Though front load washers are favored over top loaders for their cleaning power and efficiency, leaks are a common disadvantage. What causes front load washing machine leaking? A damaged drain or water inlet hose is often responsible for leaks behind the washer. Learn how to fix a leaky front load washing machine with these troubleshooting tips.
Diagnosing a Leaky Front Load Washing Machine
Front load washer leaks commonly occur behind or under the machine or at the front door or detergent dispenser. While the location of the leak can give a clue to what’s responsible, here’s how to further assess a leaky front load washing machine.
1. Water Hose is Leaking
Why is my washing machine leaking when not in use? The water hoses may be the reason. The rubber water inlet hoses behind your washing machine provide it with hot and cold water from your home supply. Over time, these hoses can loosen from their connections. When they do, you’ll notice water leaking from the back of the washer, even when it’s not operating. To assess the hoses, move the washer away from the wall and tighten any loose connections.
Washing machines also have a drain hose that expels used water from the washer tub to the standpipe or sink. If the drain hose isn’t properly positioned inside the standpipe, water can overflow behind the washer. Check the drain hose to make sure it’s correctly inserted inside the standpipe, referring to your washer’s user manual for the correct positioning.
2. Kinked or Damaged Hose
A washing machine leaking from drain hose or water inlet hoses can also be due to kinks or damage. If the washer is pushed too closely against the wall, it can cause kinks or friction in the hoses that result in splitting, holes, or cracks. This damage will ultimately result in leaks behind the washer.
When assessing the hose connections, also inspect them for damage that can cause leaking. While a damaged hose must be replaced, kinks may be prevented by ensuring that the washer isn’t pushed too closely against the wall.
3. Washer Not Level With the Floor
Why would a washing machine leak from underneath? If its leveling legs don’t rest evenly on the floor, vibrations during use can cause damage to the hoses. Since washing machines are designed to operate on a level surface, uneven footing can also cause leaks underneath.
Fortunately, most leveling legs can be easily raised or lowered so they rest evenly on the floor, stopping leaks. Consult your user manual to determine how to adjust the legs on your model washer.
4. Washer Leaking From the Door
When a washer leaks during wash cycle from the front door, it’s usually due to issues with the door seal. When functioning properly, this rubber seal around the door opening provides watertight closure during wash cycles, preventing leaks. However, a buildup of dirt and debris or damage like cracks or holes can interfere with its closure and cause leaking.
To prevent an accumulation of debris, cleaning the door seal should be part of regular washing machine maintenance. Wiping it down with a clean cloth and a multipurpose cleaner will remove mold and mildew while checking it for foreign objects can prevent damage. If the door seal is damaged, it must be replaced.
5. Exceeding Load Capacity
A leaky front load washing machine is often caused by overloading with too much clothing. Exceeding the load capacity of your washer tub can throw the machine off balance, resulting in leaks. Excessively heavy loads can also put pressure on washing machine components, like the tub bearings or drain pump. The resulting breakdowns of these parts can result in leaks, as well as costly repairs.
Check your washer user manual to confirm the capacity of its washtub and don’t exceed it when loading. Generally, it’s best to only load the washer ⅔ of the way full to avoid overloading.
6. Leaking From Detergent Dispenser
Detergent dispenser leaks almost always occur when too much laundry detergent is used. This results in excessive sudsing that can leak from the dispenser as the detergent is siphoned. Using the wrong detergent or a buildup of residue can also result in dispenser leaks.
Here’s how to prevent detergent dispenser leaking:
- Measure detergent accurately: Never exceed the fill line on the detergent compartment of the dispenser and follow package recommendations when measuring amounts.
- Always use HE detergent: To prevent oversudsing, only HE detergent can be used with front load washers.
- Clean the dispenser regularly: Remove the dispenser drawer and its compartments and clean them regularly with warm water and soap to prevent a buildup of residue.
If these troubleshooting tips still leave you with a leaky front load washing machine, our technicians can help. Contact Solar Appliance when you need a washing machine repair service!
