Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking from the Bottom?

Discovering water leaking from beneath your washing machine can be frustrating and alarming. Quickly identifying why your washing machine is leaking from the bottom can prevent water damage and keep your laundry room safe and dry.

Let's explore common reasons why your washing machine leaks from the bottom. We provide practical tips to help you find and fix the leak—and help prevent leaks from happening.

Cracked or Loose Fill Hoses

Problems with fill hoses are a leading cause of laundry room floods. Even a small drip coming from a worn out hose or loose connection can build up into a significant water puddle in practically no time.

Check the fill hoses and their connections first when you see you washing machine leaking from the bottom.

If a hose or connection is leaking, shut off the water supply faucets and replace both fill hoses. If one hose leaks, the other hose may begin leaking soon as well. Make sure that you tighten fill hose connections securely.

To prevent future fill hose leaks, inspect those hoses regularly for visible cracks, splits, or loose fittings. Replace damaged hoses and tighten any loose connections securely. Plan on replacing fill hoses every 3-5 years as a preventative measure even if they look okay.

Damaged Drain Hose

Another common reason your washing machine leaks from the bottom is a faulty drain hose. This hose directs used wash water from the machine into your drainage system and can become cracked, worn out, or disconnected.

Examine the drain hose for any cracks, holes, or loose connections.

Top Load Washer

You can typically tilt a top-load washer over on its side (with the tub empty, power cord unplugged and fill hoses disconnected) to check the drain hose.

Reconnect any loose hose fittings securely. Replace the drain hose if it’s cracked or damaged.

Front-Load Washer

Remove the back panel to check the drain hose. Further disassembly may be necessary on some models.

Tighten any loose hose fittings. Replace the drain hose if it’s cracked or damaged.

Internal Hose Leaks

Inside your washer, various hoses channel water between components. These internal hoses may loosen, crack, or wear out, resulting in leaks from the bottom of your washing machine.

Unplug the washer if you haven’t already unplugged it during previous checks. Remove the top washer panel and inspect the internal hoses. Tighten any loose hose connections and replace any damaged internal hoses.

Schedule washer repair service if you need to have a service technician inspect and replace or tighten leaking hoses.

Damaged Door Boot Gasket (Front-Load Washers)

If you have a front-load washer leaking from the bottom, the door boot gasket—the rubber seal that prevents leaks—might be damaged or loose.

Inspect the door boot gasket for visible damage or loose spots. Reattach the door boot if it’s loose.

Replace the gasket immediately if you find a tear or crack in the rubber.

Here's a helpful video showing how to replace a door boot gasket on a front-load washer:

Replacing the door boot is a fairly advanced repair and sometimes requires special tools. If you’re unable to replace the part yourself, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to replace the door boot for you.

Faulty Drain Pump

A malfunctioning or damaged drain pump can also cause your washing machine to leak water from the bottom. Signs include unusual noises during draining cycles or visible leaks around the pump area.

Listen for abnormal sounds and inspect the drain pump if it’s noisy or you suspect that it’s leaking.

Here’s a video that shows how to access and replace the drain pump in a top-load washer:

This video shows how to access and replace the drain pump in a front-load washer:

Have a service technician check and replace the pump if you’re not confident that you can complete this process on your own.

Preventing Future Washer Leaks

To avoid future incidents of your washing machine leaking from the bottom:

• Regularly inspect and maintain hoses and connections.
• Keep the washer drain and drain hose clear from lint and debris.
• Schedule annual washer maintenance by Sears Home Services to help keep your washer in top shape and operating safely.

Proactive maintenance and swift action can save your laundry room from water damage and keep your washer running reliably for years.