There’s never a good time for a washing machine to stop working. Though why does this tend to happen when we’re late or juggling several other tasks? While it’s normal to worry when you notice a washing machine leak, you needn’t panic − our guide will help get it spinning again. Discover how to fix common faults and prevent more leaks from happening or get in touch for professional washing machine repairs.

How to find and fix washing machine leaks

So, you’ve spotted a puddle of water near your washing machine. To find out where the problem is coming from, start by emptying the drum and moving the machine away from the wall. This will make it easier to see if water is pooling around the bottom, front or back.

Before getting your hands dirty, just remember to unplug the machine and turn off the water supply. If in any doubt, or if the problem is more complicated, we recommend getting an engineer in to look at it.

My washing machine is leaking from underneath…

A blocked filter is one of the most common causes of leaks underneath the washing machine. All sorts of things can get caught in it… dirt, tissues, bits of Lego – you name it. If you don’t clean it out regularly, the residue and rogue objects can build up and create a blockage, which eventually leads to a leak.

To unblock the filter:

1.    Find where it’s located (usually behind a cap at the front of the machine)

2.    Put old towels down to catch any escaping water

3.    Remove the filter cover

4.    Unscrew the filter cap in an anticlockwise direction

5.    Remove any loose objects

6.    Wash the filter under warm water, removing any dirt or debris

7.    Clean the hole where the filter normally sits

8.    Put the filter back in the machine, tightening the cap and closing the cover

If your filter is clean, the problem could lie with the drum seals. These aren’t the same as the door seal. Your machine has two drums: an inner metal one for loading your clothes and an outer plastic one you can’t see. Sometimes, the seals that join them can wear away or become faulty, causing water to escape. 

There are other parts inside the machine that can break, like internal hoses and the drain pump. As it’s difficult to reach the drum seals and inside parts, it’s best to leave these kinds of problems to an expert.

The washing machine is leaking water from the front…

If you've noticed your washing machine door leaking, a common culprit is a dirty or faulty door seal. Take time to remove any gunk or mould trapped inside it with a clean, damp cloth. You’d think regular wash cycles would be enough to keep it clean but, unfortunately, this isn’t the case! Excess dirt can stop the door from closing properly and cause water to leak onto the floor. (Loose hinges and a broken lock can also stop the door from shutting.)

This might be enough to stop the washing machine leaking from the door. But you should also check for trapped objects that could have pierced the seal (like a hairclip or safety pin). If the seal is loose, twisted or damaged, an engineer will need to fit a replacement.

The door isn’t always to blame, though. If the dispenser drawer is leaking, water will dribble down the machine and pool at the front − tricking you into thinking it’s the door that’s faulty. What creates a leaky dispenser is laundry powder or mould blocking the water jets in the roof of the drawer. There’s an easy fix for this. Simply remove the drawer and scrub the jets with a brush.

Make sure you’re using the right amount of detergent, too. This keeps the dispenser cleaner for longer. Plus, if there's too much in the drawer, it creates a large amount of foam. This causes the machine to overflow and the door seals to leak. We cover this in more detail later. 

Oh no… the washing machine is leaking from the back

A faulty hose often causes leaks from the back of a washing machine. To get to the bottom of the issue:  

  • Check the connections between the hoses and the machine, tightening any that are loose
  • Inspect the drain hose, ensuring it’s not crushed or punctured (if you notice any holes, it’ll need replacing)
  • Check the inlet valve for cracks and faults – these not only cause leaks but also lead to water feeding into the machine while it’s switched off

If the hoses all look fine, there might be something stuck inside. This is more likely to happen to the drain hose and can lead to the water backing up and overflowing everywhere.

To unblock the hose:

1.    Remove it from the connections, along with any clamps or plastic holders securing it

2.    Run warm water through to loosen and remove any residue

3.    If the blockage is stubborn, try a homemade baking soda and white vinegar solution – leave the mixture to work for 10 minutes before running water through again  

How to prevent washing machine leaks

There are a few things you can do to help stop your washing machine leaking in the future.

Make sure the machine is level

If your machine's not level, it will make loud noises during washing and move around a lot. This could damage the hoses and any nearby pipework. To ensure it’s level, you’ll need to tilt the machine backwards and adjust its feet. It will be heavy, so ask someone to help you with this step.

Adjust the feet by unscrewing or screwing them to the right height. Some models have feet with locking nuts – you’ll have to loosen these before adjusting the feet. Keep tweaking them until you can get the appliance to stand level on the floor. Check your handiwork with a spirit level or by gently rocking the machine to see if it moves.

Check your pockets

Hands up who hasn’t accidentally washed an old tissue or sweet wrapper? While these items might not cause any damage, some objects can puncture parts of the machine and get caught in the hoses. Your spare change could lead to an unexpected repair bill… so get into the habit of checking your pockets.

Don’t overload it

If your drum is completely full, the laundry is more likely to strain the door seals and cause leaks. Plus, regularly overloading tires out the motor and bearings that help it spin. So, your clothes might not get washed as well.

Run a smaller load next time and see if your machine still leaks. A normal load should be between a third and three-quarters full. If your machine is front loading, see if you can fit your hand palm-down on top of the laundry in the drum. If you can’t get your hand in, the drum’s too full.

Go easy with the detergent

Too much detergent creates a swarm of soapy bubbles. The suds can stop your clothes from rubbing against each other properly (this helps to clean off dirt). They’re also harder to drain than wastewater, so can overwork parts of your machine and lead to breakdown. To top it all off, too much detergent leaves a residue in your machine which can eventually turn mouldy. Check the instructions on the packaging to see how much to use.

5. Clean your washing machine regularly

Get used to regularly cleaning your washing machine. This not only stops leaks but will also help keep it working efficiently.

Pay close attention to the filter, which can quickly become clogged with everything from lint to detergent residue to loose objects. (See Tip 2 for examples of the things that can sneak their way into the wash.)

And you can add to your cleaning regime by wiping the door seals, cleaning out the detergent drawer and running an occasional maintenance wash on an empty cycle.

Together, these tips will reduce the chance of leaks and help extend your machine’s lifespan.

For more care advice, see our washing machine cleaning guide. 

Get a washing machine repair

Washing machine leaks can be frustrating. But with the right checks, along with regular cleaning and maintenance, you can fix and prevent most problems.

If you've followed our guide and your appliance is still leaking, it could be time to call in a professional.

Booking a washing machine repair with our expert engineers is quick and easy. They can identify and fix the fault, so your floor stays puddle-free.

About the author

Ian Palmer-Smith

Ian is our go-to expert when it comes to plumbing, boilers and carbon monoxide safety. After 39 years (and counting) of working in operations – he knows quite a bit about appliance maintenance and repairs too. Even during washing machine debates (yes, they happen), his expertise is unmatched. Thankfully, Ian regularly contributes to the blog to share his wisdom – helping us all out when our appliances aren’t working quite as we expect.

Last year, Ian was recognised as a finalist in the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers’ Gas Leadership Award – a real testament to his authority in the industry. He’s even represented Domestic & General at the House of Commons. There he informed everyone about the importance of carbon monoxide safety and awareness in the home.

Outside of work, Ian is usually occupied taking his sons to various sporting events, watching  football, rugby… and a little more sport.

Explore Ian’s wealth of knowledge on all things gas safety and appliance care now. You can check out some of his insightful articles below.

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