How to Fix a Leaky Clothes Washer
Knowing how to fix a leaky clothes washer will save money. When there's water on the floor under the washer, the water pump should be inspected. Replacing the pump will require access to the inside of the washer. Refer to the owner's manual on the procedure for removing the cabinet to gain access to the water pump. It will also be necessary to determine whether your particular model is belt-driven or a direct-drive. Direct-drive water pumps are located on the motor and belt-driven models have the water pump attached to the chassis. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Disconnect the power to the washer and turn off the water supply. Also remove the inlet hose from the back of the washer.
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Locate the water pump for your particular model. On direct-drive washers, the water pump can be opened for repair while belt-driven pumps can not.
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Remove the hoses from the water pump by removing the hose clamps with pliers. Most hoses use a pressure clamp that must be squeezed together. Some older models may have the screw-type clamp, in which case you'll need a screwdriver to loosen the clamp.
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Remove the cover plate on direct-drive pumps by inserting a screwdriver in the metal clips. Pull out the water-pump impeller unit by hand, and inspect it for damage. If there is damage or it is worn, replace the impeller and reconnect the hoses.
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Loosen the mounting bolts for the motor on belt-driven models using an appropriate-size socket wrench. This will relieve tension on the drive belt.
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Tilt the washer on its back and disconnect the hoses from the water pump. Remove the pump by removing the mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Take the water pump with you to an appliance-repair business and purchase a new water pump. Make sure that it has the same number of ports and that the mounting holes line up.
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Mount the new water pump to the washer using the mounting bolts. Reattach the hoses to the new pump.
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Stand the washer upright and route the drive belt over the motor and water-pump pulleys. Use the handle of a hammer wedged between the motor and the chassis to apply tension to the belt, then tighten the motor mounting bolts using a socket wrench.
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Tips & Warnings
Always disconnect the power to appliances before working on them.
References
- Photo Credit K. Crawford
