my washing machine is not rinsing
Last updated on: 14 October 2024

Why is My Washing Machine Leaking?

We rely on washing machines daily to keep our clothes clean and fresh. Unfortunately, many homeowners encounter water coming out of their washers when running a wash cycle.

Leakage from your washing machine can be extremely irritating, wasting water and not properly cleaning clothes. Some leakage issues may be resolved through simple repairs, while others require more extensive attention.

In this article, I will guide you through diagnosing water leaks and offering steps to address them.

Before undertaking any repairs on your washing machine, it is suggested to seek advice from a certified professional. Furthermore, checking if it still falls within its warranty may help cover damages by the manufacturer.

Alternatively, if your appliance does not fall under warranty but does have a kitchen appliance breakdown policy, contact your insurance provider immediately and inform them of the situation. Depending on their terms and conditions, damages could be covered under their policy.

Now, let us dive deeper into the possible causes of water leakage in your washing machine.

First things first: Understand how water flows through your washing machine.

Before discussing possible causes for your washing machine’s leaking water, it’s essential to understand its water flow system. The supply valves within the walls allow users to access either hot or cold-water sources for laundry use.

Water flows from two valves directly into the washer through two hoses that lead into it: inside, two more additional valves control water flow for additional use during washing cycles. Additional hoses fill and drain the tub, while motors and pumps manage it all during the cycle.

But if any obstruction or malfunction arises in this complex process, your washing machine could experience leakage issues.

07 Reasons Why Your Washing Machine is Leaking

  1. The machine hose is leaking.
  2. The washing machine is leaking from the bottom.
  3. Water is collecting under the washing drum.
  4. Oil is leaking from the washing machine.
  5. Water dripping into the washing machine.
  6. Washing Machine Dripping water from the LID
  7. Excessive use of detergents.

1. The machine hose is leaking.

The machine hose is leaking

Let’s start by considering some common causes of a leaking washing machine, including leaks in its filling, and draining hoses. Leaks can occur for various reasons, such as damage, disconnection, or blockage, and result in leakage while it operates.

Possible Solution

Make sure the hoses of your washing machine are securely attached. Examine each hose to verify its proper connection; tighten any loose parts quickly if any appear. To tighten by hand, adhere to the general rule of thumb: hand tight plus a 14–12 turn.

This movement aims to compress the gasket, ensuring a reliable seal without causing damage. Additionally, inspect the drains for any blockages, including kinks or clogs. Should you notice any signs of damage to your hose pipe, it is imperative to replace it.

2. The washing machine is leaking from the bottom.

The washing machine is leaking from the bottom

If your washing machine is leaking from the bottom, then the reason might be a damaged water pump. The water pump is one of the crucial components of your washing machine. It circulates the water during the wash cycle and drains it out of the tub after the cycle. In many washing machines, you will find one pump responsible for circulating water and another for draining, while others use the same pipe for both functions.

Another reason, apart from a damaged water pump, is a faulty washer tub seal or a cracked or loose drainpipe. There are two tubs in your washing machine. One is perforated and mobile so that water can enter during the cycle. The other tub supports the inner tub and holds the water during the wash cycle.

So, if the outer tub gets faulty, water will leak out of the machine. On the other hand, the drainpipe is located near the water pump and pushes dirty water out of the washtub. So, if the drain pipe gets damaged, the dirty water will not be pushed out of the washtub and will puddle around your machine.

Possible Solution

If your machine is experiencing leaks during the wash cycle, the cause may be a damaged tub seal, necessitating its replacement. Alternatively, if the leakage occurs due to the tub being overfilled, the issue could be a malfunctioning water level switch.

If your washing machine leaks during the spin cycle, it may be off balance. To fix this, try adjusting the levelling feet until the machine is balanced. Other possible causes of leaking during the spin cycle could be a clogged water pump drain hose or damaged seals.

It’s best to contact a certified professional for assistance if any of these issues arise. For top-loading washing machines, the gasket seals that cover the outer tub may be malfunctioning and causing leakage.

Let’s suppose your washing machine leaks during the drain cycle. The reason may be loose or damaged drain hose clamps, broken drain pumps, or leaky hoses. To replace these parts, you will need to contact a certified professional.

3. Water is collecting under the washing drum.

Water is collecting under the washing drum

The accumulation of water beneath the washing drum can be attributed to two main factors: overloading the machine with laundry or a clogged and kinked drain hose. These issues create obstructions that prevent the proper drainage of water from the washer drum.

Possible Solution

To ensure optimal performance and prevent water buildup, avoiding overloading the machine with excessive laundry is crucial. Regularly inspecting and maintaining the drain hose to prevent clogs and kinks is essential.

By addressing these issues promptly, you can ensure that water is effectively drained from the washer drum, enhancing the overall efficiency of your washing machine.

4. Oil is leaking from my washing machine.

Engineer is checking washing machine

If your washing machine is leaking oil, then there might be a problem with your machine’s transmission. You won’t have to do much to inspect the leaking oil, as it is noticeable and can be found on the floor around your washer.

Possible Solution

Oil leaking from your washing machine is an issue that needs the expertise of a certified technician, so to solve the issue, you will have to contact a professional for help.

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5. Water dripping into your washing machine.

New water mesh filter of the washing machine inlet valve

If your washing machine is turned off and the water is still dripping into it, then there is a problem with the washer inlet valve. This valve allows the water to flow into the tub during a wash cycle.

Possible Solution

To be assured regarding the malfunctioning of the inlet valve:

  • Fully disconnect your washing machine and remove it from the wall.
  • Find the inlet valve on the back of your washing machine and look for leakage points or signs of cracks or holes.
  • If you see any of these, book a repair appointment with a professional.

6. Washing Machine Dripping Water from the LID.

Soap bubbles pour out of a leaking washing machine

The door seal might be damaged if you notice water dripping from your washing machine from the front or the LID. This problem occurs with your washing machine’s door, as it can get worn and turned, which causes the water to leak during the wash cycle.

Possible Solution

To address the problem, inspect the machine’s door or lid for any cracks or signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or signs of wear and tear. If these occur, contact a certified professional immediately for assistance.

Alternatively, it could be due to a damaged gasket seal; inspect this and replace it if any rips or tears develop within it immediately.

7. Excessive use of detergents.

Soap coming out from broken washing machine

Let’s be honest: Sometimes, we habitually put extra detergent in our drawers to wash our clothes to get them fully cleaned and fresh. But what most people don’t notice is that it harms your washing machine’s performance.

How’s that? When you use too much detergent, it can lead to excessive suds that may not rinse out properly during the draining cycle. These leftover suds then cause clogs in the machine, leading to leaks.

Possible Solution

To avoid the problem, you must use an adequate amount of detergent by following the guidelines mentioned on the back of the detergent packaging. Or follow the machine’s manual for further recommendations regarding the detergent’s usage.

Washing machine maintenance tips to avoid leakage problems in the future.

  • Clean the detergent dispenser regularly.
  • Check for any signs of wear or damage to hoses and seals and inspect the drum for any signs that could cause leaks.
  • Avoid slamming the door shut, which can damage seals and cause leaks.
  • Keep an eye on the water pressure, as excessive pressure can strain the machine, resulting in potential leakage.

Need additional help?

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Appliance Insurance

Protect your essential Kitchen appliances from unexpected breakdowns. We provide coverage for numerous white goods, ensuring your peace of mind.


After reading the above, I hope you know the reasons behind your leaking washing machine. Once you have identified the leakage in your washing machine, you must take the necessary action, as mentioned above, to solve the problem. Also, by following regular maintenance tips, you can avoid leakage problems in the future.

Furthermore, for peace of mind, purchasing washing machine insurance could offer coverage against sudden, accidental, and mechanical damage, allowing you to save money on expensive repairs.

Call 24|7 Home Rescue on 0345 3192 247 immediately if you require assistance with your washing machine; our representatives are always on call and ready to assist over the phone.

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The information provided in this article has been collected from various sources. However, we suggest you consult a certified Gas-Safe Engineer in your area before making any decisions, as every individual’s home situation is unique.

Posted by: Martin Astley 17 May 2024