WATER ON THE FLOOR

Washing machine leaking? Make it safe, then match the leak to where you see water.

Check these in order

1. Make it safe. Pause the cycle, power the washer off at the control panel or the breaker, then close the household water valves (GE). Mop up before it reaches outlets.
2. Check both inlet hoses. Whirlpool: check where each hose connects to the washer and the faucet. Both ends of both hoses must contain hose washers, and the connections should be tight but not cross-threaded; do not over-tighten. Check that the water inlet valve is not cracked or broken. On top-loaders, hot goes on hot and cold on cold; if the hoses are reversed, possible leaking or condensation could occur.
3. Check the hoses for damage. GE says to check the two fill hoses and the drain hose for holes, damage or improper installation and to replace a damaged hose. LG says to replace a damaged inlet hose and, for a faulty tap, to replace it or reduce water pressure if it is too high.
4. Check the drain hose and the house drain. Whirlpool: the hose should be secure but not sealed in the drainpipe, and the sink and drainpipe must carry away no less than 17 gallons (64 L) per minute. GE says a hose pushed in too far can build back-pressure and cause flooding, and the hose must empty into household plumbing. LG: a leak only during draining suggests backflow from a clog.
5. Check detergent and suds. Whirlpool says to use only HE detergent and not more than recommended, because excess suds can leak from the rear vent. “No splash” or “easy pour” chlorine bleach can also create excess suds. LG says foam pooling from the rear to the front is excess detergent; keep liquid below the MAX line and powder 5 mm below the top of the dispenser.
6. Front-loaders: door seal and dispenser. GE: soil and soap on the door seal cause small leaks, so wipe the rubber seal including the edge; debris in the gasket folds, items hanging over the drum edge, or a detergent door left slightly open can drip. Pods that do not dissolve belong in the drum, not the dispenser, and GE says the dispenser trays should be cleaned at least once a month. LG says drips from the inner door can be normal leftover moisture from the spin.
7. Top-loaders: late additions. Whirlpool says adding clothes after a cycle has started can raise the water level and let water flow over the inner tub onto the floor. Never add more than one or two small items to a wash already started at the highest water level.

Match the leak to the place

LG warns that if the cause turns out to be unrelated to a malfunction, such as a hose or detergent issue, service fees may apply even during the warranty period. Checking these items first can save a visit.

If it comes back

If the hoses are tight, the drain is clear and the washer still leaks, stop using it and contact service. None of the makers’ leak pages we used describe opening the cabinet as an owner step. Tell service:

• The brand, model number (where to find it) and any code on the display.
• Where the water shows up, and at what point in the cycle (filling, washing, draining or spinning).
• That you checked both inlet hoses and washers, the drain hose and the detergent amount.

Private tools: prepare a Service Brief → or save a washer log →. Compare the cost of a repair with replacement in the repair-or-replace calculator.