Whirlpool Washer Leaking From Bottom (Why and how to fix)
Leaking whirlpool washing machines are a common problem many people encounter with their washers and can be caused by a number of different issues.
Whirlpool washing machines are one of the top washing machine brands you can find on the market.
At a point of owning a whirlpool washer just like with any other brand, you may experience that your washing machine leaks from the bottom.
And you are probably asking yourself, “why is my whirlpool top load washer leaking from the bottom?”.
Of course, it’s a problem to worry about because you definitely don’t want your floor flooded with water anytime you do laundry.
Here is why your whirlpool washing machine is leaking from the bottom:
The most common reason why your whirlpool washer is leaking from the bottom is due to a faulty drain pump. The water leaks are usually due to a crack in its body or a bad seal.
Other reasons are:
- Worn or damaged door seal and clamp
- Clogged drain hose
- Loose connections
- Faulty tub seal
- Overloaded washing machine
- Defective water inlet valve
- Cracked Detergent dispenser
In this article, we will dive deep and explore some of the most common reasons why your whirlpool washing machine is leaking from the bottom, and provide easy and quick solutions to fix this problem.
Table of Contents
Why is my Whirlpool washing machine leaking from bottom?
Is your Whirlpool washer leaking from bottom during the spin cycle?
Or is your whirlpool washing machine leaking from bottom front?
Whatever the case, It’s never good when your whirlpool washing machine starts leaking water.
In most cases, this means there’s something wrong with your washer and you will need to get it repaired.
Leaks can also cause damage to your floor or carpet, so it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.
Read Also: Washing Machine Drip Pan (All You Need To Know)
If you’re not sure why your whirlpool washing machine is leaking, here are a few possible reasons why, and how to fix them:
1. Faulty drain pump
Most whirlpool washing machines leak from the bottom because of a bad drain pump. The pump is responsible for draining water from your whirlpool washer during the drain and spin cycles.
Usually, by 5 years, your drain pump may develop issues that will cause it to leak. This may be due to a bad seal or a crack in the body of your pump drain.
If you notice that the area around your drain pump hose gets wet, it could be a sign that confirms that your drain pump is faulty.
To fix this, refer to your manufacturer’s manual and inspect your drain pump. Check and ensure that the hoses connected to the drain pump are tight and not leaking. Also, check and make sure that there isn’t any crack in the body of the drain pump through which water may be leaking.
If you discover that the drain pump is the problem replace it or call a technician to get it replaced for you.
Read also: Can a Washing Machine Drain into a Floor Drain? (Answered)
We found this guide from PartsSelect that shows an easy way to replace your Whirlpool washing machine drain pump:
2. Worn or damaged door seal and clamp
The door seal is responsible for keeping water inside the washer during the wash cycle.
The door seal can be damaged by a sharp object in your laundry that punctured it causing leakage. Also, leakage can be caused by a rusted seal clamp that has come off from the door seal
You need to replace the door seal or clamp if you find out that it is the cause of your whirlpool washer leaking from the bottom.
Check out this article on how to replace your washing machine door seal:
What is a washing machine gasket? (Explained for beginners)
3. Clogged or damaged drain hose
The drain hose carries water from the washer to the drainage system. If it’s clogged, water can back up and leak out of the washer.
Leakage could come from any of the many hoses in your washer. The fill hose, dispenser hose, top to pump hose, external drain hose, and internal drain hoses should all be checked for any leakages.
The hoses that connect the washing machine to your water supply and other parts can become damaged over time. If there’s a leak, it’s likely coming from one of the hoses.
4. Loose connections
If the hoses are not properly connected to the washing machine or your water supply, they can leak.
Make sure all connections are tight, especially hose connections.
The top to pump hose, internal and external hose, and fill hose all need to be checked and any loose connections tightened properly with a wrench.
5. Faulty tub seal
The tub seal keeps the washtub from leaking when it’s filled with water. It is used in both front load and top loaders to seal the driveshaft to prevent water from leaking out of the tub. If it is faulty, it can cause leakages in your washing machine.
6. Overloaded washing machine
You have properly wondered if overloading your washing machine could be a possible reason why your washer leaks from the bottom.
In fact, yes. An overloaded washing machine can cause water to leak out from the bottom. Don’t overload your washer and make sure clothes are evenly distributed.
7. Defective water inlet valve
The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into your washing machine. If it’s defective, it may cause your washing machine to leak water.
Read also: Corroded Washing Machine Valve (All You Need to Know)
8. Cracked Detergent dispenser
The detergent dispenser drawer is located on the front of your washing machine. It’s used to dispense laundry detergent, fabric softener, and bleach. If it’s defective, it may cause your washing machine to leak water.
Read Also: Whirlpool Load and Go Problems (What to Know)
Is it worth fixing a leaking washing machine?
It can be difficult to know whether or not to fix your leaking washing machine.
On the other hand, if the machine is still under warranty, repairing it may be cheaper than buying a new one.
However, whether it is worth it to fix your leaking washer or buy a new one depends on the cause of the leak. You will need to compare the cost of repair and the remaining life of your washer to the cost of buying a new one.
Let’s dive into the pros and cons of fixing your leaking whirlpool washing machine to help you decide whether to fix your leaking washer or simply get a new one.
- If your washing machine is leaking from the bottom, it is likely that the door seal is damaged or needs to be replaced. Replacing a door seal is a relatively easy and inexpensive repair.
- Another common cause of leaks is a blocked drain hose. If your washing machine is leaking water from the front, it is likely that the drain hose is blocked. Clearing a blockage from the drain hose is usually a simple and inexpensive repair.
- If your washing machine is leaking water, it is likely that there is a problem with the water inlet valve. The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the washing machine. If the valve is damaged or faulty, it can cause water to leak from your washing machine. Replacing a damaged or faulty water inlet valve is usually a simple and inexpensive repair.
- The detergent dispenser dispenses detergent into the washing machine during the wash cycle. If the dispenser is damaged or faulty, it can cause water to leak from the side of the machine. Replacing a damaged or faulty detergent dispenser is usually a simple and inexpensive repair.
In most cases, it is worth repairing a leaking washing machine. The repairs are usually simple and inexpensive, and they will extend the life of your machine.
However, if your machine is old and/or inefficient, it may be worth considering buying a new one. New washing machines are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than older models.
If you decide to repair your leaking washing machine, be sure to use genuine parts from the manufacturer. Using aftermarket or counterfeit parts can void your warranty and cause further problems down the line.
Sources:
My 2017 Cabrio Whirlpool washer leaks, but only if hot water is involved in the wash cycke