Kenmore elite front load washer leaking water from bottom

Home - Laundry

Water leaking out from under your Kenmore washing machine can be a stressful problem. Stop the washer and inspect the machine to determine the cause of the leak. You do not need to be an appliance expert to diagnose and fix the problem.

Fill Hoses

You can troubleshoot a leaking washer on your own.

The fill hoses are the water inlet hoses that connect from the hot and cold faucets to the back of the washer. They deliver water into the machine. If these hoses are loose, you can get a leak during the rinse and spin cycle. While the leak originates from the back of the machine, it will run down and under the washer, making it appear as if it's coming from the bottom. Tighten the loose hose connections with pliers. If the hoses are split or damaged in any other way, you can get replacements at a local home improvement store.

Drain Hose

A problem with the drain hose can cause a leak under the washer during the rinse and spin cycle. The drain hose should be secured either in the standpipe or the sink for draining. A hook is included with the drain hose to secure it, but you can also use a waterproof tape to keep it in place. If it moves out of place, the drain water ends up on the floor under the washer.

Detergent

If your washer has the “HE” designation on the display panel, you must use high efficiency detergent in the machine. Not using the proper detergent results in an excessive amount of suds and can cause a leak during the rinse and spin cycle. Replacing your detergent will fix the leak.

Sink or Drain Clog

The sink and floor drain in your laundry room must be capable of handling 17 gallons of water per minute when the washer is draining. If clogged or slow, you will get a backup of water under the washer. Since the problem is related to drainage, you'll notice it during the rinse and spin cycle. Clean out the clog. You can use a household drain cleaner or consult with a local plumber.

Front-load clothes washers create space in the laundry room and reduce the amount of water you consume. But when leaks occur with in a front-loading washer, the tub's placement may allow the front-loader to leak more water than a top-loader, potentially causing more damage. Determine the source of your washer's water or suds leak immediately -- the sooner you do the sooner you can stop the leak. With a Kenmore front-loading washer, you can fix some basic leak issues yourself; others require professional assistance to correct.

Hose Issues

1. If suds-free water is leaking from the washer, the inlet hoses or drain hose may have a problem. Check the inlet hose connections at the faucet and back of the washer; re-seat and tighten them if necessary. Examine the drain hose to see if it has come out of the drain or isn’t inserted deep enough into the drain. You may need to tie the drain hose to the inlet hose or standpipe to keep it from coming out when the washer drains. If you have a small drain pipe, press the hose into the pipe all the way down to the drain hose flange. If you have a larger drain pipe, insert the hose approximately 1 to 2 inches past the flange. Check both the inlet and drain hoses for cracks or splits, too, replacing hoses if necessary.

Clogged Drain Pipe

1. Your washer may leak dirty water if your home’s drain pipes are clogged. You can usually determine that this is the problem by looking to see if your washer is pumping out water at a rapid rate. Examine the drain to see if water is backing up in the drain pipe when the washer is draining. Check the drain hose connection and remove any obstructions around the drain. If the washer is still leaking, call a plumber to clear the drain pipe.

Detergent Issues

1. If your washer is leaking suds from the front seal, look to the detergent as culprit. For a high-efficiency model, make sure you are using high-efficiency (HE) detergent, which doesn’t suds as much as regular detergents. If you are using an appropriate detergent and the washer is still leaking suds, you may have used too much -- suds leaking from the door are common when you use too much detergent. Consult the label on the bottle and the instructions in your Kenmore appliance's owner’s manual for your washer to determine the proper amount of detergent to use for a given load. To get rid of the excess suds that may be in your washer’s tub, run a rinse cycle.

Damaged Door

1. Water or suds can leak from a front-loading washer if the seal around its door has become compromised. Detergent residue and other debris can collect in the door’s gasket and prevent it from closing completely, so water or suds can leak from the machine when it is in operation. Clean the door gasket regularly to remove any dirt or debris that may affect the seal. Check it for perforations, slashes or other damage that might keep the door from closing properly. Replace the seal if necessary. Examine the door catch, which helps keep the door locked during operation. If it appears damaged or distorted, you may need to replace it.

Dirty Glass

1. Your washer may leak water or suds if the appliance's door glass is dirty. Check the door for residue from detergent and other debris that might prevent the door from sealing properly while in use. If you notice residue on the glass, combine three-quarters of a cup of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of warm water and wipe down the door glass with it, making sure to wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear as you work. Dry the glass with a clean cloth and leave the door open so air can circulate inside the machine until the glass is completely dry.

Why is my Kenmore Elite leaking water?