Why Is My Washer Leaking From the Bottom?

Discovering a puddle beneath your washing machine is never fun, and it’s certainly not a problem you want to ignore. Fortunately, many causes behind a washer leaking from the bottom can be fixed on your own. However, some issues may require professional assistance.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons why your washer might be leaking from the bottom, helping you get to the root of the problem.

Possible causes of a washer leaking from the bottom

Here are the most likely reasons why your washer is leaking from the bottom.

Remember: Before checking for these issues, unplug your washer and turn off the hot and cold water supply.

1. The drain pump is damaged

The drain pump removes water from your washer tub during and after a cycle. However, if it becomes damaged, the drain pump can leak water. The most common types of damage that result in leaks are a worn seal or a crack in the pump body.

Unfortunately, a damaged drain pump usually can’t be repaired and must be replaced entirely. The drain pump is most commonly located at the bottom of a washer and can be accessed by removing the lower front access panel.

If the drain pump appears damaged upon inspection or there’s water directly underneath it, this is a clear indication that it’s likely the cause of the leak. Replacing a leaking drain pump is a fairly simple job that you can do yourself.

2. A hose is leaking

Washers use several hoses for various tasks, such as filling and draining. Some hoses are located inside the washer, while others are external. If your washer leaks water from the bottom, it’s more likely to be an internal hose, such as the:

• Tub-to-pump hose.
• Internal drain hose.
• Dispenser hose.

To check all of the internal hoses, you must remove some panels from your washer. These can include the top panel, back panel, or front access panel.

To inspect the hoses, run your finger along them to feel for dampness, look for drips of water coming from them or their connections, and gently flex them to help you spot any holes or cracks.

It doesn’t hurt to also check the external hoses, including the hot and cold water inlet hoses and the drain hose as these are common sources of leaks. You can usually find all of these at the back of the washer.

Any leaking hoses or damaged connections you find will need to be replaced, rather than repaired. Sometimes, a loose connection can simply be tightened to stop the leak.

3. The door boot seal is compromised (front-load washers)

If you have a front-load washer, it’s worth checking the door boot seal, which is located directly behind the door and sits around the door frame. This rubber component can be torn or punctured by something sharp, or it may simply wear out with age, which leads to leaks.

Inspecting the door boot seal is a relatively simple task. Open the door and carefully examine the seal all the way around. Use your hands to untuck it where it folds in so you can inspect all the crevices for damage. If the door boot seal is damaged, it should be replaced—a job you can easily do yourself.

4. The tub seal is bad (top-load washers)

On top-load washers, the tub seal sits snugly around the drive shaft to prevent water from leaking from the bottom of the tub. Over time, this rubber-like seal can wear out or deteriorate, leading to leaks from the bottom of the washer.

Unfortunately, when the seal goes bad, it often allows water to seep in and damage the bearing that sits beneath it. Therefore, it’s recommended to replace both the tub seal and bearing when you identify a faulty tub seal as the problem.

This makes fixing a faulty tub seal a challenging repair, one that most people will require the help of a professional to ensure it’s done correctly and safely. However, if you have advanced DIY skills, you may be willing and able to complete the task.

5. A water inlet valve is leaking

If a water inlet valve is leaking, water can drip down and accumulate at the bottom of your washer. The inlet valves are found at the back of the washer, where the inlet hoses connect to the appliance.

There are two water inlet valves: one for cold water and one for hot water. To inspect them thoroughly, you typically need to remove the top or rear panels and disconnect the inlet hoses.

To determine if the water inlet valves are faulty, you can:

• Look for cracks or other damage to the valves.
• Check for signs of corrosion.
• See if the area around the valves is wet.
• Test the valves with a multimeter for continuity.

If the hot or cold water inlet valve is damaged or faulty, replace it with a new one.

6. The detergent dispenser is damaged

The detergent dispenser is typically located at the top of a washer, directly underneath the top panel. Sometimes, the dispenser can crack, causing a leak. Or it can clog, leading to water overflow. Both issues can result in moisture dripping down to the bottom of the washer.

To inspect the detergent dispenser, remove the top panel and check for any signs of damage. If you find damage, replace it. If possible, remove the dispenser drawer and thoroughly clean it and the cavity inside where it sits. Flush hot water through the detergent dispenser and use a pipe cleaner if necessary to help dislodge any clogs.