why is water running out of the bottom of my washing machine?

Check the door gasket (rubber seal) for holes. The gasket can be quite convoluted, so any holes or tears may not be abvoius to the eye. I suggest you use your fingers to feel for any holes, but make sure you file your finger nails down first!

Steve Williams.
July 2004

the shaft seal on the water pump may be leaking slowly, especially when it is pumping water, but also after if finishes and the water is filled up in the drain hose. I have a front loader washing machine and it leaks about a tea cup of water after each load

martin costello
May 2004

It could also be the load size switch, which is essentially a water level switch. If the volume of water coming out of the bottom of the machine is significant (gets the floor pretty stinkin' wet), then it's probably this. Leaks from seals or pumps usually are slower leaks. Voluminous water is often indicative of water being 'dumped' from the drum by the drum's overflow tube because the 'load size' water-level switch has allowed too much water to enter the drum. If on a 'small load' setting, the problem goes away, you can almost be rest assured that it is this switch. Some switches have an adjustment screw, but it is meant to be factory set and is usually coated with a thread lock of some sort. You can try to back the screw out a little to adjust the level down (usually tightening it makes it worse, increasing the height of the water level), but I found that it really only works well to increase - not decrease - the water level. On my GE, I scraped off the threadlock and then tightened the screw to make the medium setting into the large setting, and now I just never use the highest setting. But if others not so mechanically inclined (visitors, etc) come over and set it on the extra large setting, you're screwed and will end up with a pretty badly flooded floor. The best thing to do is to replace the switch.

Ultimately, there are a million reasons why water can be coming out of the bottom of a washer. It's best to get visual access and just run a cycle to see where the leak is coming from, taking care not to get your fingers near any moving parts while doing so (also, make sure curious cats are safely locked out of your work area).

meow the doggs
April 2004

The pump is a likely candidate. If it is a dribble the shaft seal is probably worn out. I haven't seen a way to repair the pump, just replace it. A direct drive pump tends to sell from $20 - $50. You may also need the retaining clips if they have become corroded. If it is a direct drive unit they are fairly simple to replace. They are held in place by two clips and the hoses have spring type hose clamps.

Kep
April 2004