When you notice water under your washing machine, it usually means something is wrong. A washer leaking water is more than just an inconvenience - it can damage your floors, short out electrical parts, and lead to flooding. The good news is that most leaks have specific causes, and by observing when and where the water appears, you can get closer to understanding the problem.
Why your washer is leaking water
Leaks can occur during filling, washing, rinsing, or spinning. Each phase involves different systems inside the washer, and the source of the problem often matches the timing of the leak.
Damaged door seal One of the most common causes is a torn or worn door gasket. Over time, the rubber loses flexibility, develops cracks, or gets ripped by foreign objects during laundry. This results in water dripping from the front of the washer, especially during the wash cycle. Even a small tear in the seal can cause steady leakage.
Leaking drain or inlet hose If the puddle forms behind the washer, check the hoses. A cracked or loose drain hose may leak when water exits the drum. Likewise, a faulty inlet hose or a loose connection can cause dripping right when the water supply is turned on. These leaks are often missed unless the washer is moved away from the wall.
Blocked drain system A clogged filter, pump, or internal drain line may cause water to back up inside the drum. When the level rises, water may escape through seams or other weak points. This type of leak usually happens late in the cycle and may look like the washer is overflowing from the bottom. If you notice slow draining or dirty water, check the drain pump and filter for buildup.
Faulty water level sensor (pressure switch) If the pressure switch fails to detect when the drum is full, the washer continues to fill with water. Eventually, the water spills out of the drum or flows through overflow vents. You’ll usually notice this right after starting the machine, and the leak tends to be quick and heavy. It is a critical issue that requires professional diagnostics.
Cracked tub or damaged internal hoses In some cases, the tub or connecting hoses inside the machine may be the problem. Long-term wear, vibration, or manufacturing defects can lead to internal leaks. These are harder to detect because the water collects inside the washer’s base and only becomes visible after multiple cycles.
Detergent drawer overflow If water leaks down the front panel, especially during filling, the detergent drawer may be blocked or damaged. Using too much detergent, hardened buildup, or misalignment can prevent water from flowing into the drum. Instead, it pours out through the drawer opening. Cleaning the drawer and reducing detergent use can help eliminate this issue.
Each of these scenarios causes water to appear in different places and at different times. The key to identifying the root cause is observing when the leak occurs and where it accumulates.
If water remains in the drum after the cycle, it's usually a drain issue involving the pump, filter, or clogged hose.
If water leaks immediately when the cycle starts, check the door seal, hoses, and drawer area.
If the leak happens during spinning, it may point to worn bearings or a failing tub seal.
Related issues that may look like a leak
Some washer problems mimic a leak but originate from other faults. For example, if the washer doesn't drain properly, water may stay in the drum and eventually seep out through the front door or small openings. While it looks like a leak, the real issue lies in water removal, not water containment.
In other cases, condensation can form on cold surfaces and drip down to the floor. This is common in humid environments or poorly ventilated laundry rooms. What appears to be a leak is actually moisture buildup from the air.
Another potential cause is a water overflow issue. When the pressure sensor fails, the washer fills beyond its capacity. Water can escape through overflow holes or the drawer, even though no visible damage is present. This often happens early in the cycle and leads to significant spillage if left unchecked.
It's important not to underestimate even a small leak. Water inside the washer base can damage electrical components, cause rust, and degrade seals. Over time, what begins as a minor issue may result in complete system failure or even household flooding. If your washer leaks once, it will likely do it again - and with more damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is water leaking only during the spin cycle?
+
That usually means the leak is pressure-related. During spin, water is forced through the system at high speed, and any weakness like a worn tub seal or a loose internal hose gets exposed. We see this often when bearings start to fail and allow movement that breaks the seal. It’s not a surface leak it’s coming from inside the machine
What makes a washing machine leak from the bottom?
+
Leaks from the bottom are often caused by a damaged drain pump, cracked tub, or failed internal hose. In our experience, the pump housing is a common weak point, especially after years of vibration. If the water shows up under the washer after each cycle, you’re likely dealing with an internal failure that won’t fix itself over time
Why does my front-load washer leak from the door seal even after cleaning it?
+
If you’ve already cleaned the door gasket and it’s still leaking, chances are the rubber is torn or has lost flexibility. We see this often in washers over five years old or machines used with too much detergent. Cleaning helps, but if the seal has degraded, replacement is the only long-term fix
Can a leaking inlet valve cause water to drip when the washer is off?
+
Yes, and it happens more often than people think. A worn or stuck inlet valve can let water slowly pass even when the washer isn’t running. If you find a small puddle hours after the last cycle, this is the first thing we check. Inlet valve replacement is a simple but essential repair
Could a clogged drain filter cause leaking during the drain cycle?
+
Absolutely. When the filter is blocked, water can’t exit fast enough and builds up inside the machine. Eventually, it finds a weak point and starts leaking out. We’ve fixed dozens of cases where simply clearing the filter stopped the leak. It’s a simple job but needs to be done properly
Is leaking from the detergent drawer a sign of a blocked channel or too much detergent?
+
It could be both. Blocked detergent channels cause backflow, and overloading with soap foams up and spills out. We advise clients to use less detergent than they think they need especially with high-efficiency washers. If the drawer overflows regularly, the internal water path needs cleaning.
Why might a hose clamp failure lead to a washer leaking from the bottom?
+
Because hose clamps are what keep your hoses secure. If one slips or breaks, even slightly, water escapes under pressure. At Swift Appliance Repair, we’ve seen clamps rust through or loosen after years of use. Replacing a failed clamp is fast, but finding it requires opening up the washer
Could vibration or imbalance cause intermittent leaks only sometimes?
+
Yes, and they’re tricky to spot. When the washer shakes during heavy loads, it may pull on internal hoses or flex the tub enough to open a hairline crack. That’s why some leaks only show up with full loads or certain cycles. If your leak comes and goes, suspect a mechanical stress point.
How do I know if the tub seal, water pump, or drain hose is causing the leak?
+
Tub seal leaks usually appear during spin, pumps leak during drain, and hoses can leak at any point. We narrow it down by checking when the water appears. At Swift, we run test cycles to match leak timing with internal pressure. That gives us the exact failing part, no guessing involved
Could condensation be mistaken for a true washer leak?
+
Yes, in humid spaces, condensation can form on cold washer parts and drip onto the floor. But true leaks usually leave consistent wet spots, not just random moisture. If you see water only after long idle periods, check for dampness inside the cabinet or better, let us inspect it
Washer not draining in Raleigh? Learn expert repair steps, diagnosis techniques, and maintenance tips from a local appliance specialist. Fix your washing machine right
Is your washer not spinning? Learn how to diagnose and repair the issue step-by-step. Discover why Raleigh residents trust Swift Appliance Repair with complex washer malfunctions
August 8, 2025 
.jpg)
