How to tell if a washing machine is leaking?

Author: Prof. Karson Bernhard  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 23, 2026

These are the drain hose and the water inlet hose. You can test them by wrapping a piece of tissue around both hoses and running a cycle on your washing machine. If one of the pieces of tissue is wet after the cycle, it will mean that the hose the tissue is wrapped around is leaking.

How do you check for a leak in a washing machine?

Once the machine fills you can pause it and check underneath and around it for dripping. If you don't get any water on the floor until the end of the cycle and the cycle is completing then it's much more likely you're looking at a small hole in your drain tube or a clogged drain standpipe.

What is the most likely cause of a washing machine leak?

In most cases, leaking hoses or loosened clamps around the hose will cause washing machine leaks from the bottom. Remove the back of your appliance's cover. Then disconnect the hoses, remove the belt, and unclip the pump from its place. Then evaluate the part for signs of malfunction.

Why would a washing machine leak from underneath?

One of the most common causes for a washer that leaks from the bottom is a leak in the fill and drain hoses. These hoses can become blocked, kinked, damaged or disconnected, resulting in a leak while your washing machine is in use.

How long should a washing machine last?

Average washing machine lifespan

Well, this figure obviously varies depending on lots of different factors - including brand, model, how you use it, and how well you maintain it. But generally, if you look after your washing machine properly you should it expect it to last anywhere between 7 and 12 years.

How to Identify Water Leaks on a Washing Machine

How do I know if my washing machine needs replacing?

6 signs it's time to replace your washing machine
  1. It's not kind to your clothes. ...
  2. The drum won't spin at the end of the cycle. ...
  3. The machine still works but the water hasn't drained. ...
  4. It's more noisy than it should be. ...
  5. It's no longer big enough for your family. ...
  6. It's much older than your latest smartphone.

Is it worth fixing a 7 year old washing machine?

Factors to Consider

If you spent $650 on your washer seven years ago and you're doing seven loads per week (a lot of wear and tear), a new washer purchase makes sense. But if the machine is 3 years old and you spent $1,000 for it, a repair may be the better financial choice.

Is it worth fixing a leaking washing machine?

Is It Worth Fixing a Leaking Washing Machine? Yes, it is worth fixing a leaking washing machine. Most washing machines can be fixed by making some simple adjustments or repairs or by having the machine assessed by a service professional.

Can overloading a washer cause it to leak?

When the washing machine is overloaded with too many clothes, it can put excessive strain on various components, including the inner and outer drum and the seals. This strain can lead to compromised seals, resulting in water leaking out during the wash cycle or spin cycle, and causing the machine to become unbalanced.

How to check washer drain pump?

First, set your multimeter to the 2k setting, which stands for 2 kiloohms. Then place the two multimeter prongs into the socket in which the electrical connection was connected. If your drain pump is working properly, the multimeter should show a reading between 160 ohms to 260 ohms (with about 5% leeway).

How much does it cost to fix a leaking washing machine?

On average, you'll spend $75 to $200 for a contractor to stop a leaking washing machine. Washer leaks are one of the most common issues that homeowners face. The water may be leaking under the unit or from one of the hoses. In most cases, a hose or pump will need replacing to stop the leak.

Can a blocked filter cause a washing machine to leak?

If your washing machine can't drain due to a clogged filter, excess water can build up and cause overflows and leaks. That's why you need to clean your washing machine filter regularly – we recommend doing at least once a month.

Who do I call if my washing machine is leaking?

If you notice your washing machine leaking, you need to schedule a service call with an appliance repair professional ASAP. In the meantime, you can take some simple steps to help prevent a disaster. Even a minor appliance leak can quickly lead to catastrophic water damage.

Can too much detergent cause a washing machine to leak?

Too much detergent may cause oversudsing which could clog the overflow tube. This could be the source of a leak. If you see soap bubbles on the door after a cycle, try using less detergent to prevent too many suds. Another thing to keep in mind is if you have a water softener, your laundry may require less detergent.

Why is my whirlpool washer leaking from the bottom?

The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer is leaking from bottom are a clogged water valve assembly, broken motor or a cracked drain hose.

How to tell if a washing machine is overloaded?

Perfect is if you can fit nothing else in the drum, just your hand and your wash. If you can't get your hand into the drum, then it's overloaded. That isn't the only way of overloading, though. Washing machine drums also have a weight limit, so be careful not to overdo that.

Can washing machines leak from underneath?

Leaks under your washing machine are usually caused by a hole in the water pump or an internal leak with your drainpipe. Equally, if your hoses become twisted, kinked, or bent, they can become damaged. If you're experiencing leaks under your washing machine frequently, it is important to seek help from a professional.

Can an unbalanced washing machine cause it to leak?

An unlevel washing machine can lead to leaking. It's easy to overlook, but if your machine is propped in a way that is not completely level with the floor or the pedestal it rests on, you'll probably find leaks coming from it. The easy way to fix this is to level the washer so it's stable on the ground or its pedestal.

What is the longest average lifespan of a washing machine?

The lifespan of a washing machine, no matter the brand, is typically 11-14 years. This number is found assuming one load of laundry is done every day.

Is it cheaper to buy a new washer or fix it?

If a washer no longer performs effectively or repair costs exceed half its value, a replacement can be more economical. Frequently recurring issues indicate underlying problems that are likely to persist and can lead to ongoing repair expenses.

What to check if washer is leaking?

Testing a Leaky Washing Machine

Inspect the internal hoses for wear and replace damaged ones. Tighten any loose clamps. Check the drain pump for signs of leaks and replace if needed. Check the tub cover gasket to make sure it provides a seal between the outer tub and the tub cover.

What usually fails on a washing machine?

A broken motor coupler, failed lid switch or bad timer could also prevent this type of washer from spinning. On top-load, vertical modular washers (washers whose lid is always locked during the entire wash cycle), a failed shifter assembly or worn drive belt can prevent the washer from spinning the wash load.

What is the most expensive part to replace on a washing machine?

Drum. Unfortunately, the drum is the most expensive of all the possible washing machine replacement parts. Expect to spend at least $400 on a washing machine drum replacement. Water Inlet Valve.

How do you know when it's time to get a new washer?

Key Signs It's Time to Replace Your Washer
  • Leaking. Excessive leaking is the most common sign that it's time to call it quits on your old washer. ...
  • Noise. Obviously, washing machines make noise. ...
  • Age. If the leaking, bouncing and noise aren't enough to convince you, figure out how old your machine is.

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