Washing Machine Leaking From The Bottom Right? (here’s why & what to do)

If you notice water leaking from the bottom of your washing machine, it can be worrying. Not only will you not want to use the appliance, but you’ll be worried about potential damage to the floor and surrounding cupboards.

Let alone the expense of getting the washer fixed. However, in many cases, you can solve this worrying issue yourself without any specialised tools or equipment. If you’ve noticed water leaking from under your washing machine, keep reading.

What Could Cause A Leak From Under The Washing Machine?

If you see water leaking from under your washer, there are a few areas where it could be coming from. These include;

Probable Cause	Solution
Loose, Damaged Or Blocked Inlet Hose	Check, tighten, unblock or replace the inlet hose as necessary
Loose, Damaged Or Blocked Drain Hose	Check, tighten, unblock or replace the drain hose as necessary
Door Latch Or Hinges Misaligned	Check the door latch and hinges and realign if needed
Door Seal Defective	Inspect the door seal and replace if necessary
Too Much Detergent Added	Ensure you only use the correct type and quantity of detergent
Unlevel Appliance	Ensure the washer is level
Clogged Drain Filter	Remove and clean the filter
Defective Water Pump	Inspect and replace the water pump if necessary
Defective Tub Seal	Contact a technician

Let’s take a closer look at each of these issues;

Loose, Damaged Or Blocked Inlet Hose

All of the water that enters the washing machine comes through the inlet hose. Over time, the inlet hose can become twisted or kinked which can cause it to become blocked and force water out through any weakened part of the hose. 

The point where the hose is twisted can crease and create a weakness which eventually succumbs to the power of the water and bursts.

Or, in some cases the clamp holding the hose in place can loosen allowing water to leak out. You will need to inspect the inlet hose for any signs of damage or wear and check that the clamp is tight.

Loose, Damaged Or Blocked Drain Hose

The drain hose carries all of the wastewater from the washer. This can become twisted or kinked which can over time, cause a build up of detergent or dirt to reduce the flow of water.

This can lead to the water finding another point of exit. This might be through a weakened part of the hose or around the clamp area of the hose.

You will need to inspect the drain hose and replace it if it has a hole in it or tighten the clamp if it has become loose.

Door Latch Or Hinges Misaligned

With regular use, the door latch and/or hinges can become misaligned. This could mean the door no longer seals correctly leading to water leaking from the door area.

This water will then drip under the appliance and leak onto the floor. This might be a job best left to a technician who will recognise any potential misalignment issues.

Door Seal Defective

The rubber seal or gasket around the door of the washing machine can become damaged or worn over time. Unless the gasket forms a perfect seal, water will leak from the machine and onto the floor.

You will need to inspect the door seal and if it proves to be damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Too Much Detergent Added

This is one of the most common causes of a leaking washing machine. If you use more detergent than is recommended, it will create too many soap suds which will then leak out as bubbles. These bubbles will drip onto the floor and you will notice them as a leak.

Always ensure that you use the correct type of detergent in the right quantity to prevent this from becoming a problem.

Unlevel Appliance

If the washing machine isn’t on a level floor or the legs on the machine haven’t been levelled correctly, it’s possible for water to leak from the machine.

To solve this you will need to check the level of the appliance using a spirit level. Check the level from side to side and back to front.

You can adjust the level of the appliance using the adjustable feet.

Clogged Drain Filter

If the drain filter on the washing machine becomes clogged, it can cause water to leak from the machine. You will need to locate the drain filter on your machine (consult your user manual for model specific instructions and location).

Before removing the filter it’s a good idea to place a shallow tray or bowl or a towel under the machine to catch any water that leaks out. Then unscrew the filter by turning it anti-clockwise and cleaning it under a fast running tap.

You might need to use a soft bristled brush (like a toothbrush) to remove any stuck on detritus. It is possible for the drain filter to trap coins, keys, screws, nails or hair clips which could be the cause of the problem.

Whilst the filter has been removed, turn the impeller using a finger to check that the drain pump is working correctly.

Defective Water Pump

Without the water pump, your washing machine wouldn’t work at all. It forces water from the tub to the drain hose. Over time, the water pump can become worn or damaged and start to leak.

If you suspect the water pump is the cause of the leak, it is possible to replace it yourself. Or you might feel more comfortable contacting a technician to do this for you.

Defective Tub Seal

The drum of the washing machine is located inside the tub which typically consists of two halves joined together. Over time the seal that runs around the two halves of the tub can wear and develop a leak.

If you suspect that the tub seal is causing water to leak from the machine, I recommend contacting a technician who will advise on whether it’s better to replace the tub or get a new appliance.

SEE ALSO: Washing Machine Leaking From Drawer

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