keep the tub from leaking when it’s full of water. In both front-load and top-load washers, tub seals are used to seal the drive shaft to prevent water from leaking out of the tub. Front-load washing machines have an added seal that goes in between the two halves of the outer tub. 

For top-load washers, the seal is found underneath the tub. If the seal is leaking water will drain down onto the gearcase and you might see water marks on the inside of the cabinet walls because if the washer rotates, water will be streaming off from the sides at that level. 

For front-loaders, the tub seal is located inside the outer tub at the rear. You can’t see it without taking the washer apart but it’s just behind the bearings. If it’s gone bad water will be leaking from this area. The outer tub seal is located at the front loaders only. It goes all the way to the outer tub and locks the two halves. 

Note: If water is leaking from any of the seals you’ll have to replace them.

Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From Filter

If you’ve recently taken out the filter to clean and you’ve noticed that there is a leak coming from the filter area, it may well be that the seal down on the filter has become polluted with grit or small particles. The filter might also have cracks or damage on it which can also result in leakage. 

So it will be effective to give the seal a good wash making sure there’s no clogged on it. It’s a good idea to have a good inside the machine where the filter sits as well. Meaning that the seal on the filter will function adequately.

Washing Machine Leaking From The Bottom During Fill

If you notice water leakage during filling you are r asking the machine then the most probable cause might be a missing gasket or any loose connection inside the machine. When you turn on the machine and it starts leaking right away it could also indicate a bad drain pump in most cases. 

Other common causes for this type of leak are blankets improperly loaded, and drain lines clogged which won’t leak right away. Cracked tubs are rare but can also cause this problem. That is why you need to investigate all the drain pump parts thoroughly and identify the leaking area. If you find any hole or leakage you will have to replace the drain pump right away. 

But if you can’t identify the exact location then use a piece of cardboard and slide it under the washer and turn it on again. This way when it will leak you can finally locate the exact place. The drain pumps are held in by two clips one onto and one on the bottom of the drain pump. 

While installing the new setup try and line the shaft up with the drain pump and wiggle the Pump once. It catches on the shaft. Ensure the four pegs lineup inside the outer four holes of the washing machine motor before securing the clips.

Washing Machine Leaked From The Bottom During The Spin Cycle

If your washing machine is leaking water from the bottom during the spin cycle where the transmission goes to the outer tub. The only way to repair the unit would be to get the spin bearing and the new tub seal. To do that you have to remove pretty much everything:

  • The whole base
  • The motor has to come off 
  • The transmission comes out of the bottom
  • The drive pulleys have to be removed
  • The new tub seal would have to be seated underneath, glued down, rust into the bottom, and then the new transmission spin bearing has to be replaced 

Typically on these units, it’s not cost-effective to have a repair done. This leak could also lead to a leak coming from the center tub seal. The way that this column is, it’s called the triple lip assembly. There are two different types of triple lip kits for this unit. But you must know that it is a very talented me consuming labor-intensive repair.

Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking Water From Underneath

If your washer is leaking from underneath you might need to look at the water inlet valve. It regulates the hot and cold water that moves into the tub. The main reason the water inlet valve might be leaking is that the seal has failed but it could also be that the body is cracked. They are usually located on the back panel of the washer where the fill hoses are hooked up. If the valve is leaking it’ll have to be replaced. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Why does my washing machine leak water from underneath?

If your washing is leaking from underneath then there could be several reasons why this might be happening. It could be happening because of a faulty or punctured door seal, damaged dispenser, punctured drain hose, cracked water filter, damaged water supply hoses, etc.

How do you fix a leaking washing machine from the bottom?

To fix a leaky washing machine from the bottom you first need to identify where the leak is coming from. If the leak is on the hoses then you need to replace those hoses immediately.

Is it worth fixing a leaking washing machine?

We all know how expensive a brand new washing machine can be. So it will be a wise decision to fix any damaged part of your existing washing machine rather than buy a new one. Because the remaining cost won’t be a burden for you. 

How much does it cost to fix a leaking washer?

Usually, it costs around 75 to 200 dollars to fix a leaky washing machine on average by professionals. But it could go up if the repair is too intense. Also, if your washer needs any replacement then the cost might go even higher.

Can a blocked filter cause the washing machine to leak?

Yes, of course. Often blocked clogged or cracked filters cause the washing machine to leak at the bottom.

Conclusion

A leaky washing machine is an absolute nightmare for any house owner. If you are using a washing machine for a long time then you could surely relate to the horror of water seeping through the machine drenching your carpets or flooding your room with soapy water and you don’t even know what’s wrong. That is why this article can help you lead to those leaky clues so that at least you can identify them.

See Also: