Short answer
When a washer leaks, turn off both supply valves first. Then note when the leak happens: during fill points to supply hoses or the inlet valve; during wash to the door seal or detergent foam; during drain to the drain hose or pump; and from underneath to the pump, internal hoses, or tub seal.
Immediately
Act now
- Turn off both water supply valves.
- If water is near the outlet, switch off the breaker before unplugging.
- Dry the area so you can see where new water appears.
Possible causes, in the order they're usually ruled out
- Supply hosesLeak during fillYou can check
- DetergentExcess suds push water out (front-load)You can check
- Door bootTorn or dirty gasketCheck, then technician
- Drain hose / standpipeLeak during drainCheck, then technician
- Pump & internal hosesLeak underneathTechnician
- Tub sealOften paired with bearing wearTechnician
When does it leak?
| During | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Fill | Supply hose, hose washer, inlet valve |
| Wash (front-load) | Door boot torn or dirty, too much detergent |
| Drain | Drain hose, standpipe overflow, pump |
| Any time, underneath | Pump seal, internal hose, tub seal |
Washer drain path
- 1DrumWater collects at the bottom of the tub
- 2Pump filterCatches coins, lint, small itemsYou can check
- 3Drain pumpPushes water outTechnician
- 4Drain hoseCheck for kinksYou can check
- 5StandpipeHouse drain must flow freely
Safe checks
- Tighten hose connections by hand and check the rubber washers
- Wipe and inspect the front-loader door boot for tears
- Use HE detergent in the recommended amount
Prevention
Inspect supply hoses periodically for bulges or cracks and replace them per the manufacturer's recommendation.
Check for hidden damage
Water from a washer leak can travel under flooring or into the room below before it's visible. After a significant leak, check baseboards, the ceiling below a second-floor laundry room, and flooring seams for swelling or staining.
Leave to a technician
Leave this to a professional
- Pump and internal hose replacement
- Tub seal or bearing work
- Inlet valve replacement
How it's diagnosed
Expect the technician to run a fill and drain with the cabinet open to watch where water appears. Leaks that only happen during spin often point to the drain path or tub seal; leaks only during fill point to the supply side.
Repair or replace?
Hoses, door boots, pumps, and inlet valves are routine. A leaking tub seal is often paired with failing bearings, which makes it a much larger job and a reasonable point to compare against a new washer.
What to request
A symptom points to likely causes; only testing confirms one. If the checks above don't solve it, request a diagnosis for washer repair and mention what you've already checked.
Common questions
Can too much detergent make a washer leak?
Yes. Excess suds, especially in front-loaders, can push water past the door seal or out of the drawer.
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