A washer leaking from the bottom can cause significant damage to your home if it is not fixed quickly. In most cases, the leak will be caused by a loose or punctured drain hose, a fault with the drain pump, or a worn-out tub-to-pump hose. If it is possible to run the washer without causing further damage, removing the access panel and then running the washer will allow you to observe where the leak is coming from.

Accessing the internal parts causing the leak will depend on whether you have a top-loader or a front-loader washer. Some top-loader washers will have an access panel at the rear of the washer, while others may require removal of the top panel, control panel, and then the washer cabinet. Font-loaders will typically have an access panel at the bottom of the washer beneath the door. If there is not a front access panel, you will need to remove the back access panel. Consult your washer’s manual if you are unsure which panel to remove.

Tip: Washers contain sharp materials, so wear protective gloves when repairing a washer.

External Drain Hose

Before inspecting the internal parts of the washer, check that the external drain hose hasn’t become loose or punctured. The drain hose often becomes damaged when the washer is pushed too close to the wall and the vibrations from the washer cause it to split. If possible, run the washer and watch the drain hose to see if it is causing the leak.

1. Pull the washer out from the wall.
2. Check that the drain hose is not loose.
3. Inspect the drain hose for tears, splits, and punctures.
4. Tighten or replace the drain hose if it is leaking.
5. Depending on the washer, you may need to disassemble the washer to remove and tighten the drain hose, or you may be able to access it externally at the back.

Tub-to-Pump or Internal Drain Hose

A water leak that appears to be coming from underneath the washing machine, usually a large amount of water, is often due to the tub-to-pump hose. Another internal hose that may be leaking is the drain hose. Both hoses often become damaged due to foreign objects, like pins or paperclips, that get through the washer’s filters. To examine these internal hoses, you will need to remove the access panel.

Checking the Internal Hoses

1. Disconnect the washer from the power source, and disconnect the water supply to the washer.
2. Remove the access panel, either by unthreading the screws or by using a putty knife to wedge it open.
3. Locate the tub-to-pump hose and drain hose, which will both be connected to the drain pump.
4. Check that the hoses have not become loose and are still connected.
5. Check that hose clamps are not rusty or damaged.
6. Inspect the hoses. Using a flashlight and flexing the hoses will help to identify any punctures.
7. Remove the hoses to inspect inside them for debris that may have caused the leak.
8. If the tub-to-pump hose or drain hose is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Drain Pump

Another common cause of a washer leak is an issue with the drain pump. Typically, a faulty drain pump will cause the washer to excessively shake and rattle when in use. Depending on your model, the pump may be electric, direct drive, or belt-driven. Drain pumps can become damaged if a foreign object gets through the washer’s filters and into the pump. It can also crack, or a connection can become loose due to wear and tear. The drain pump bearings can also become worn.

A loose connection can be tightened; however, a damaged drain pump will need to be replaced.

Some models may also feature an additional recirculating pump that should also be checked for damage.

To Check the Drain Pump:

1. Disconnect the washer from the power source and water supply.
2. Remove the access panel.
3. Locate the pump. Depending on the model, there may be two or three hoses connected to it – the drain hose, the tub-to-pump hose, and a circulating hose.
4. Inspect the pump and pump hoses for cracks and other signs of damage.
5. Turn the drain pump impeller to make sure it turns freely and that an impeller is not broken. Finding broken pieces of plastic in the pump housing indicates the impellers are damaged, and the pump needs to be replaced.
6. The drain pump can also be removed and tested for resistance with a multimeter.

Less Common Causes

Tub Seals

Front-loaders have a tub seal located inside the outer tub at the rear and another that goes around the tub, sealing the two halves. Top-loaders have a seal located at the bottom of the tub. Repairing tub seals often requires disassembling most of the washer and is best left to a professional. Tub seals are different from the door gasket on a front-loader, which can cause water to leak out of the front.

Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve controls the hot and cold water that enters the tub and is usually located where the hot and cold inlet hoses enter the washer. A leak from the water inlet valve is usually due to cracks in the body or a defective seal. The water inlet valve can be removed and replaced by removing the access panel and then using pliers to remove the clamps securing it.

Detergent Dispenser

If your washer has a detergent dispenser, it can become blocked with detergent residue, which can cause a leak. Too many suds from using too much detergent has also been known to cause washers to leak.

The dispenser could also have a crack in it that is causing a leak.

Water leakage through the detergent dispenser can also occur when a small item, like a handkerchief, blocks the flow of water between the dispenser and the drum. This usually happens when there is an issue with the dispenser hose and/or the door bellows.