What Are the Causes of a Washing Machine Leaking Water?
Water drains out as a washing machine spins after washing or rinsing clothes. If the machine only leaks during these cycles, you can likely rule out damaged water supply hoses. These hoses would drip water continuously. Pin down the problem by unplugging the machine and opening the cabinet so you can investigate the source of the leak.
Hoses
A couple of large drain hoses connect the tub to the pump, and the pump to the external drain. These connection points often leak as hoses lose their elasticity over time, or clamps loosen. The hoses sometimes become brittle with age and subject to splits or holes. Telltale drips, leaks and water puddles underneath the hoses point to the problem. Also, look for calcium deposits, rust or other stains on hoses that may show where a leak has occurred.
Pump
The pump draws water out of the tub and delivers it to the drain. Seals inside the pump prevent water from leaking out while the pump is operating. However, like hoses, these seals can become brittle with age and use. The most likely pump seal subject to failure is the pulley seal, which is located where the drive shaft enters the pump on either direct drive or belt-driven washers. Leaking pumps typically require replacement.
Seals
Other seals may suffer damage over time. One or more outer tub seals, located on the bottom of the outer tub, and the center post gasket under the agitator are prone to leaking. However, if these seals fail, the washer is likely to leak at several points during its cycle rather than only when the machine expels water. An air dome seal, mounted on the side of the outer tub, helps control water levels during wash and rinse cycles. Should its gasket fail, the washer might appear to leak as it empties water.
Oversudsing
Oversudsing occurs when too much detergent is in the tub, or when using high-sudsing detergents. Too much sudsing results in an overflow. This problem is more typical of a leak during the wash cycle, but it could appear as a leak during the draining cycle, depending on how slowly water and suds move over the top of the tub and down its sides. Reduce oversudsing with an 8:1 water-vinegar mixture before switching detergents. About a quart of this mixture should dissipate the suds.
