What to Do if Your Washing Machine Is Leaking From the Bottom

Mar 18 2024

Water puddles, a musty smell, and warped flooring in your laundry room—these are some telltale signs of a washer leaking from underneath. 

A washing machine leaking from the bottom, or any water leak, if left untreated, can lead to mould growth, structural instability, and corroded pipes in your home. So, if you notice puddles underneath your washing machine, you need to spring into action to avoid serious consequences. 

Keep reading to learn what to do and when to call a plumber! 

Why Would a Washing Machine Leak From Underneath?

Step One: Determine the Cause of the Leak

Washing machine leaks can be identified by when they happen at different stages of the wash cycle. Whether you have a top-loading washing machine or a front-load washer, the leaks can be fixed in similar ways, based on the parts you need to replace or repair. 

For Leaks During the Fill Cycle

Leaks during the fill stage are most often caused by issues with the tub seal, the part responsible for stopping the water from leaking between the inner and outer drum. These can wear out over time and might be why the bottom of your washing is leaking.  

If the water doesn’t fill up to the right level and leaks underneath, the tub seal is likely broken. However, if the tub overfills during this stage, the water level switch may instead be the problem—it’s supposed to stop this from happening!

Image Source: Canva

For Leaks During the Spin Cycle

Leaks during the spin cycle are often caused by issues with your washer’s hoses. Whether they’re punctured, too loosely connected, clogged, or worn out, it can cause water to pool underneath. Damaged or loose drain hose clamps may also be the culprit. 

Here’s how to check if they’re broken:

1. Move the washer away from the wall 
2. Check if the fill or drain hoses are loosely connected or if they have any visible cracks or holes along their bodies 
3. Test the stability of the drain hose clamps  

Issues at this stage could also be due to an off-balance washing machine! 

For Leaks During the Drain Cycle and Hose

Leaks during the drain cycle can be caused by the same hose issues, but also by a damaged drain pump. This often happens when a foreign object finds its way inside, either damaging the impeller blades or clogging the pump entirely.  

To determine if the drain pump is broken, listen for unusual sounds when the washer is draining. Excessive shaking or rattling is also worth noting. 

You could also be encountering an issue with the water inlet valve. These connect your inlet water hoses to the washing machine drum and can wear out over time. 

During the fill stage, you’ll want to check if water drips from the inlet valve, located at the back of your washer. If so, check it for cracks or residue buildup. A clog here is often to blame when a washer is leaking from underneath. 

Step Two: Attempt to Fix What You Can Yourself

Once you have identified the source of the issue, you can try to limit the damage from the leaks by doing some repairs. If your washing machine is leaking from the bottom, try:  

For leaks during the fill cycle:

• Replacing the tub seal as needed

For leaks during the spin cycle:

• Adjusting the washer’s levelling feet to balance it
• Tightening or replacing loose drain hoses and clamps

For leaks during the drain cycle or related to the hose:

• Tightening all hoses at their connection points
• Clearing any blockages from the inlet valve
• Replacing a broken drain pump

Image Source: Canva 

If you’re unable to resolve the issue quickly, turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the electrical source. Always move washing machines away from wall sockets to prevent electrical accidents before proceeding to step three. 

Step Three: Call the Experts at 1st Rooter to Fix Your Washing Machine Leak

When you need to run a load of laundry, the last thing you want to find is your washing machine leaking from the bottom. While you can try to identify and fix the issue yourself, you’re much better off letting us handle it.

At 1st Rooter, fixing washing machine leaks is one of our specialties. We’ll figure out why your washer is leaking from underneath, then get it back up and running in no time. Friendly and timely service are what we’re known for.  

So, if you’ve noticed a worrisome water leak from under your washing machine, make us your first choice for repairs—we’ll get everything sorted out!