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How to fix a washing machine leak

We'll locate the leak, tighten or replace the inlet and drain hoses, and tell you when to call a plumber.

How-to · Home plumbing
30–60 min
What you'll need
  • Replacement inlet hoses (if needed)
  • Towels, bucket
  • Channel-lock pliers
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Steps

Goal: Shut off water and power, locate the leak, fix the hoses, and know when to call a plumber.

  • Turn off both hot and cold water supply valves behind the washer. Unplug the washer or turn off the circuit breaker.
  • Good: No water flow and no power to the unit. Proceed to Locate the leak.
  • Bad: Water or power still on—find the correct valves and breaker.

Locate the leak

Goal: Identify where the water is escaping.

  • Dry the floor and the area behind and under the washer. Run a short cycle and watch where water appears—at the inlet hose connections, at the drain hose, or under the washer.
  • Good: You see water emerge from one or more spots. Proceed to Replace inlet hoses or Check drain hose based on location.
  • Bad: Cannot locate the leak—call a plumber.

Replace inlet hoses

Goal: Stop leaks at the inlet hose connections.

  • Shut off the water. Check that the hoses are fully threaded and the nuts are snug. Tighten the nuts a quarter turn—do not overtighten.
  • If the hoses are cracked or the washers are worn, replace the hoses with new ones. Replace the rubber washers at both ends.
  • Good: No drips at the inlet connections when you run a short cycle.
  • Bad: Still leaks—call a plumber.

Check drain hose

Goal: Stop leaks at the drain hose or prevent backup.

  • Check that the hose is fully inserted into the standpipe (2–4 inches) and that the standpipe is not clogged. Look for kinks or cracks in the hose. Replace the hose if it is damaged.
  • Confirm the drain hose is not pushed too far into the standpipe—that can cause siphoning. Run a short cycle.
  • Good: No drips at the drain connection and no backup.
  • Bad: Still leaks or backup—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber or appliance technician if:

  • The pump is leaking.
  • The tub seal is leaking.
  • The leak is inside the cabinet.
  • You cannot locate the source of the leak.

Do not run the washer with a visible leak—water can damage floors.

Verification

  • No drips at the inlet or drain hose connections when the washer runs a full cycle.
  • The drain hose has no kinks and water drains without backing up.

Where is the leak?

Dry the area, run a short cycle. Watch for water at inlet hoses, drain hose, or under the washer.

Shut off water and power. Dry the floor. Run a short cycle. Good: you see water at inlet hoses, drain hose, or under the washer. Bad: cannot locate—call a plumber.

Inlet hoses Drain hose or under washer

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Tighten or replace inlet hoses

Tighten inlet hose nuts or replace hoses if cracked or washers worn. Run a short cycle. Good: no leak. Bad: still leaks—call a plumber.

Done

Is the leak under the washer?

If under the washer during spin, pump or tub seal may be failing. If at drain hose, check connection and kinks.

Check if leak is at drain hose or under the washer. Drain hose: tighten connection, check for kinks. Under washer: pump or tub seal—call a plumber or appliance technician.

Under washer Drain hose

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Fix drain hose

Check drain hose connection, kinks, standpipe. Replace if damaged. Run a short cycle. Good: no leak. Bad: still leaks—call a plumber.

Done

Call a plumber

Call a plumber or appliance technician if the pump or tub seal is leaking, or you cannot locate the source. Do not run the washer with a visible leak.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my washing machine leak?
Common causes: worn inlet hose washers, loose hose connections, a kinked or clogged drain hose, or a failed pump or tub seal. Inlet hoses can crack or the washers can wear; drain hoses can leak at the connection or back up if kinked.
Can I fix a washing machine leak myself?
Yes. Most leaks at the inlet or drain hose connections are fixable by tightening or replacing the hoses. Shut off water and power first. If the pump or tub seal is leaking, call a plumber or appliance repair technician.
When should I call a plumber for a washing machine leak?
Call a plumber or appliance technician if the pump is leaking, the tub seal is leaking, the leak is inside the cabinet, or you cannot locate the source. Do not run the washer with a visible leak—water can damage floors.

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