A Primer on Finding the Cause of Washing Machine Leaks
Mark J. Biel • August 22, 2019
Puddles of sudsy water in your laundry room are never a good sign, but you don’t need to worry too much. These puddles most likely came from minor leaks that can be easily fixed. R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, your go-to contractor in the state for all your air conditioning repair needs, shares tips on troubleshooting washing machine leaks below.
Top-Load Washing Machines: Clogged or Tilted Overflow Tubes
Using too much detergent creates excess suds, which can clog your top-load washing machine’s overflow tubes or cause them to tilt. Manufacturers may have printed instructions about the proper amount of detergent to use, but in general it’s better to use less detergent with soft water.
There’s a simpler way to gauge if you’re using the correct amount of detergent: place a newly washed hand towel from your washing machine in a bowl of hot water. If the water becomes sudsy, you’re using too much detergent.
Top-Load Washing Machines: Overloading the Washer
Putting too much laundry in your washer can also cause it to overflow. An overloaded washing machine can tilt, causing sudsy water to flow over the side. On the other hand, if your washing machine tilts even with a smaller load, your flooring may be uneven.
Front-Load Washing Machines: Dirty and Damaged Gaskets
Excess water can easily flow out of the loose-fitting doors of top-load washers, but this isn’t the case for the doors of front-load washers. which maintain an airtight seal with the use of a rubber gasket. As such, puddles forming in front of your washer are likely due to leaks that originated from this rubber gasket. To prevent this from happening, make sure to clean the gasket at least once a month. Each washing cycle leaves behind soapy residue that can cause leaks or mold if left unattended.
Keep in mind that although overflows are usually the result of minor issues, there’s still a chance that a more serious plumbing issue is to blame. If the leaks keep happening, have a plumber inspect your washer and its piping.
Major plumbing issues will probably require drain and sewer repair work. When scheduling repairs, make sure to hire an experienced contractor, as those with less experience may not be able to handle serious plumbing problems.
R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, a contractor with more than three decades’ worth of experience, offers plumbing and heating services. To schedule an on-site visit, call us at (505) 278-5112 or (505) 278-5112. You can also leave us a message on this form.
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