WASHER LEAKING

Water on the floor?
Stop the damage before you hunt the cause.

Most washer leaks have a visible source. This five-minute check tells you where to look first — and when you should not run another cycle.

First moveTurn off both water valvesThenUnplug only if the floor is dry

Washer in a laundry room with water on the floor

Home / Problems / Leaking

THE SHORT ANSWER

Where is the water appearing?

Behind the washerStart with supply hoses and drain hose.At the frontCheck the door gasket, drawer, and filter area.UnderneathStop using it; an internal fault is possible.

1. Water at the back: check the easy failures first

With both valves off, use a dry paper towel around each hose connection. A loose fitting usually leaves a clear wet ring. Look for a split, swollen, rusty, or sharply bent hose. Do not overtighten plastic fittings; hand-tight plus a small turn is normally enough.

Safe five-minute check

Dry the floor and the back panel area.
Turn on one water valve briefly while watching the matching hose.
Turn it back off and repeat for the other hose.
Inspect the drain hose where it enters the standpipe.

2. Water at the front: gasket, drawer, or filter

On a front-loader, open the door and gently pull back the rubber gasket with a cloth. A trapped sock, hairpin, or tear can send water outward. If water is soapy and comes from the detergent drawer, use less HE detergent next time and clean the drawer channels.

If your model has a lower filter door, only open it with the washer unplugged and towels ready. The manual should show the emergency-drain procedure; do not guess.

3. Water from underneath: do not keep testing

A leak that begins under the cabinet can come from an internal hose, pump, tub seal, or dispenser path. Repeated test cycles turn a repairable leak into floor damage. Photograph the location, note whether it happens during fill, wash, or drain, and arrange service.

WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE LEAK?

The timing narrows the cause.

Fills immediately: supply hose or inlet. Leaks while draining: drain hose, standpipe, or pump path. Leaks only while tumbling: gasket, drawer, or internal seal.

Run the symptom check →

Call a professional now if…

the washer trips a breaker, smells hot, or has water near electrics;
you can see a crack in the cabinet, tub, or door glass;
the leak is underneath and returns after you check the external hoses;
the machine shows a code along with the leak.

A washer leak is urgent, but not every leak is a major repair. Start with the visible hose and gasket checks — safely — and stop before water reaches power.