Washing Machine Leaking From Bottom

A leak from the bottom of a washing machine means a problem with internal parts. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to minimize the damage and expedite the fix.
TRANSCRIPT
While unloading your washer you notice your feet are getting wet-not a good sign. What to do? A leak from the bottom of a washing machine means a problem with internal parts, a fix best left for a qualified professional. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to minimize the damage and expedite the fix. Hi, I'm Paul Blake for Repair.com with some tips to help you deal with a leaking washing machine.
Step 1: Soak up the water
First things first: Clean up any water. Just grab some towels and go.
If the leak is substantial and has found its way to your carpet, it's especially important to act fast. A wet carpet can lead to mold.
Throw dry towels on the carpet and stomp on them to soak up as much water as you can. If you have a wet/dry vac, use it to suck up what's left. Finally, direct a fan toward the wet area.
If the carpet doesn't dry completely, pull it back, cut away the wet backing and replace it. Consider renting a professional drying fan.
Step 2: Determine what's causing the leak
The more information you can give your repairman, the more able he'll be to give you an accurate repair estimate and come prepared with the parts needed to get your washer working again.
An important clue is when the leak occurs:
• A top-load washer that leaks only when the machine agitates may have a faulty center post gasket.
• Leaks that occur after the fill cycle starts could mean a rusted tub seal or a hole in the tub caused by rusting or wear from constant imbalance.
o If the problem is rust around the tub seal, a new, oversized seal may fix it. But if rusting is severe, you may have to buy a new washer.
o Rusted tubs may be covered under warranty; however, ones with holes are not. Tubs are replaceable, but expensive-so it may be more cost-effective to buy that new washer you've had your eye on.
Another important clue is where your leak is coming from. Unless your leak is more like a flood, try this trick:
Tuck a dry newspaper under your washer and run a load. The newspaper will map out where the leak occurs.
• Leaks in the rear may indicate a leaky pump.
• Leaks from the middle may mean a faulty air dome seal.
Step 3: Prepare your washer to be repaired
It's likely your service professional will have to disassemble your machine to fix it. You can save time and money by emptying your washer of clothes and water, and clearing access to it as much as possible.
Good luck! We hope your washer is spinning like new soon.
For more tips and troubleshooting advice, visit us at Repair.com.