Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From Bottom? [SOLVED] – Let’s Fix It

It’s so frustrating when you see the washing machine leaking from bottom. It’s more common than you might think. It’s a pain when it happens every time you do laundry. 

Newer washing machines are often complicated to fix, and if you find a leak from underneath it can be tough to know where to start looking. However, in these difficult times, a quick look in certain places may help. Believe it or not, a few of your washer’s parts might give you the answer!

Washing Machine Leaking From Bottom – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis

There are many causes of washing machine leaks. Read this post to learn about the red flags you can watch out for and ways to troubleshoot.

1. Loose or Missing Hose Clamp

The drain hose of your washing machine should be connected to the drainage pipe that extends out of the washer. You will see a clamp that secures the connection at this junction. Some models may have this clamp inside the machine, but you are more likely to find it on the exterior of the machine.

When your washer leaks water, it could be caused by a loose connection, or no clamp or sealed connection at all. The two most likely causes are the water hose not being connected tightly enough, or there’s a leaky gasket, which can be fixed with a hand tightening of the hoses or with a replacement part.

2. Door seal issues

There are many possibilities for why your washing machine is leaking from the bottom. The most damaging causes may be a broken door seal, which can be fixed and is easy to identify. More often than not, water starts leaking from the bottom of the washing machine because something is preventing the front loading door from shutting completely. This could be dirt, excessive detergent, etc.

If your equipment breaks, replacement is easy and affordable. Just ask the manufacturer for assistance and be sure to buy a seal model that will fit.

3. Defective tub seal

If your washing machine starts leaking during the rinse cycle, it is likely due to a broken tub seal. To repair this issue, you will need to remove the spin basket and flip the washer over. While this might seem like a daunting task, if you take your time to do it correctly you will not only save money but also prevent future leaks!

It can be frustrating when your product stops working. When this happens, it’s best to contact a repairman. However, it may also mean that you have to take apart the machine.

4. Faulty Pressure switch

This pressure switch measures how much water is inside the washer and can be the reason behind the washing machine leaking from the bottom while it is filling. If it malfunctions and fails to react to water overflow, water spilling is inevitable.

So you need to know how to inspect an appliance’s pressure switch. The first thing you need to do is detach the control panel from the washing machine. Make sure there’s no wear or cracks on the panel and make sure the connection between the wire and the water source is also okay. If you notice a pressure decrease, the switch is most likely damaged and needs to be replaced.

5. A Leak from the Detergent Drawer

Laundry detergent can also cause problems. If your drawer is leaking, it can cause rust to accumulate around the area. Take a look for any damage and follow the instructions from the manufacturer on how to properly use it.

6. A clogged catch basket or filter

A little-known fact is that the catch basket in your washing machine is like the lint cover in your dryer. It can become clogged and cause fibers to show up in your laundry. But what does the catch basket do? It traps lint and eliminates hair from your clothes, which removes them from the machine. Hair is the most common culprit of clogged baskets. It can also cause leaks in the washer!

There are three places where the catch basket can be found in a washing machine: on top of the drum, up by the agitator, or down at the end of the drain hose. If you can’t find it in these places, it might be because your washer is new and doesn’t have one.

Cleaning out the filter/catch basket is important for your clothes to dry faster.

7. Defective Coupler

If your washing machine is leaking from the bottom or clothes are still soaked after a cycle, a broken coupler might be the culprit. This rubber or plastic seal should break if there is a malfunction to save the machinery from being damaged.

A broken coupler can cause leaks in your washing machine or clothes to still be soaked after a cycle. Make sure you replace it when you notice leaking or soaked clothes.

8. Faulty Water Pump

Leaks are unfortunately common in washers. They are caused by a broken water pump or compromised hoses connected to the pump. If you notice lots of shaking and rumbling during a wash cycle, it probably means your pump is faulty.

On most washing machines, the water pump is located at the bottom. You’ll know you found it because there are two large hoses attached to it. You can visually check if these hoses are loose or clogged.

9. Inspect Water Inlet valve

Washing machines are often prone to leaks. One common problem is with an inlet pipe. This pipe must be tightened so the seals prevent water from leaking through. When not tightened securely, it may leak out of the pipe insert. You can tighten it with your hands or use pliers or grips.

Make sure to clean out the valve screens from debris and dirt. As dirt piles up, it interferes with the valve controlling the water entry. The water coming from the external source results in a leak from the bottom of the machine.

If you see an odd reading or notice damage to the valve, replace it. To test your washer inlet valve, set the multimeter to the Rx1 mode and probe the exit of the valve. Get a reading and compare it to your user manual. If you get an error code or see some anomalies, replace the inlet valve.

If you think your washing machine is leaking from the bottom, this guide should have helped you figure out what the problem might be. If you still have questions, it is a good idea to call a specialist for diagnosis and repairs.