Exploring Appliance Repair Practices

Fortunately, there is no reason to panic when your washer starts leaking. In fact, you may even be able to fix the problem on your own. Even if you have to call an appliance repair technician for help, the chances of you having to replace the entire washer are pretty slim. If you own a washer, it may be beneficial to learn more about what could cause it to leak.

Remember to Unplug the Washer First

Before you start exploring possible reasons why your washing machine is leaking, remember to unplug it. You do not want to go looking for the source of the leak while power is running through the washer. You could get electrocuted.

1. Damaged Water Supply Hoses

Check the hoses for signs of a leak such as a crack, a hole, or moisture on the outside of the hose. If the hose is the source of the leak it is possible the hose is old and needs to be replaced. Over time, the elastic on the hose becomes too loose to do its job properly. Rust on the hose is also a red flag that the hose is leaking. This is true even if you cannot find any water on or near the hose.

It is possible the clamp spring, which is located on the back of the washer, is the reason the hose is leaking. You can remove the clamp spring with a pair of pliers and replace it with a new one without much effort.

2. Pump Needs to be Replaced

The pulley seal on the pump could be the cause of the water leak. You will have to work underneath the washer to fix this problem, so it will need to be propped up. As you replace the pump, check the belts to see if they are loose, rusty, or dark colored. If they are, they should also be replaced.

3. Overloading

One of the most common reasons a washer leaks is because the user overloads the washer. This is an easy reason to determine because the washer will leak from the front and there will be suds in the water. Fortunately, there is not any repair work needed for this problem. You just need to put less clothing in the washer and use less soap.

4. Defective Fill Valves

Determining whether a defective fill valve is the source of the leak is difficult because the valves are located near the top on the back of the washer, but the water runs down inside of the washer and leaks out of the bottom.

Check to make sure the inlet hoses are securely connected to the fill valve. The outlet hose clamp should also be secure. Inspect the body of the fill valve for any cracks. You should also inspect the screens inside of the valve for any debris. You can pop them out of the valve with a screwdriver to wipe them clean. Just be careful when handling them.

5. Agitator Seal

Although it is not common, the agitator seal is the most likely culprit if water is leaking while the washer is not in use. Most of the water will leak when the washer is running. The remainder of water that may be left in the tub stays with no pressure to leave. It does so in a steady stream until there is none left in the tub.

If these five possibilities do not appear to be the cause of your leak, it is time to call in an appliance repair technician from a company like A OK Appliance Service for help. Tell the technician what you have already checked and then let him or her do some investigating to figure out where the leak is coming from.