Everybody dreads a leaking washing machine. There’s nothing worse than coming home to puddles of water in your laundry room!

Large amounts of water in your home or apartment could cause serious damage. You don’t want to have to pay for this! So, you should know what warning signs to look for.

Most washing machines work the same way, more or less. Once you understand the basics of how they operate, it will be easier to figure out why yours is making a mess.

Here’s an overview of common washing machine problems so you can troubleshoot if you have to.

1. Bad Valves and Seals 

If your washing machine has a bad supply valve, your washer may leak.

Over time, valves can be worn down and need to be replaced. Valve problems can also sometimes be caused by low water pressure, which leaves them partially open.

Front-loading washers have door seals that sometimes dry rot, slip, or tear. Since they are the only part that holds the water inside your machine, they should be replaced as soon as you start to see signs of damage.

2. Pump and Hose Problems

All motors and pumps eventually wear out. If your washing machine starts to leak, you may have a malfunctioning pump or leaky hose.

It’s also possible that the connection between the hose and washing machine may have degraded.

Hoses are also susceptible to clogs, so if you start seeing water on the floor detach your hoses and check for interior debris.

Not sure of the exact cause? Inspect your machine and see if you notice dripping water or noticeable parts damage.

3. Drain Clogs

If the problem doesn’t originate with your washing machine’s water supply, you may have a clogged drain. 

A clogged drain will flood your laundry room quickly. When your washing machine can’t empty its contents the normal way, the water will be forced out of any available openings. 

Dryer lint, hair, dust, and other types of debris can cause backups in laundry room drains. You may need to use various tools like plumbing acid or a plumber’s snake to clear the clog.

4. Sensor Malfunction

Sometimes when a washing machine malfunctions, there’s nothing wrong with the lines that run between the water supply and the laundry room.

The problem may actually be a sensor inside the machine that controls the water level. If the sensor fails, the machine will flood and the water will keep running until someone shuts it off.

5. Broken Door Latch

Water leaking around your front-loading washing machine may indicate you have a broken door latch.

Give it a visual inspection and see if you can move the door with some pressure.

If you notice some movement or a broken part, get out your warranty paperwork and contact a washing machine repair company.

You Can Avoid a Leaking Washing Machine

There’s no doubt about it: leaking washing machines are a pain! Now that you’ve read through the major reasons why they malfunction, you can be prepared to diagnose and fix them.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, read the rest of our blog for more tips and helpful advice.