Washing Machine Leaking When Not In Use? (try this)

We all rely on our washing machines and if we’re honest, we take them for granted. That is until it breaks down or develops a fault. One of the more worrying faults concerning washing machines is a pool of water under the machine even when it’s not being used. If you have this problem, the first question you need to ask is, does the machine leak all the time or just during and immediately after it’s been used.

The answer to this question could help to determine what’s causing the problem. If the machine has a leak when it’s not in use it could be one of the following.

Loose Inlet Hose

The only way water can enter your washing machine is through the inlet hose. Sometimes these hoses can become loose due to the constant vibration and movement caused when the machine is running. If the inlet hose is loose water will run down the back of the machine and leak onto the floor. The hose will either need tightening or replacing if it has a split or crack.

If you suspect this is the problem try closing the inlet taps to the off position and see if this remedies the problem. If not, the hose will either need tightening or replacing if it has a split or crack.

 If the fault only occurs during or straight after the machine is used it is probably one of the following.

Blocked Standpipe

The waste water drains through a stand pipe which can become blocked which will cause water to run back out of the pipe and over the floor. Remove the drain hose and check for blockages in the pipe and standpipe.

Blocked Filter

If the machine has a blocked filter and the machine is on a drain cycle, the water has to go somewhere so it is likely to find a weakened joint of some sort and force its way through.

Leaking Water Pump

This is the most common source of a leak that can occur when the machine is left standing, running or directly after the machine has finished. The pump can develop a leak around the impeller shaft if the bushes become worn. The pump is housed in a plastic housing which can crack and cause a leak. Also the hoses are liable to dry out over time and can crack.

All of these issues could be the cause of your leak problem. If the pump or housing needs replacing, contact an engineer to repair or replace it.

Inlet Valve Faults

Over time, the inlet valve housing can crack and develop a leak. The water can run from the inlet valve housing right down the inside of the panel at the back of the machine and run out from the bottom of the machine which could appear as a leak from the bottom.  Also the solenoids are sometimes held together with small screws which can dislodge during use due to vibrations. 

Loose Hoses

There are a number of hoses that can become loose due to the movement of the machine whilst it’s operating. The inlet hose can work loose allowing water to drip down the back of the machine. The rinse hose from the detergent drawer can develop a leak or small split that can leak water onto the floor. Under the machine, the pipes connected to the drain pump can develop a leak and on some machines, there is a pipe connecting the detergent drawer to the door seal, this can also cause leaks if the pipe becomes damaged or dislodged. 

If detecting the leak involves taking the machine apart, it might be advisable to call an engineer.

Failed Door Seal

Over time the door seal rubber can become brittle and worn or get damaged by any sharp object that happens to find its way into the laundry. This will cause the machine to leak water over the floor when it is in use. Replacing the door seal is another job best left to an engineer.

Faulty Pressure Switch

The pressure switch detects air pressure and shuts off the water pump when the desired level is reached. As the water level increases, the air pressure changes just enough to tell the machine when to stop adding water. If the pressure switch develops a fault, there is every likelihood that the machine will continuously add water which the drain pump can’t cope with which will cause a leak.

A faulty washing machine isn’t anyone’s idea of fun but at least now you have some understanding as to possible causes and solutions to these annoying problems.

SEE ALSO: Washing Machine Leaking From Drawer? (common causes & solutions)

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