If you are stuck with your washing machine leaking from bottom, you don’t need to fret as it is a common issue with the component in your drain system.
The drain system consists of components such as the drain hose, the tub seal and the drain pump. These are one of the most common culprits why your washing machine leaks from the bottom.
In some scenarios, one of these components is either punctured or damaged, while in some other cases, it could be caused by too much dirt and debris clogged up in each of these components.
That being said, troubleshooting your washing machine can be frustrating when you’ve not figured out where the problem is coming from.
But then, you only have to locate where the components are, and inspect them. If you don’t have any clue as to how to go about that, I will be showing you how to inspect it while also breaking down the common culprit of a leaking washing machine
Why is Washing Machine leaking from the Bottom?
You might not be able to notice some pointers that can give you a clue as to where exactly the leaking is coming from. However, some components are usually linked to these problems such as the drain hose, which you can quickly inspect before deciding to call a repairman
Below are the lists of reasons why your washing machine leaking from bottom and how you can troubleshoot it
1. The External Drain Hose is Leaking
One of the first things you ought to do when you are faced with this issue is to check your external drain hose. There might be no specific pointer for this, but the drain hose is the most common culprit for a leaking washing machine.
That said, here is how you inspect the drain hose for any damages
- Remove the washing machine from the power outlet.
- Take out the slider and locate the drain hose, ensure it is well tightened.
- Check the drain hose for tears, punctures and damages
- If there are any damages, replace the drain hose, else tighten it
- Tightening it might be uncomfortable and might require you to take out some other components from the washing machine
- Just ensure it is well tightened before assembling back the removed components.
2. The Tub Seal is Faulty
A good way to determine if the Tub seal is the culprit of your washing machine leaking from the bottom is if the leaking happens during a rinse cycle. However, you have to check it to be double sure the issue is coming from there before getting a replacement tube seal.
That being said, inspecting the tub seal might be stressful since you have to disassemble some parts of the washing machine before you get to it. If you feel uncomfortable doing that, you should get the services of a repairman.
3. The Tub-to-Pump Hose is Damaged
Apart from the external hose which can easily make your washing machine leak from the bottom, another component that could cause this is the drain hose that is connected to the drain pump.
This internal drain hose can be affected by sharp material going through the washing machine filter which can, in turn, puncture the internal drain hose.
However, it is not easy to access since you have to disassemble several components, that said, here is how you can inspect the internal hose
Inspecting the internal hose
- First and foremost, remove the washer from the power source.
- Stop the water supply to the washer
- Take out the access panel, by unscrewing the screws
- Locate the tub-to-pump hose and drain hose. they are usually located around the drain pump. if you can’t find it use your manual to locate it.
- Inspect the hoses and verify if they aren’t loose and connected
- Also, check for any dirt debris or clamps. you might have to remove the hose to make adequate cleaning.
- If the hose pump shows any sign of damage, replace the internal drain hose
4. The Washing Machine Door Seal has an issue
The job of the door seal is to make the washing machine door airtight thereby preventing water from seeping from it while a wash cycle is going on. However, it is not a very common culprit unless the water inside your washer isn’t draining and the door gasket is worn out.
Either way, all you have to do to resolve this is to replace your door gasket
NOTE: this issue, isn’t common with new washing machine users unless you’ve used it for years.
5 . Clogged Catch Basket or Filter
One of the components in your washer is the catch basket. The catch basket traps lint and removes hair from your clothing while removing them from the machine.
However, the basket can become clogged with air if the washer is not well maintained thereby causing a leak outside the washing machine.
Now, if you can’t locate the washer you should contact a repairman to resolve it for you
5. The Coupler is Cracked
The coupler acts in a similar way to a thermostat. When the washing machine begins to malfunction, the coupler would break, and this breakage would not make the washing machine function correctly.
One of the things you can experience with a broken coupler is a leaking washing machine, so it is imperative to write this off. However, the bad news is, that it can’t be repaired. But then, it is cheap to replace.
6. The Water Pump is Faulty
It might be hard to point out your water pump as the reason behind your washing machine leaking from the bottom, Surprisingly, it is easy.
All you have to notice is the consistent shakings coupled with some rumbling sound.
Once you’ve noticed these, then you should check the drain pump for any blockages or damages.
Here is how you inspect the drain pump
- First and foremost remove the washer from the power source
- Disconnect it from the Water Supply
- To access the drain pump you have to take out the access panel
- Now, locate the pump. On the pump there are usually 2-3 hoes connected to it, however, it depends on the brand and model.
- Now, inspect the hose connected to the pump drain afro any hoses or damages.
- After doing this turn the impeller to ensure the impeller turns freely and that it’s not broken.
7 . Check the Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve has one job which is to control how water enters the washer. if the water inlet valve is punctured or damaged, the water would not be able to pass the right amount of water into the washing machine.
Apart from a punctured water inlet pipe, a water inlet valve that is loose could leak on the ground while water is being supplied to the washing machine.
To diagnose this issue, all you have to do s check the water inlet valve for any form of dirt and debris.
Washing Machine Leaking from Bottom During fill
If you are faced with leaking during a fill cycle session, the first thing you should check is the inlet hose, where the hot and cold water is supplied. If there are any loose connections or the gasket is missing or worn out, it can result in the water leaking from the bottom during a fill cycle
To resolve this all you have to do is tighten these connections and replace damaged or missing gaskets to stop the leak.
Washing Machine Leaking from Bottom during the Drain cycle
One of the most common reasons why your washing machine is leaking during a drain cycle is due to a punctured or damaged drain hose. If you are faced with this, here are the steps you should follow to inspect it
- First and foremost, remove the washer from the power source.
- Stop the water supply to the washer
- Take out the access panel, by unscrewing the screws
- Locate the tub-to-pump hose and drain hose. they are usually located around the drain pump. if you can’t find it use your manual to locate it.
- Inspect the hoses and verify if they aren’t loose and connected
- Also, check for any dirt debris or clamps. you might have to remove the hose to make adequate cleaning.
- If the hose pump shows any sign of damage, replace the internal drain hose
What can cause a Washing Machine to Leak from Underneath?
There are a series of reasons why your dishwasher is leaking from underneath your washing machine. However, the usual culprit for this comes from the component located in the drain system
Below are the reason behind your dishwasher
- Too much detergent is being used.
- The door seal is damaged.
- The drain pump is obstructed.
- The pressure chamber is blocked
- The water inlet valve is faulty
- The drain pump is faulty
- The coupler is cracked
- The door gasket is worn out
Is it worth fixing a leaking Washing Machine?
It depends on what metrics you use. if you are focusing on the cost of repairs, and the repair cost is less than half of the washing machine and your machine still has a long shelf life.
Fixing it is a good choice monetarily
Washing Machine Leaking from Bottom During Spin Cycle
If your washing machine leaks during a spin cycle, then the three things you ought to check first are the drain hose, the seals inside the pumps, and the outer tub seals.
If after checking all these, you haven’t found the issue causing your washer to leak from the bottom., then you should check if you are putting the right type and amount of detergent.
Washing Machine Leaking from Bottom during the Drain Cycle
If your washing machine is leaking during a drain cycle. The two defining issues which could cause this are a punctured or a torn drain hose or even a defective drain pump. However, you can easily determine that by running the water while observing where the leak is coming from
Washing Machine Leaking from Bottom During Fill
If you are experiencing this and you have checked that the water supply to the washer is well tightened, then the issue might each be from the gasket or the air gap device.
You don’t need to worry about the gasket being worn out if you just recently got your washer.
But for the Air gap, is a device that stops the water in the washing machine from seeping into the household supply. The air gap can be located at the junction between where the black rubber hose concepts with the water inlet valve.
once you’ve located it, you only need to check if it is cracked or broken. If it is then it needs a replacement.
Note: In most cases, a washer leaking from the bottom often occurs if the drain hose is loose or faulty.
Conclusion:
There are many reasons why your washing machine leaking from bottom is an issue that could be very frustrating, however, one thing you have to keep in mind is to ensure the washing machine is always unplugged when dissembling any internal components
If you have other brands of washing machine you should check here for specific troubleshooting guides.