A leak in your washing machine can be a serious problem as massive amounts of water could be expelled from the machine before anyone notices a leak. This level of water leakage could cause serious damage to the floors or other important areas of your home.
Repairs for this type of damage could be extensive and may take quite a hefty toll on your bank account. If you notice any water coming from your machine, get it checked as soon as possible before the leak worsens.
Many washing machines have so many complicated parts that it seems impossible to figure out exactly what could be causing the problem, but here are a few ideas to give you a place to start.
Cause 1 – Broken Water Pump Hoses
Some washing machines have their water pump on the bottom right side, so if you have water leaking from that side of your machine, this is what could be causing the issue.
If the pump has become damaged or faulty, you will notice more rumbling or shaking from your washing machine during your normal washing cycle.
Solution
Try to tip your machine back if you can so that you can see underneath your machine. If there are two large hoses connected to a pump on the right side of the machine, then that is where your water pump is located.
You should be able to see if there is any damage to either hose or if they are loose or clogged. If the hoses appear to simply be loose, you can try tightening them yourself if you feel confident that this is the only issue.
If you can see visible damage to either of the hoses, then it may be time to call in the professionals as it is likely that one or both hoses will need to be replaced.
If you feel confident that you can tackle the job yourself, there are various online tutorials to talk you through it.
Cause 2 – A Problem with the Water Pump Itself
If your water pump is on the right of your machine and has a faulty pulley seal, this could be a common cause of water leaking from that side of your machine. There are various types of water pumps, and each could have its own specific type of damage.
Looking at the instruction manual for your machine may help you narrow down which kind of pump you have and may give you some idea of what you will need in terms of repairing it.
Solution
If you see loose hose clamps it may mean that the hose simply needs to be reconnected, but a leaking hose that is still connected to the pump may be more serious.
It may be possible to fix the problem yourself, depending on the severity, but be sure to take all the relevant safety precautions before tackling the problem. If you feel that it may be beyond your skill set, you can always hire a trusty professional to help you out.
Cause 3 – Drain and Fill Hose Blockage or Damage
There is another hose that connects to your washing machine, and that is the drain and fill hose that connects your household water supply to the machine.
If that connection is on the right-hand side of your machine, then any damage to it may cause water to be leaking out all the way from the back of the machine. It’s also possible that the hose has become blocked, which means the water is fighting for a way out.
This type of leak can be caused by faulty faucets or loose threaded fittings, as well as potential cracking and abrasion on the internal hoses.
Solution
The solution to this issue depends on the severity of the damage. Loose pipes could be an easy fix and could be done yourself. Faulty faucets or cracked hoses may be a more complicated fix and will likely require replacements.
You can try to work through this yourself with the help of online tutorials, or you could call a professional to get it done for you.
Cause 4 – An Issue with the Gaskets
Gaskets are there to keep water out of the area between the middle of the machine’s cover and the external area of the machine. If parts of a gasket have begun to wear, this will cause leaking.
There are four gasket bolts on the machine, and it is possible that one of the ones on the right side of your machine has loosened or worn away.
Another clue that your gaskets may be causing the issue is if you notice soap in the water that has leaked from the machine, this means that it’s likely from the gaskets.
Solution
It is possible to solve this issue by removing the front cover of your washing machine and then tightening all of the bolts in case any are loose. However, if there is rust on these bolts, you may need to replace them.
Cause 5 – A Full or Clogged Catch Basket
Some older washing machines have something called a catch basket, which may be found on the bottom right side, depending on the machine. This basket is designed to catch any lint that is coming out of your wash cycles.
These catch baskets can become clogged over time, which can cause water to leak from the bottom of the machine. If you start to notice fibers on your clean laundry, it may mean a clogged catch basket.
Solution
This is one of the simpler solutions and can almost certainly be done from home without the help of a professional. Simply clear the blockage and make sure the basket is completely empty and clean, and ideally, the machine will stop leaking from that area.
Conclusion
Water leakages near any electrical appliances can be highly dangerous, so be sure to unplug your machine immediately if you notice any water on the ground. It would also be beneficial to turn off the taps that are supplying the machine with water, which should slow down that leak.
If you are still struggling to find the source of your leak, a professional may be the way to go. If you get the right service, they will also extract the water that may be damaging your home and will use machines to dry the area swiftly. They may also have ways to prevent mould.
An adventurous book lover with an animal obsession and a proclivity for travel and spontaneity. Used to passionately despise cleaning but has grown to enjoy it thanks to learning all the best tricks and shortcuts to guaranteeing a stress-free routine and a spotless home.
