Washer Leaking From Detergent Drawer

Why Your Washing Machine Is Leaking & How To Fix It

December 3, 2015 | Washing Machines | No comments

Why Your Washing Machine Is Leaking & How To Fix It

An article published in 2014 estimated 96% of UK homes own a washing machine, with many putting their appliances through as many as 220 wash cycles each year, so it should come as no surprise that from time-to-time there can be issues with washing machines leaking.

There are a number of reasons why washing machines leak and the cause of the fault will depend on when in the cycle the leak occurs and where it is coming from. To give you a helping hand at locating and resolving the leak, below we look at the more common reasons.

Is Your Washing Machine Level & Stable?

Before you check various parts of your washing machine to see if these are the reason there's a puddle of water on your floor, we recommend you check the placement of the appliance itself. Your washing machine should be level and stable, if it isn't and is instead tilting forwards, water can leak out.

A wonky washing machine is relatively easy to resolve, with many just needing the feet at the bottom of the appliance adjusting, and this can be done by twisting them.

Leaking From Inlet Hose:

If water is appearing from under your washing machine, there's a risk a leak is occurring with the inlet hose, and this is normally because the inlet hose has become loose. Give the inlet hose a check, and if it is loose tighten it by hand, taking care not to tighten it too tight.

Should the inlet hose be fastened correctly to your washing machine, but water is dripping at the connection, the hose seal is likely to be split / damaged and will need to be replaced as soon as possible.

Water Coming From Soap Dispenser Drawer:

If your washing machine is leaking on all wash cycles as it fills with water, we recommend checking the hose between the soap drawer and the drum as there's a risk this has become blocked with excess detergent. If this is the case, pour hot water into the dispenser drawer and allow it to drain through slowly, removing the excess powder as it does.

If the leak occurs at the end of the cycle, we recommend you remove the dispenser drawer from its housing and check the spray jets for any signs of mould. Mould building up around the jets can divert the flow of water, resulting in leaks – thankfully resolving such an issue often only requires a bit of cleaning.

Once the dispenser drawer is out of its housing, place it in a sink of hot, soapy water and leave it to soak for at least half an hour – before agitating any dirt free and leaving the drawer to dry. Whilst the drawer is drying, clean the housing by spraying in a solution made up of the BuySpares Limescale and Detergent Remover and water. Leave this to soak into the dirt before agitating it with a dish brush.

With the dirt agitated, wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth then leave the housing to dry, before refitting the drawer into the housing.

Leaking From Front of Appliance:

Water leaking from the front of your washing machine is more often than not going to be the result of a damaged door seal, and even the smallest of holes the seal can result in leaks occurring. You can check the state of your washing machine's door seal by pressing the seal until it expands and then visually inspecting it.

Should you spot any splits, holes or signs of bulging in your seal, it will need to be replaced. The easiest way to do this is demonstrated in the video below.

When checking the door seal on your washing machine, it's also a good idea to check it for any dirt and grime, such as mould. If this is left to build up on the seal not only can it result in the seal deteriorating, but it can also cause unpleasant odours from your washing machine.

Mixing the BuySpares Limescale and Detergent Cleaner with water, in a spray bottle and spraying this over the seal – allowing it to soak in – will loosen the dirt, which can then be wiped away with a clean, damp cloth.

Could It Be The Water Filter?

Most modern washing machines have a filter which prevents debris, such as coins and hair grips, from passing through and damaging the pump. If the filter isn't regularly removed and checked – as demonstrated in the video below – it can become blocked.

Whilst a blockage is more likely to result in the water being unable to drain from the appliance, rather than a leak, leaks can occur from the filter if the seal becomes damaged. You can check this by removing the filter and giving the seal a once over, replacing it if it appears damaged.

Don't Overload Your Wash:

Overloading your washing machine can result in damage being caused, such as the drum become offset and the cycle failing once it reaches the spin cycle. Overloading your washing machine also has the potential to result in leaks.

To reduce this risk, we recommend you only fill the drum halfway to two-thirds – this will ensure your laundry tumbles as it should and your clothes can be adequately cleaned.

Next time you find a puddle of water on your kitchen floor, next to the washing machine, don't panic. Switch your appliance off and begin checking the areas mentioned above – starting by checking the appliance is level, before checking the inlet hose, dispenser drawer, door seal and water filter.

As you check each area of your appliance, provide it with a thorough clean too – as this will help reduce risk of leaks occurring, whilst also keeping unpleasant odours at bay. And should you notice during your checks you need a replacement washing machine part, you'll find it on the BuySpares website.

Tags: Leaking, washing Machine, Washing Machine Dispenser Drawer