You might come into the kitchen or utility room after a wash cycle and notice a pool of water coming from your washing machine. A water leak in your washing machine may be as a result from a blocked or damaged drain pipe, a water intake valve is damaged, or there is damage to the seal causing a door leak. First, turn off unplug your washing machine before checking for faults or blockages. Check the drain hose and make adjustments if required. If the draining hose is clean, the door seal or entry valve might be the cause.
If your washing machine has a fault and refuses to cooperate, it doesn’t always mean that it’s beyond repair. There could be various reasons for this issue. Repairing a faulty washing machine rather than getting rid of it isn’t just a more affordable option, it’s also much more environmentally friendly.
Inlet and Drain Issues
Imagine your washing machine like a person – it needs to drink (water in) and go to the bathroom (water out). The hoses that handle these tasks are super important. The inlet hoses are the ones that bring fresh water into the machine, and the drain hose takes the dirty water away. If either of these hoses gets damaged, you’ll likely see a leak.
Sometimes, these hoses can crack or split due to age or wear and tear. They can also become loose at the connections, where they screw onto the machine or the water supply. It’s like if you didn’t tighten a water bottle lid enough – it’s going to leak! Check these hoses regularly for any signs of damage, like bulges, cracks, or rust. Make sure the connections are snug, but don’t over-tighten them, or you could damage them further.
Seal and Latch Problems
If you have a front-loading washing machine, the door seal is a big deal. It’s a rubber gasket that goes all the way around the door opening, creating a watertight seal. Over time, this seal can get worn out, cracked, or even mouldy. If it’s damaged, water can escape during the wash cycle.
Another thing to check is the door latch. This is what keeps the door securely closed. If the latch isn’t working properly, the door might not close tightly enough, and water can leak out. It’s a bit like a jar that won’t close properly, the contents can spill.
Pump Problems
Your washing machine has a pump that pushes the water out during the drain cycle. If this pump gets clogged with lint, coins, or other small objects, it can cause a leak. Similarly, if the pump itself is broken or worn out, it might not be able to do its job properly.
Sometimes, the pump housing, which is the part that surrounds the pump, can also crack or break. This can happen if something hard gets caught in the pump or if the pump is old. If this happens, water can leak out from the damaged housing.
Internal Leaks
Sometimes, the leak isn’t coming from anything you can see on the outside. It could be coming from inside the machine itself. There are many different parts inside a washing machine, and any of them could develop a leak.
For example, the tub seal, which keeps water inside the wash tub, can wear out over time. There are also internal hoses and pipes that can become damaged. If you suspect an internal leak, it’s best to call a grown-up who knows how to fix things or a professional repair person. It’s like when a toy has a problem inside, it’s best to get someone who knows how to fix it to take a look.
Too Much Detergent
Believe it or not, using too much detergent can also cause leaks. When you use too much soap, it creates too many suds. These suds can overflow the washing machine’s tub and leak out onto the floor.
It’s important to use the right amount of detergent for your load size. Check the detergent packaging for instructions, and don’t be tempted to add extra soap just because you think it will make your clothes cleaner. Too many suds can also leave residue on your clothes, which isn’t good.
Keeping Things Balanced
A washing machine that isn’t level can also cause leaks. If the machine is tilted, water can slosh around and leak out. This is especially true during the spin cycle, when the machine is moving quickly.
Make sure your washing machine is sitting level on the floor. You can use a level tool to check this. If it’s not level, you can adjust the feet on the bottom of the machine until it is. It’s similar to making sure a table is level so nothing spills off of it.
What to Do If You Find a Leak
If you find a leak, the first thing to do is turn off the water supply to the washing machine. You can usually do this by turning the valves on the hot and cold water pipes behind the machine. Then, unplug the machine from the power outlet.
Next, try to find the source of the leak. If you can’t find it, or if you suspect an internal leak, it’s best to call a grown-up or a professional repair person. Remember, safety first! Never try to fix something you’re not sure about, especially when water and electricity are involved.