Washing Machine Pump Filter Leaking After You Cleaned It? (here’s why)

If you have recently removed the filter on your washing machine as part of your regular maintenance schedule and have discovered that it is subsequently leaking, you’re not on your own.

This is a fairly common problem and one that is typically easy to fix. To find out more, keep reading.

Why Is The Filter Leaking On My Washer?

This can seem quite the mystery, especially if you’ve read through your washing machine’s user manual. The manual clearly states that you should remove and clean the filter regularly.

This means it’s designed to be removed on a regular basis and shouldn’t become a problem after refitting. In fact, on the face of it, there’s absolutely no reason why the filter should develop a leak after it has been cleaned.

Which means that if it is leaking since you have replaced it into its housing, there can only be three reasons. Which are:

1. The filter hasn’t been tightened correctly
2. There’s an obstruction preventing the seal from fitting correctly
3. The seal has become damaged or dislodged

What You Should Do If The Filter Is Leaking

As soon as you notice water leaking from the filter housing on your washer, you should abort the wash cycle. Then run a drain cycle to remove as much water as possible.

You will then need to remove the filter once again after placing a container in front of the housing as well as placing some absorbent towels or clothes around the floor. Then carefully remove the filter and check the seal for any minute particles of grit, sand, limescale or dried detergent residue.

You can use a small soft bristled brush (like a toothbrush) to ensure that nothing is trapped in the grooves of the seal. Ensure both parts of the seal are clean, the part inside the housing and the part attached to the actual filter.

Then check that there isn’t any visible damage to the seal and make sure the seal isn’t twisted or dislodged at all.

Replace The Seal

If you do spot any damage to the seal like fraying or wear and tear, you will need to get a replacement seal. These can be purchased online as long as you can quote your washer’s model and serial number.

Clean The Filter

Once you’re certain that there is no damage to the seal, ensure the filter is completely clean and concentrate on the inside of the filter housing where the filter sits. Ensure there are no minute sand, grit, limescale or dried detergent residues inside the housing.

Once you have cleaned and dried both the housing and the filter, and inspected the seal for any signs of damage and you’re sure the seal hasn’t become dislodged at all, place the filter back in its housing and tighten the filter by twisting it in a clockwise direction.

The filter should be tight but not overtightened. Over tightening the filter could compress the seal and cause it to leak. If this is the case, the damage should be visible and you’ll need to replace the seal to solve this issue.

You will probably find it easier to contact the washer’s manufacturer to get a replacement filter seal. Just remember to quote the model and serial number of the appliance to ensure you get the correct part.

The seal will cost anywhere between £5 to £20 depending on the make and model washing machine you own.

Check The Emergency Drain Hose

Most washers have an emergency drain hose which will be located next to the filter. The idea is you pull the emergency drain hose out and direct it into a container to drain any remaining water from the drum before removing the filter.

It is very likely that this hose hasn’t been put back properly and that’s where the water is coming from. This hose should have a bung in the end or they push into a stopper.

Under normal circumstances, the emergency drain hose shouldn’t leak. If yours is leaking after use, it probably means you never put it back properly.

Ensure the hose has been replaced exactly as it was before you used it and make sure that the stopper has been pushed into the hose correctly.

SEE ALSO: Where Is A Washing Machine’s Filter?

Frequently Asked Questions