Washing Machine Leaking Water? Common Causes
A puddle under or in front of your washer can come from several different places. Tracing it to the source takes just a few minutes, and tells you whether it's a same day fix or something bigger.
Before anything else, figure out when the leak happens — during fill, during the wash cycle, during the spin cycle, or only when the machine is off. That timing alone narrows down the likely cause significantly.
Leaking During Fill
If water appears as the drum is filling, check the water supply hoses at the back of the machine first. Hose connections loosen over time, and rubber washers inside the fittings wear out and crack after several years. Tighten the connections by hand, and replace the hoses if they're more than 5 years old — a cheap and easy preventive fix.
Leaking During the Wash Cycle
This usually points to the door seal on front-load washers, including common LG models. Food residue, coins, or small items can get trapped in the folds of the rubber gasket, creating a gap that lets water escape during the wash. Run your hand around the inside of the seal and check for trapped debris or tears in the rubber.
Overloading the machine is another common cause here — too many clothes can push against the door and strain the seal's grip.
Leaking During the Spin Cycle
A leak that only shows up during spin often means the tub bearing or shock absorbers have worn out, allowing the drum to wobble and splash water past the seals. You may also notice loud banging or shaking during this part of the cycle. This repair involves disassembling the washer and is best left to a technician.
Leaking Only When the Machine Is Off
If water appears even when the washer isn't running, the issue is almost always the inlet valve staying slightly open, or a crack in the standpipe or drain hose. This is worth having checked quickly, since it means water is leaking continuously, not just during use.
Can't Pin Down the Source?
Our technicians can trace any washer leak to its exact cause and repair it the same day in most cases.
Water Damage Warning
Even a small, steady leak can soften subfloors and encourage mold growth if left unaddressed for weeks. If you notice soft or discolored flooring near the washer, mention this to your technician so they can check for hidden damage.
Preventing Future Leaks
Avoid overloading the drum, check hose connections twice a year, and wipe down the door seal after heavy use. These few habits catch most leak sources before they become a real problem — see our full guide on extending appliance lifespan for more.
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Book a Repair →Quick FAQs
This typically points to a worn tub bearing or shock absorbers, which let the drum wobble and splash water past the seals during high-speed spinning.
As a preventive measure, most manufacturers recommend replacing supply hoses every 5 years, even if they look fine, since rubber degrades from the inside.
Yes, an overloaded drum can push clothing against the door seal, creating gaps that let water escape during the wash cycle.
A small leak isn't usually an immediate safety risk, but ongoing water exposure can damage flooring and encourage mold, so it's best to have it checked promptly.
Stop the Leak Before It Causes Damage
Our technicians trace and repair washer leaks fast, with parts for every major brand on hand. Call now or book online.
Call (512) 877-2107