• Join Now
• |
• Sign In

How to Repair a Leaking Washing Machine

Fix the most common washing machine problems: replace leaky supply hoses, internal hoses, a leaky pump and worn-out tub fittings.

By Jeffrey Larson

From The Family Handyman Originally in How to Repair a Leaking Washing Machine

Images from this article

javascript:void(0);

About This Project

• Overview and Preparation
  

• Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions To Replace Leaky Internal Hoses

• Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions: Replace a Leaky Pump

• Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions: Replace Worn-Out Tub Fittings

• See More Appliance Repair Projects
  

When the washing machine starts leaking water all over the floor, you face a tough choice. Either call a service technician to fix the problem or purchase a new machine. Both decisions are expensive. Most service technicians charge $50 to $100 just to walk in the door and diagnose the problem, and labor expenses can quickly accumulate. After receiving the final bill, you may even wish you’d replaced the machine!

This article will help you avoid the service call by showing you how to diagnose and fix the most common washing machine leaks. We cover hose, pump and tub leaks, but there may be additional problem areas specific to your brand of machine.

There are two types of washing machines: belt drive and direct drive.

If you open up the cabinet and don’t find any belts, then you’ve got a direct-drive machine. Repairs are similar for both machines, but generally easier on the direct-drive unit.

The following photos are from a belt-drive washing machine. If you have a direct drive, refer to your owner’s manual or diagrams (see “Buying Parts") for brand-specific details.

Common Leak Locations

First, Replace Leaky Supply Hoses
The first step is to locate the source of the leak. Empty the washing machine, move it away from the wall and start the fill cycle. Look for drips around the water supply hose connection at the back of the machine while it fills with water. Shut off the water and replace any old, heavily corroded or rusted hoses with new ones. If the hoses are in good shape, replace the internal washers only. Special no-burst hoses ($10), regular hoses ($6) and new hose washers ($2 per 10-pack) are available at home centers and hardware stores.

Turn off the water main or shutoff valve and unscrew the supply hoses from the back of the machine with an adjustable pliers. Pry out the old hose washers with a flat-blade screwdriver. Install new gaskets in both hoses and reconnect the supply lines.

• • Appliance Repair
• Home Repair
• • Plumbing Projects

• Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions To Replace Leaky Internal Hoses on a Washing Machine
• Fix the most common washing machine problems: replace leaky supply hoses, internal hoses, a leaky pump and worn-out tub fittings. Read an overview of how to repair a leaky washer.
• 
• Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions To Replace Worn-Out Tub Fittings on a Washing Machine
• Fix the most common washing machine problems: replace leaky supply hoses, internal hoses, a leaky pump and worn-out tub fittings. Read an overview of how to repair a leaking washer.
• 
• Step-by-Step Photos and Instructions To Replace a Leaky Pump on a Washing Machine
• Fix the most common washing machine problems: replace leaky supply hoses, internal hoses, a leaky pump and worn-out tub fittings. Read an overview of how to fix a leaky washer.
• 
• How to Repair a Dishwasher
• Get solutions to common dishwasher problems.
• 
• Replacing a Water Heater: Plans and Instructions
• When your water heater begins to leak, you have to install a new one fast.
• 
• How to Replace a Dishwasher
• Step-by-step guide for pulling out the old, sliding in the new and reconnecting the new appliance.
•