What does it mean when a washing machine is leaking water underneath?
A washing machine leaking water underneath is losing water from a hose, seal, pump or tub. The stage at which it leaks identifies the source.
- When filling: inlet hose, detergent drawer or dispenser hose.
- When washing: door seal, too much foam or a sump hose.
- When draining: pump filter, drain pump, drain hose or a blocked waste pipe.
- When spinning: drain hose, tub seal or water thrown over the tub rim.
- When standing idle: a dripping inlet hose or an inlet valve that does not close.
Common causes of a washing machine leaking from underneath
The common causes run from a loose inlet hose to a failed tub seal, simplest first.
At a glance
| Cause | Typical sign | Who fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Inlet hose or washer | Drips at the back, even when idle | You can check this |
| Blocked detergent drawer | Water from the drawer when filling | You can check this |
| Pump filter cap | Drips at the bottom front | You can check this |
| Drain hose or waste pipe | Water at the back when draining | You can check this |
| Door seal | Water down the front when washing | You can check this |
| Internal hose or drain pump | Leak inside the cabinet | Technician |
| Tub seal | Rusty streaks, leak when spinning | Technician |
- 1
The inlet hose is loose or its washer is worn
You can check thisThe inlet hose is under mains pressure whenever the tap is open. A loose nut or perished washer drips at either end, even when the machine is idle. Tighten the nut by hand or fit a new washer.
- 2
The detergent drawer is blocked
You can check thisWater flushes through the drawer during filling. Caked powder or softener blocks the outlet, so water runs out of the drawer front. Wash the drawer and its housing.
- 3
The pump filter is not sealed
You can check thisThe pump filter cap seals with a rubber ring at the bottom front of a front loader. A loose or cross-threaded cap drips during washing and draining. Refit it squarely and tighten it.
- 4
The drain hose or waste pipe is leaking
You can check thisThe drain hose carries pumped water to the standpipe. A split hose or an overflowing standpipe leaves water at the back only when the machine drains or spins. Watch the standpipe during a drain cycle.
- 5
The door seal is dirty or torn
You can check thisThe door seal is the rubber bellows between the door and the tub on a front loader. Grime, a trapped sock or a tear lets water run down the front during washing. Clean the seal. A technician replaces a torn one.
- 6
An internal hose or the drain pump is leaking
TechnicianThe dispenser hose, sump hose and drain pump sit inside the cabinet. A split hose, loose clamp or cracked pump housing leaks there during washing or draining. This needs a washing machine repair technician.
- 7
The tub seal has failed
TechnicianThe tub seal keeps water away from the drum bearings. A failed seal leaks from the centre rear of the tub when spinning and leaves rusty streaks. The drum usually rumbles as well, as covered under washing machine making noise when spinning. A technician repairs it.
What you can safely check yourself
- Switch off safelySwitch off at the plug point with dry hands and unplug. If the plug point is wet, switch off at the DB board first.
- Find the first dropsDry the floor and lay a dry towel under the machine. Run a short cycle and note where and when water appears.
- Check the hoses and filter capFeel both ends of the inlet hose and the drain hose for drips. Tighten the pump filter cap.
- Clean the drawer and door sealWash the detergent drawer. Wipe the door seal fold and remove anything trapped in it.
When to stop and call a technician
Stop and unplug the machine if water is near the plug point, the machine trips the earth leakage or you smell burning. Close the tap if water keeps running in. Stop if the leak comes from inside the cabinet or returns after these checks. Do not remove panels.
Still having trouble with your washing machine?
Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
How a technician diagnoses a washing machine leaking from the bottom
- Runs each stage separatelyThe technician uses test mode to fill, wash, drain and spin one stage at a time.
- Inspects with the panels offWater tracks, scale marks and rust show where the leak starts.
- Tests hoses, pump and sealsEach hose, clamp, the pump, the door seal and the tub seal is checked.
- Checks electrical safetyThe motor, element and wiring are checked for moisture before the machine is used again.
Why is my washing machine leaking from the top?
A washing machine leaking from the top is usually a top loader that is overfilling, foaming over or throwing water over the tub rim. An unbalanced load causes the splash and a faulty pressure switch causes the overfill. On a front loader, a high leak comes from the detergent drawer or inlet valve hoses.
Is a leaking washing machine worth repairing?
Repair usually makes sense when
- The leak is from a hose, clamp, drawer or pump filter
- The door seal or drain pump needs replacing
- The cabinet base shows no rust
Replacement is worth considering when
- The tub seal and bearings have failed on an old machine
- The outer tub is cracked
- The cabinet base is rusted through