Hi Jennifer,
You don't say what make it is! if it's a Hoover or Hotpoint they have websites and you can download manuals. www.hoover.co.uk and www.hotpoint.co.uk
If it's not a common make then ask you local dealer who makes them and is their a website, or search for their website.
As for the water leak it could be the pump leaking, usually if its a manual ie belt/strap driven from the motor. the bearings and seals wear and cause the pump to leak. But bear in mind it could be any of the pipework. Water feed pipes, pipes within the casing the drain pipe. Unfortunately a leak is 'trial and error' doing it yourself. But for an engineer he/she can go straight to the cause in most cases. sorry can't be of any help with the leak.
Bob of Worthing
October 2005