How to Repair a Leaky Washing Machine

Troubleshoot your washing machine leak to determine how to fix a leak.

Your washing machine may be leaking for several reasons. The leak could be in the hose, hose fittings, tub gasket or pump. Several repairs that you make yourself can solve the problem, saving you an expensive service visit. Additionally, the lint filter may be clogged. Every washing machine has the lint filter in a different location. Your owner's manual will include instructions for unclogging the lint filter.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable pliers
• Paper towel, or rag
• Replacement hoses, if needed
• Socket wrench, with extension
• Screwdriver
• Safety goggles
• Safety gloves
• Hammer
• Drift punch
• Spanner wrench
• Locking wrench
• Propane torch, if needed
• Replacement gasket, if needed
• Soap
• Replacement drain pump, if needed
• Towel

Instructions

Hoses and Hose Fittings

1. Loosen the couplings that attach the hoses to the washing machine, using an adjustable wrench.

2. Unscrew the hoses, and clean the hose fittings with a paper towel or rag.

3. Replace the hoses if they are damaged.

4. Screw the hoses back into place, tightening with the adjustable wrench.

The Tub Gasket

1. Lift or pry up the top of the agitator, exposing the stud and seal that holds the agitator in place. Remove the stud and seal in the agitator, using a socket wrench with an extension. Lift the agitator up out of the washing machine. Your agitator may come in two parts, which should both be removed.

2. Open the tabs on the splash guard around the top of the tub, or pry off the metal clips with a screwdriver and detach the splash guard.

3. Remove the locknut in the tub's center column (where the agitator rests) with a hammer and drift punch or spanner wrench. Take care not to hit or damage the basket with the hammer.

4. Lift the basket straight up and out of the washing machine.

5. Unclamp and remove the drain hose and water-level air hose from the tub, using a locking wrench. Remove the springs at the bottom of the tub with a locking wrench. Unscrew the spring brackets and the tub from the frame.

6. Lift the metal drive block from the top of the agitator shaft. If the block doesn't move, heat it with a propane torch and tap upward with a hammer.

7. Rock the tub side to side to work it loose and pull it up and out of the machine.

8. Squeeze the gasket in the bottom of the tub and push it out through the bottom. Push in the replacement gasket from the bottom.

9. Apply soap to the agitator shaft and reassemble the washing machine by reversing the above steps.

The Drain Pump

1. Remove the agitator, basket and tub as detailed previously.

2. Place a towel under the drain pump to catch water. Pry open the retaining clips that hold the drain pump in place with a screwdriver and pull the drain pump off the motor shaft.

3. Squeeze the hose clamps with pliers and slide the clamps up the hoses. Twist the hoses off the pump carefully.

4. Replace the hoses if they appear damaged or leaky.

5. Install the replacement pump and reassemble the washing machine by reversing the above steps.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find your owner's manual, it should be available online or directly from the manufacturer.

• Unplug the washing machine and turn off the water supply before repairing your leaky washing machine.

• Wear safety goggles and gloves when removing the locknut from the center column of the washing machine, as well as when you remove the springs at the bottom of the washing machine tub.

References

• "New Fix-it-Yourself Manual;" Reader's Digest; 1996