My Washer is Leaking from the Bottom

We all rely on our washing machines on a daily basis. They keep clean clothes on our family, they provide us with clean linens to sleep on and wash with, and they help us from having to spend endless hours washing clothes in laundry room. But what do you do when your washer is leaking from the bottom? We all know there’s supposed to be water in there, but when your LG washer is leaking water from the bottom, there is a serious and potentially dangerous problem at hand. This guide can help you diagnose the reason for your washer leaking, and help you solve this appliance problem. If you still are unable to repair the leak, contact a washer repair professional and call us at ️(800)657-0765

Hoses

First, consider your hoses. If your washer is leaking from the bottom, hoses are the first thing you should check. Washers require a few types of hoses to operate, but the most common are the drain hose and the cold/hot fill hoses. The fill hoses connect to valves behind your washer (usually housed in a recessed box in the wall) and supply hot and cold water to your unit. Double check the hose fittings to be sure they are firmly and correctly connected to the valves, which usually look like spigots or faucets. Be sure that the source of the leak isn’t the valve itself, either. If the hoses or valves are damaged or leaking to the point where tightening does not help, they will need to be replaced.

The drain hose is a bigger rubber tube that exits your washer and hangs into an open vertical drain pipe with a U-shaped end. First, be sure that the drain hose is not leaking at the base of the washer, where it connects. Next, run the washer on its biggest load cycle and watch the water drain from the hose into the vertical standpipe. If the pipe is too narrow (common in older homes) or there is any sort of blockage in the drain line, water will back up and overflow from the vertical standpipe. If you have an overflow issue with your drain, the next step will be addressing any blockages in the drain system.

Finally, washers also have internal hoses that connect the inlet valve to the tub. A bad internal hose will create a leak during the fill portion of the cycle. Make sure your washer is unplugged, and access the interior of the cabinet by opening it at the top (follow your instruction manual for more details). Inspect the internal hose system for signs of wear, tear, cracking, or abrasion.  hose would create a leak during the fill cycle. Access the tub inlet by lifting the main top or removing the cabinet and inspect the hoses for signs of abrasion or cracking. Check for loose connections, as well. If any part of the hose looks worn out or broken, it may be time to replace. While you’re inside the unit, it may be helpful to look for signs of leaking and water from other components, as well.

Pump

A washing machine that drains the water from the tub. The pump can be either belt driven, direct drive or may be a separate electric pump. The pump will have an outlet or drain hose, an inlet from the tub and may have a circulating hose outlet as well. If you have water leaking from the washer during a wash or drain cycle, check the area of the drain pump. Look for signs of a loose hose clamp or a leaking hose connected to the pump first. If the leak is originating from the pump then a replacement is necessary. Asle check water level switch. The drain pump is normally located on the base frame or attached to the drive motor and may be accessed by removing the front or rear panel on most washers. Disconnect power to the appliance before attempting service.

Water Inlet Valve

If your washing machine is leaking from the bottom, you should check the water inlet valve. The water inlet valve controls the flow of water (hot and cold) into your washer. This valve is located at the back of your washing machine where the hoses connect to the cabinet, and (in most models) is accessible with the top raised or the rear panel removed. As always, be sure to unplug the unit from the wall before servicing anything inside of the cabinet. If you have to remove hoses to enter the cabinet, be sure the water source is turned off.  Check that the inlet hoses are connected firmly and that the outlet hose clamp is properly fitted. Inspect the body of the inlet valve for signs of cracks or damage. If anything looks worn out or broken, it is time to replace.

Tub Cover Gasket

The tub cover gasket on top load and front load washers is used to provide a tub seal between the outer tub and the tub cover. If you are experiencing a water leak during the wash or spin cycle portions of the cycle, then the tub cover gasket may be the problem. Look for signs of water leaking or soapy water stains in this area to help diagnose the problem. You will need to raise the top or remove the front panel to view this area. Remove power from the appliance before attempting service.

Bellows Or Door Boot Seal

If you have a front-loading washer that is leaking from the bottom, checking the bellows or door boot seal might help. The door bellows or door boot seal is used to seal the door and the outer tub. Normal use leads the rubber bellows to fail, and foreign objects may damage them and create a leak. Open the door and examine the bellows for signs of damage or for dirt/detergent build up that may prevent a tight seal. If the seal needs replacement, you may need to unplug the unit and open up the door assembly to do so.

Door Catch

Finally, if you own a front-loading washer, a door catch keeps the door closed firmly during operation. The locking mechanism will engage the door catch and prevent it from being opened during operation. If the door catch is worn or broken, it could allow the door to be locked while still not providing a tight seal. Check the door latch hook for signs of wear or breakage that may prevent a proper seal. Replace if required. Call us for help at ️(800)657-0765