There’s nothing as disheartening as finally getting the last load of laundry in the washer, just to notice a huge puddle coming from a leaking washing machine.

That water creeping or flowing from any appliance is something no homeowner wants to see. Water damage is expensive, and not taking care of it immediately can mean mold, and even more expensive remediation.

So, when your clothes washer begins to leak, you want to get it repaired right away to avoid water damage. The experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Port St. Lucie are here to help you troubleshoot with a list of steps to take right away.

Here’s what to do to protect your investment, mitigate damage, and know when you need to call in the professionals.We’ll also talk about common causes of leaking appliances.

What To Do if Your Washing Machine is Leaking

It is very important for everyone to understand that a leaking appliance has the potential to create an electrical fire, cause dangerous mold, and is a slip and fall hazard. Even if you don’t know how to fix a leaking washing machine, quick action is essential to prevent injury, further damage, and extensive repair costs.

  1. Stop the leak. Shut off the appliance, and turn off the water to the appliance. If you can not shut off the water, and the leak continues, consider turning off the water to the house to prevent damage.

  2. Shut off power, and uplug the washer to avoid electric shock.

  3. Clean up the water. This is where a mop and bucket, towels, and a fan to dry the floor thoroughly is a great idea.

  4. Next, inspect the washer, front, and back, checking the pipes, hoses, gasket, and seals.(We give more information about this below)

  5. If you cannot locate or troubleshoot the issue, call in a plumber right away.

Causes of a Leaking Washing Machine

Leaking washing machines are actually quite common. Here are some causes of a leaking washing machine:

Waterline and hose

A burst hose or pipe, or a bad hose clamp, could be the cause of the leak. There could also be a clog somewhere in the system that is causing the water to back up.

Overloading

Overloading can cause your machine to overfill, or slosh over. Do not overload your washer! It’s better to split into two loads than to overload which can cause the water level to rise over the lid.

Imbalanced washer, uneven loads

Make sure the washer is level and on solid footing. An unbalanced washer can cause water to splash over the sides, and cause the machine to wear out sooner than it should. Always be sure to load your washer evenly as well, to prevent issues with spinning and draining.

Water supply valves

The supply valves can loosen or not seal properly and cause water to leak. Inspect the vales to ensure a tight seal. If you see hard water residue, drips, or signs of a leak, that could be your issue.

Too much detergent

Using too much or the wrong type of detergent can cause bubbling over and leaking. Always make sure to measure out your detergent according to your washer’s guide, and never use high sudsing agents like dish soap.

Faulty pump

There is a pump in your washing machine that drains the water in the unit. From time to time, that mechanism can fail. If the puddle is coming from below your machine, and you can’t find any obvious failure in lines or gaskets, it could be the pump.

Worn gasket

On front-load washers, there is a thick rubber gasket that seals when the door is shut. Over time, water will break down the rubber gasket and cracks will form. If your front load washer is leaking from the door, that could be the culprit.

We’re Here to Help in Port St. Lucie

Get leaky plumbing help! Call in the professional local plumbers when you’re experiencing plumbing leaks. Our skilled plumbers are available to assist you any day of the week.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing also offers emergency visits.

Don’t delay, contact us today!