You’ve put a load through the tumble dryer, and now there’s a suspicious puddle on the floor nearby. Has the dog peed indoors? No, it’s just all the moisture from your freshly dried clothes. Let’s see why.
Your condenser dryer may have a full water tank, causing the water to overflow. The water tank could also be dirty or obstructed, making it unable to collect water properly.
If your tumble dryer is not level, the water might not be able to travel to the tank and will instead spill out. Without proper ventilation, your dryer may also leak.
There are numerous reasons why your condenser dryer might leak water, and most of them are related to either the ventilation system, the pump, the lint filter, or the water tank.
I’ll guide you through all the things you should check your dryer for, the simplest one first. Let’s fix your tumble dryer!
Check the Water Tank
Condenser dryers need to have their water tanks emptied regularly. How regularly a tank needs emptying depends on its water capacity, but the safest bet is to empty it after each usage.
Some models, like Hoover’s Aquavision line, alert you when the water tank is full, removing any guesswork.
If your dryer’s tank is full of water, it’ll leak onto the floor. Try emptying the tank into the sink.
If that doesn’t work, check the water tank for damage, like cracks. Unfortunately, a damaged tank will need replacing, or it’ll leak water each time you use your dryer.
The water tray could also be misaligned, making it unable to collect moisture. Check that the tray has been slotted into the machine properly.
If your tray doesn’t fit correctly, check for any obstructions within the condenser tray slot or any splintered parts. You may need a replacement part if your condenser tray doesn’t sit right.
Check That Your Dryer Is Sitting Level
If your machine isn’t completely level on your floor, it won’t be able to transport moisture to the condenser tank and will instead leak from the front of the dryer.
Having your dryer on a level surface will also minimise noise and vibration.
Ensure that your dryer is not resting on carpet. The machine needs to be on flat, level flooring to work effectively.
If the dryer is on a flat surface, use a spirit level to check its balance. Your floor might be slightly slanted, or your dryer’s feet may be misaligned.
Tilt an uneven dryer to the side to reach both adjustable feet on that side. Get someone to help you with this, if you can; having a dryer fall on you will hurt.
You should be able to turn the adjustable feet in either direction to change their height. Adjust the feet until your condenser dryer measures completely level. Try gently pushing it to make sure that it’s stable. If it moves, keep adjusting those feet!
Check That Your Tumble Dryer Has Enough Space
Condenser dryers need to be placed in well-ventilated areas with a good supply of cool air to use.
If your condenser dryer is crammed into a small room, it may cause the room to steam up. The steam will eventually condense and cause patches of damp on your wall or floor.
This isn’t actually a leak, and it’s something that you can fix by giving your appliance more room to breathe.
Check That Your Tumble Dryer is Clean
If any part of your tumble dryer is blocked with debris, it won’t work properly and will likely lead to leakage.
There are several parts to check for dirt within your dryer. Before running these checks, unplug your dryer.
Clean the lint filter first. You should be cleaning out the filter after each usage, regardless of any leakage.
Remove the condenser tray and check its slot for any debris or silt. Take out any fluff you can reach.
Now, look at the condenser itself – it’s a small metal box, usually with a vent tube coming out of it. Rinse the condenser under the tap to remove any obstructions.
Wipe down the inside of your tumble dryer with a dry cloth, collecting any silt you find.
If you can reach your pumps and hoses without a screwdriver, you should wipe them down too.
Is your condenser dryer all clean and sitting level, but it’s still leaking water?
Check Your Tumble Dryer’s Door
Your tumble dryer should have one or two rubber gaskets running around the inside of its door. This sealant keeps the door shut tight, but the gaskets can wear down over time.
If your dryer’s door isn’t shutting properly, or you can see that the leak is coming from the door, then you’ll need to replace its door sealant .
You can replace these easily, but you’ll need to ensure that the replacement part is correct for your dryer model. For example, these door seals are suitable for certain Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, and Proline tumble dryers.
Check Your Tumble Dryer’s Pump
Your condenser dryer uses a pump to move water through the condenser and into the water tank, ready for you to empty it.
If your dryer’s pump is blocked, it won’t work correctly. You can also rinse the pump in the sink, but you might need to use a screwdriver to access it.
Look at your appliance’s manual, if you still have it, to see where its pump is situated. The pump is likely behind a panel underneath the condenser tray.
Without an obvious blockage, your dryer’s pump has probably broken down. It’ll need to be replaced, and you can do this yourself if necessary.
Call an Engineer
After cleaning your dryer and ensuring it’s sitting sturdily, any leakage is probably due to a broken part – pump or otherwise. It’s a good idea to use your insurance to call out an engineer if it’s viable.
Calling an engineer will be less time and energy-intensive, and you risk injuring yourself or making the problem worse if you’re not sure what you’re doing.
Conclusion
Your dryer might be leaking water because:
- Your dryer is full of fluff and needs cleaning
- Its water tank needs to be emptied
- Its feet need to be adjusted to sit level
- Your machine might need more space with cool air
- Your dryer’s door sealant could be worn out
- Another part of your model might need to be replaced, such as the pump
Remember, it’s best to call an engineer if you’re unsure of something – especially if you still have a valid warranty for your tumble dryer!
A recent uni graduate who likes writing, gaming, and drawing. I’m figuring out housekeeping tips alongside you while trying to provide eco-friendly cleaning options. Let’s find out how to use a tumble dryer together!
