Leaking LG washing machine

[@leeauslander8305]

Dave, you are my hero. After a week of my wife bitching, a frustrating 2 hours of searching for my leak, another hour on LG schematics, you solved my problem in 15 seconds. I just cleaned the weep holes in the bleach dispenser and now it works just fine with no water on the floor. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Mike

[@danaoberlander5754]

How did you clean your weep holes? DId you pour hot water in the bleach reservoir?

[@ericfritz1519]

Hey Dave! Thank you! I only unplugged the pump and no more water and everything still works (not the bleach however). You saved me a lot of frustration and cash! I appreciate you taking the time to make this video.

[@stevenscharf1449]

This was enormously helpful. Had this exact problem on an LG built Kenmore washing machine. Two things: 1. If you can’t lift the top just take out the two sheet metal screws holding on the rear hinges. 2. There is no “pump” for the water going to the bleach dispenser, those are valves on the mixer manifold. Just pull the connector off and put one contact back on.

[@CarolBryant-q3q]

That did the trick - thank you thank you thank you. But this only occurred after my husband tested his flexibility and layed on the floor and watched two full cycles of laundry in the washing machine. After taking the back panel off, he identified the where the water was coming out - which was exactly the location you identify in your video. He just couldn't figure out why. In the meantime we spent a day shopping for new washing machines. Before we finalized our purchase he decided to take one more look and he stumbled across your video. Even though I am confident that he greatly enjoyed looking at new washing machines, he is very happy that our existing washing machine is up and running again. He didn't plug the hose. He just disconnected the electrical connection to the pump that goes to the bleach. Once again thank you thank you thank you !

[@Rashy_One]

Worked like a charm but I just pulled the relay to the water pump, no need to block the hose as pulling the relay make it so water isn’t pushed down the pipe. If you have this issue jump to 8:45 and just remove the connector (relay) to the water pump. Thanks for the video and your insight! Saved me $900.

[@EricLaPrad]

Hell yeah! Thanks for taking the time to put this together and post it. Gonna save me from buying a new washing machine. Terrible engineering by LG. This stupid bleach system ruined my base molding and quarter round behind my washer. Thanks again, Dave!

[@Squirell2_2]

No problem!!!

[@julestrisha1003]

David, I have the same exact LG model and it started to leak out of the blue the other day. I checked all my hose connections and discovered the leak was coming from under the washer. So I u-tubed your video and learned that my leak was in the same spot as yours. I went with the option of disconnecting the bleach pump and BAM......no more leaking!!! The fix was super easy and saved me from having to call out a costly service tech....You are the man! Thank you for taking time out to post this video....Huge help!!!

[@Squirell2_2]

railman Man, you're welcome. I like to help people out by posting KZbin videos that I cannot find myself

[@julestrisha1003]

Keep making videos...they are truly appreciated!!!

[@Squirell2_2]

I must say. I was drunk in this video lmao. But was sick if not finding what help I needed online. Especially from people who didn't give much detail. I am glad this video still helps!!

[@katiebug7113]

Can you just simply unplug the pump and still have the same end results???? I’m assuming that’s the bleach reservoir pump?

[@davidbrask3777]

We had a similar problem on our LG washer. We use the bleach dispenser so I kept digging and was able to get to the source off the leak. Hope this helps. The bleach dispenser in our model looks like it has a drain hole for the bleach to drain into the main drum after mixing with water. However, this is not a simple drain hole. It actually seems to act as a siphon tube drawing the liquid up before it flows out. Our bleach dispenser has two halves. You can snap it out of the top section of the washer fairly easily. I carefully separated the two halves which showed the siphon is created by two concentric sleeves. When the bleach and water mix fills in the dispenser, it rises up in between the two sleeves until it drains over and down the inner sleeve to the drum creating the siphon to draw the liquid up and out of the dispenser. On the back side of the sleeves near the wall of the dispenser, and inside of the sleeve is where the lint and other contaminates where built up reducing the siphon and shrinking down the drain hole of the inner sleeve. So when the pump would add water to the dispenser, some of it would siphon through looking like that worked properly, but it was actually pumping water in faster then it could drain out which then overflowed the dispenser landing in the channel around the top of the drum and running out the drain hole showed in the back of the machine. Once I cleaned out this area in the bleach dispenser, the system started working properly and the leak was resolved. You can also just replace the bleach dispenser. These are fairly inexpensive on a couple of the different appliance parts websites. Good luck.

[@kennethlow5478]

This post may be a few years old, but I just wanted to thank you for this beautiful write-up of the REAL issue for water leaking in LG washers. I had a customer with leaks from the left-rear of their machine. Upon inspection, the bleach dispenser was gunked up and only allowing a slow trickle out of the sleeve. Once I pulled the dispenser apart as you described and cleaned it all out, magically all is now flowing normally. Personally I feel this is a much better solution than putting a band-aid on the washer by disconnecting the water inlet valve as shown in this video.

[@dungeonmasterelite2]

Put out a video of this please

[@virtual_hooligan380]

Thank you very much for sharing this; it was spot-on to my problem (WT5170HV). Started noticing water on the floor- trace amounts at first, then slowly but steadily increasing in volume anytime we did laundry. Also noticed (and was disappointed in the design of) the bleach dispenser. The metal around that area rusted and was slowly getting worse over time. I tought it was just surface rust. Little did I know... Saw your video today and then a few others about disassembly and testing. Popped it open and was blown away by how much rust was everywhere- not just remnants in the plastic tub ring and drain tracks, but literally eaten away at where the dispenser mounts into the bottom of the lid. So much so that I followed your advice and plugged the line, but used a 2" machine bolt versus the brass plug. Applied teflon tape to the bolt (entire length) tightened the clamp and added some pipe insulation to cover the bolt head & clamp (to lessen the chances of noise by vibration). Wired the assembly to the hard tube the latch wiring harness runs through on the left side. Success.

[@Squirell2_2]

No problem. Glad to help

[@lisapoulinsmith9060]

@@Squirell2_2 I have had the exact same issues and the person above with bleach area rusting out completely. I plugged the hose but still having a small leak.. do you think it's still cause of bleach hoses etc?

[@MotoPumps]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post this. Great video. Great info. Trying just unplugging the pump first as that looks like others have had success without taking the top off.

[@cinforammi3742]

Thanks Dave, you fixed my leak and stopped my wifes doubting me and bitching.

[@ADKobsessed]

You sir are a king among men. Unfortunately, I pulled my back cover and, after seeing water in the pump area, replaced the pump first. Ran the machine and then discovered that the water was trickling down from EXACTLY where you pointed out in your video. I was checking the damned drum, the water inlet valve, everything. Unplugged the damned thing as you demonstrated, and good to go.

[@donaldwhiteii6782]

Hell yea man. I got lucky and this was the first video I saw. Fixed my leak in less than 5 min.

[@rickbeckett9102]

Thanks for sharing David Davis! Its videos like this that can save us working class some money. Appreciate your time and efforts!

[@davidanderson4118]

You nailed it. I unplugged the water valve to bleach dispenser and took care of a potential and messy problem with water on the floor. Thanks so much!

[@mr01101958]

Thanks for the video David. We have the exact LG model with the leak problem. A repair tech could not find the problem and charged a $120 service charge. We were going to buy a Maytag today for $1200 to replace the LG but I watched your video and disconnected the solenoid. Problem fixed,no more leaks! Thanks again.

[@ParlanBlackstone]

Very helpful! Exactly the problem I was having with my LG washer. I had determined it had to do with the bleach dispenser but didn't realize it could be clogged. Thanks for the well detailed video. I wish I would have found it sooner. It would have helped with getting the top off.

[@padenweaver3744]

Thanks for the video! Had this issue start the day before we were to leave for a 3 day camping trip and I worried what I would come back to. Luckily this is an easy fix and you saved us a lot of troubleshooting time. Thanks again!

[@padenweaver3744]

upon further inspection, it was actually the Inlet Valve Assembly... But you still got me looking in the right direction.

[@haciendadad]

You did a great job of avoiding showing the "clamps" that lock down the top part that flips open. That was the main reason I came to your video. Finally, at 6:55 there is a picture of some metal tab that is the locking mechanism.

[@akachuck]

Hello David. I wanted to take a moment and thank you for posting this video. My machine started leaking the other day and I couldn't figure it out. After watching your video, I decided to just disconnect power to the bleach dispenser solenoid as you showed. I started the job when I got home from work at 4:30pm, and was done and put my tools away by 4:45pm. And now I have just finished my second load of laundry without a drop of water on the floor. THANK YOU!

[@JetSetRadiant]

This worked for me, thanks. One note, all I had to do was to remove the power cable from the pump. The hose clamping wasn't necessary

[@Squirell2_2]

I know it wasn't, but I like to go above and beyond just in case

[@RSchannel777]

Really good video. In addition, this is the absolute truth. I just came home from the hospital today and had my gallbladder out. Now I don't have any more leakage lol. I was looking for videos because my LG washing machine started leaking. I'm willing to bet this is the exact same problem. Model WT5680H...

[@jeffbrown3963]

Thanks for the heads up. I have one leaking right now. I'll check that.

[@valzod7107]

Straight up awesome tutorial buzzed or not! I was able to disable all electrical bleach pump components easily and I rigged up a bolt with Teflon tape and a clamp in that rubber tube going to the bleach compartment. Dave you da man!!

[@Texun]

Thanks you David, I had a leak from the bleach dispenser and elected to disconnect the wiring to the water source for the bleach, like you showed in the video. Easy fix, took less than 30 minutes to unplug the wire connected to the bleach pump.

[@donaldwhiteii6782]

Literally fixed my leak in less than 5 min due to this video. This is amazing. Ty for posting this!

[@charlesrose7957]

Just had the same issue. Thank you so much for this video! Saved me hundreds.

[@davidrysdam902]

We were going to leave on vacation in 36 hours and needed everything cleaned when our washer started leaking. I stumbled on this video and it absolutely saved the day. Mr Davis, you are 10x the engineer *drunk* that the LG idiots who designed that lid are sober.

[@Luker410]

Thank you. wish I had seen this before buying and installing a new pump and hose. I have a new pump, but that was a couple of hours, but I discovered the top leak and this took a couple of minutes.

[@sutliff5556]

I have this P.O.S of a washing machine and you saved me a lot of time and money. Thank you.

[@NeilKudro]

Thank you for sharing this video. It helped me stop the leak.

[@Katelynmclin-g7x]

This was exactly my problem! Thank you so much for sharing! Saved me a big bill

[@keithstone3355]

Thanks for your advice on this problem! It worked for us too!!! In 9 years only used the bleach maybe 6 times.

[@mpisula6]

Amazing. I just pulled the connector off the relay, but thanks for the explanation.

[@laracassell7746]

I Just unplug the blue plug in the back and it stopped leaking. Thanks great video

[@edwillich1339]

Thats what I did

[@joes.7536]

Thanks. Helped me out. Although mine is branded a Kenmore elite, it is the same machine essentially.

[@thewrightfamilyadventures3988]

Thank you good sir! Excellent video. Exactly what I needed!

[@MartinOuellet-f2k]

Thank you - my wife is so grateful !

[@remedybarreroll9002]

thank you so much for this video! just wasted $95 on some repair guy who couldn't figure out what the problem was!

[@HazelGraham-yl5ke]

Video save me alot of time and money.thank you for putting this out

[@oswynkn]

now that the lid is opened, it would be nice to see what clips we have to pull on to undo the lid. great video btw.

[@tomgray6928]

You rock man! Thanks for the video! You saved me a shit ton of time!

[@ziggy107]

Thanks much for this. I cut right to the chase, and disconnected the bleach pump.

[@kmseven07]

Had same issue and just disconnected the pump from back and issued Fixed!! Ty!!

[@Rob-gq9mx]

Thank you, just saved my brother a bunch of cash as that was his machine’s problem.

[@travischristensen6693]

Thanks you, this is the best information i have found on how the fix the bleach overflow problem

[@barbie19604]

Thanks so much, David!! We had a small leak because of the bleach dispenser and elected to disconnect the wiring to the water source for the bleach, like you showed in your video. Easy fix!! And, yes, we rarely used the bleach dispenser because we are on a septic as well And your humor made us laugh.... yes, our washer machine can work without its appendix!!! You rock!! THANKS AGAIN!!

[@Squirell2_2]

No problem. That's why I like to post how to vids. Not all the time can you find the right one

[@rubenvaldez6715]

Thanks buddy much appreciated

[@andrewberens970]

Thank you. Very nice, informative video

[@kedriccedwards]

Thank you! This fixed our issue!

[@tamaraaries7358]

Thank you, David. We just unplugged the back and I have full confidence it'll be the fix.

[@Squirell2_2]

You're welcome. That will work. You don't have to put a plug in the beach hose like I did. I'm just a little ADD

[@K4tze801]

Your video was perfect. I have the exact same washer and saw the water stain pouring out from that hole. I kinda paused the middle of the video and got a head of my self and cleaned the hell out of the rim of the tub and the overflow round braket. But it would of been to disconnect it and plug the line. Cause when I saw the gum build up, it was gross

[@JoshGee887]

Thank you so much! Fixed my problem and so easy.

[@KaTooMaz]

I have not opened up my washer yet, I have just begun looking around for various causes of a tub leak and happened on this video. I'm a little confused by the video though. I understand the reasoning behind plugging the hose but why disconnect the wires from what I believe is the solenoid valve("pump"), as a solution as opposed to plugging the hose? Assuming the leak is coming from the bleach overflow due to a clog(s) in the dispensing channels, how difficult is it to clean/unclog them? If the video touched on these questions or how exactly to unclog the dispenser channels I'm afraid I missed it. As stated at the beginning, I have not opened my machine yet but from what I see in this video, those parts being called "pumps" look a lot to me like basic solenoid valves. I don't believe anything other than the drain would require a pump, everything else I imagine is being fed with normal water line pressure @ 40lbs to 50lbs and is directed to the parts of the machine where needed by those half dozen or so sol valves, such as the bleach dispenser. Solenoid valves are simply an open/closed on/off/switch-valve. if someone is willing to go through this process in order to disconnect the solenoid valve/"pump" or plug thewater supply hose I would suggest pricing a new solenoid valve and replace it, especially if you do like to use liquid bleach. I would imagine replacing the sol valve is an overall easier than the process of getting to the valve itself, as shown. Usually solenoid valves get stuck open when they fail which would allow water to constantly flow to the bleach dispenser when the machine is turned on. I suppose it's possible flowing water to the bleach dispenser non-stop when it normally would be off could cause a problem even with an unglogged bleach dispenser system by exceeding its capacity. The dispensers water flow (sol valve) might normally cycle on/off during the bleach dispensing process, say maybe 30 seconds on and one minute off or something similar. If that's the case it may be sending more water to the bleach dispenser system faster than it can use causing an overflow even without a clog and certainly making any sort of "clog" in the dispenser system outlets even worse than it normally would be. Due to the locking hood it makes it a little difficult to simply watch the bleach cycle to see what is happening but I would guess the lock could be disconnected or bypassed pretty easily once everything is opened up for the remedys/fixes shown in the video. Watching a cycle that would easily allow one to see the dispenser and check if the water is turning on/off and/or possibly spot exactly where the clog is located. In conclusion, If you're absolutely sure the leaking is coming from the bleach dispenser system overflow drain as pointed out in this video and you're also sure the dispensing channels are clog free, I would recommend pricing the solenoid valve and if not overly expensive replace it. If for some odd reason that does not solve your bleach drain leak problem then it may be possible the 'computer' board running the bleach process is broken and has the valve operating (energized on/open) all the time also exceeding the bleach system water capacity, same as a stuck open valve would. You can then either see about getting a replacement board or go ahead and disconnect the bleach dispenser water supply as shown in this video. As for the new solenoid valve purchased, most places are pretty liberal nowadays with their return policies and you can return it. That's my 2 cents and hopefully it helps someone out with this issue and how to possibly go about remedying it.

[@graciemiller9596]

Thank you Dave so much.

[@tristanalovelow4246]

Thank you for this! Q. Could I just unplug that connection without plugging/capping the hose?

[@austincleator3539]

Great Video Thanks !!

[@bwtents]

This was a great video thank you it worked perfect

[@kimberleytui179]

Had the same problem with the model wt 1101. Cleaned around doughnut and LOWERED FRONT LEGS. Now no leaks at all.

[@ericm739]

Thanks man, this is awesome. We also dont use bleach and I didn't see any sediment or anything. Gonna try and disconnect that line next. At least they make this stuff easy to access. Btw, my LG is newer with the controls in the front, but everything else seems to be the same.

[@dogugotw]

Once you disconnect the solenoid, is there any reason to remove and plug the tube? Seems like the solenoid is a total preventative measure.

[@Squirell2_2]

No. Just another preventable measure

[@dogugotw]

@@Squirell2_2 Thanks. I will do a few liads with the back open just to make sure. Thanks!

[@josevelasco3245]

I unplugged the harness in the back for the bleach. That works too. Thx for the videoz

[@randybloch9966]

GREAT VIDEO. We never use bleach. Saved me from buying new washer. We’re not paying for repairs due to age.

[@mmazzuto]

Amazing, thank you

[@KentDiego]

I have same problem on Waveforce waher. Leaking from that hole but not as bad as yours. I will try disconnecting bleach solenoid (not pump) to see if fixes. Thanks a lot.

[@speckt33]

I just cleaned around the dispenser and poured boiling water in the dispenser! I did a rub cleaning cycle. That seemed to work right now, nomore leak!

[@Damian-vd7sz]

Great video but I do use my bleach dispenser because whites often need to be bleached unless someone prefers dingy whites. But I do believe the leaking issue is associated with the bleach dispenser, I just have to figure out why. Thanks for the video.

[@justinwise6781]

Thank you for this video.

[@kevinwmcdonald]

Solid intel. Thanks.

[@stevepaske7074]

Had already ordered a drain pump but something didn't feel right between the symptoms and cure. I made one last search and found this video with the exact same problem I was experiencing. I cancelled the drain pump. I would like to talk to the engineer that decided to put the drain at the top of the wash tub so it could run down inside the washer. Couldn't they have routed it to an actual drain line and then put in a sensor with an error code if there was an issue? Service people have to eat too, I s'pose... Thank you!

[@13music678]

Just tried your fix on my used washer that was leaking. I bought it from my sister so I know it didn't have an issue before. So I did all the work then I realized it may just be the detergent drawer in the back might not have been fully closed. Lol oh well here to a test cycle run.

[@debbiegriffin9288]

Thank you so so much for this video. I do have a question. Can I only disconnect the pump and not the water line to the bleach? One person commented that's what they did and it worked. Any thoughts? I'm hoping this fix will save us a lot of money😊

[@Squirell2_2]

Yes you can

[@anthonyc1883]

Wow, thanks! Will try tomorrow. I'll just disconnect the pump instead of capping off the line.

[@agarcia4271gaming]

8:15 these are solenoids. They open and close water, it does not pump it.

[@louielouie8887]

This was exactly our priblem. We just by disconnected the electrialplug for the bleach. We also had a pc. of paper that had covered on the holes in the bleach portal.

[@felixmercado7048]

Very Helpful. Thank you very much

[@BicZippo]

Thanks man. Did the trick

[@xilbus]

My issue was the pump in the back. I disconnected the power to the javex pump and it solved my issue.

[@AaronSmith-ix8ox]

you mentioned a metal clamp that you need to pull in order to lift the lid. can you please post a photo of that metal clamp by any chance? maybe on a shared google drive? Thanks

[@Squirell2_2]

More like a latch. 2 of them up front. Unscrew the back and just yank up on the front. You'll feel the latches giving way.

[@davidtisler82]

Check your washer to see if you have a Hose Clamp or Glue on the inbound side of the discharge pump. If so, that is not a factory connection. There is not supposed to be any Glue or Hose Clamps on anything according to LG. Most of the LG washers had to be reconditioned, then sold as new. The hose is 2 inches too short and the travel of the tank, to offset a lopsided load, will one day rip that hose off. I repaced 12" of drywall in my washroom. Contact the FTC.

[@staind288]

So what am I missing here? Why not just clean the ports? Seems way less invasive and less time consuming..

[@SymsWRX]

Thank you for sharing this!! Question, if you disconnect the pump , the step at the end, is it still necessary to plug the hose (the first thing you did) Thanks! Edit: saw my question answered by others below!!! Thanks everyone!

[@Squirell2_2]

No it's not. Did it only as a precaution

[@EAdkins1008]

Wouldn’t it just be simpler to unplug it rather than do everything else? Just thinking that if you unplug it, it wouldn’t have the power or urge to send water that direction? We are currently working on our washer spitting water from the same area.

[@donaldcomeaux4502]

Good fix but you are disconnecting a solenoid not a pump. Thanks I'm trying it. Just ran through a complete cycle. No leaks with disconnecting solenoid to bleach reservoir.

[@dylanowens3173]

If you are research long this problem 2023 , just disconnect the silonoid to the bleach cup pump. It is well known LG has massive problems with the bleach bin cup leaking and even rusting out the entire metal top around the bleach cup. This is because LG nimrods thought be great idea to pump water to dilute the bleach. The best solution is to just to disconnect the silonoid to that pump so no water is ever pumped in 1st place over the cover and around the top of the washer.

[@BrentBearden]

Super helpful, pretty sure I have the same issue. Thank you!

[@nativeokieproud3630]

Helpful video but not for mine. My top had special fittings that required a crap ton of work to get the lid open and when my top opens it only opens about 12-15 inches. I think I am going to plug the line and be done with it.

[@jamiemarvel1957]

Great video. I unplugged the bleach connector but still leaks. It comes out of the same spot that your did. It looks like it is dripping from under the detergent holder. Then drips to the drain hole. How do I fix that?? It seems to leak more when not in use. Weird??!!

[@Squirell2_2]

Did you install the brass plug in the hose as shown in video?

[@jamiemarvel1957]

David Davis no. I will. I can also see water dripping from detergent drawer. Could that be coming from the bleach dispenser?

[@Squirell2_2]

@@jamiemarvel1957 yes, possibly

[@sixfoot4mex]

Jamie I have same issue ... how did u end up fixing this issue ?

[@BradTravis]

I went through this once already and cleaned it. The problem is this design is terrible and it's bound to happen again. This leads to ruined floors and baseboards. thanks for the post. I'm going to disconnect this tomorrow.

[@angicooksey1799]

Thank you!!

[@agarcia4271gaming]

I am glad I have a washer with an old style bleach dispenser. The bleach just goes through the bleach hole as soon as I pour it.

[@kimprabs]

Can I just unplug the pump instead of cap on the tube?

[@Squirell2_2]

Yes

[@Squirell2_2]

Yes

[@kimprabs]

@@Squirell2_2 Thank you so much.

[@pharmboy1987]

Thank you so much! your video solved my problem!

[@Squirell2_2]

khoa nguyen Your welcome. glad to hear the video helped

[@joeskozen2018]

Great video!

[@DirtyKittie]

I have the same washer machine. I also have water dripping under the detergent compartment. Any suggestions...

[@mwiebz1]

Why not just unplug it? Why are you putting a brass plug in hose?

[@slightly2stoopid]

So can you just disconnect or do you have to plug hose too

[@Squirell2_2]

You can just disconnect

[@slightly2stoopid]

@@Squirell2_2 I've ran a few loads and no more leak. Thank you

[@wendellcook4910]

Thanks!! Problem solved.

[@victorchavez636]

Kimberley has it. just lower the front pegs and raise the back and leaks gone.

[@EricLaPrad]

I implemented the fix by disconnecting the bleach water solenoid, but the problem still exists. Water continues to leak out of that overflow hole in the back of the top near the top. It's probably less water now, but it still leaks and that's not acceptable. It's not pouring out, but it's certainly dripping out. I waited 4 days for everything to completely dry, and started a new load just now. Within about 10 minutes of the cycle water began dripping out of that overflow hole and getting everything wet, like the water pump, hoses, the black drip pan at the bottom, etc. I wonder if there's a design flaw in this washing machine. I might be right back to buying a new washer, but if this is a design flaw I won't be going with LG. If it's fixable, I'd love to fix it. Any thoughts?

[@Squirell2_2]

Did you plug the hose?

[@EricLaPrad]

@Squirell2_2 I did not plug the hose, but there is absolutely no water at all going into the bleach container area. There is no water in the overflow area, but it's dripping from the bottom of the overflow. I think the seal between the top ring and the tub is compromised and leaking slowly. Just a few drips coming out of the overflow hole. It's obvious the tub is warped because the gap between the tub and top ring fluctuates as the tub spins. There's alot of rust everywhere due to the leaking over the past 10 yrs or so. May be time to replace.

[@Squirell2_2]

@@EricLaPrad sounds like a different issue then. Unfortunately. I'm no expert, I just used common sense and trouble shooted

[@Squirell2_2]

@@EricLaPrad if it had been caught sooner, maybe it could have been saved with my fix