How to Repair a Clothes Washer that Leaks Water

Certain problems that cause washers to leak can be easily remedied.

Leaking in a washing machine can be as small as a few droplets or as large as a flood in the washroom. Most often a leak will happen suddenly, without any prior warnings or signs. Causes of leaks can range from a backed-up drain to a cracked pump. One of the best precautions you can take is to only run the washing machine while you are at home so that you can turn off the water in the event of a leak.

Things You'll Need

• Toilet paper
• Wrench
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Silicone caulking
• Flashlight
• Epoxy patch

Instructions

1. Pull the machine out from the wall so that you can access the drainpipe. Wrap a piece of toilet paper around the drainpipe and run the machine. Check the toilet paper at the end of the cycle. If the toilet paper is wet, the drain is backing up. Disassemble the drainpipe by turning the pressure clamp to the left until you can pull the pipe out. Pour 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it bubble for 15 minutes. This will remove buildup from the pipe.

2. Check your water valve's solenoid for rust or mineral deposits. The solenoid is located inside the valve and is different for every machine. Check your owner's manual for the exact location. If you do find rust or mineral deposits on the water valve, it means that the guts of the valve have corroded and the entire piece must be replaced.

3. Locate your pump and wrap a piece of toilet paper around the pump pulley seal. Run a cycle and check the toilet paper. If it is wet, replace the pump, because it is no longer watertight.

4. Pour some water down the bleach dispenser. If you see a leak after doing this, then the dispenser has cracked. If you use the dispenser, then replace it. If you do not use the dispenser, plug the water hose that goes to the dispenser and seal it with silicone caulking.

5. Examine the washer tub. If the tub has been rotted through, it is time to buy a new machine. If you have an older washer, the hole may have been worn into the tub due to imbalance in the basket. Patch the hole with an epoxy patch.

References

• "Washing Machine Repair Cheap and Easy"; Douglas Emley; 2004