Quick answer
A washing machine leak may come from the inlet hose, waste hose, door seal, filter or plumbing connection. Stop the cycle and isolate the appliance's water supply; if water is near electrics, do not touch the appliance and isolate the circuit at the consumer unit if safe.
Make the area safe first
Water and electricity are a serious hazard. If water has reached a socket, plug, appliance cable or other electrical equipment, do not touch it. Isolate the affected circuit at the consumer unit only if you can do so safely from a dry location. If unsure, keep clear and seek qualified help. Do not pull a plug from a wet area.
If safe, stop the washing programme using the controls. Close the washing machine's water isolation valve or turn off the household supply if the valve is inaccessible and the leak continues. Keep people away from standing water and mop only when it is safe to do so.
Look for the source
Once the machine is off and the area is safe, check whether water is coming from the front, rear, beneath the machine or the nearby sink connection. A leak during filling can suggest an inlet hose or connection; water during draining may come from the waste hose, filter or waste pipe. These clues are not a diagnosis, and a concealed leak may appear some distance from its source.
Safe checks
- 1Inspect visible inlet and waste hoses for splits, kinks or a connection that has come loose. Do not move a heavy machine if doing so risks injury or strains connected pipes.
- 2Check the sink waste connection where the washing machine hose enters, if accessible. Look for drips while the machine remains isolated; do not dismantle a wet or damaged connection.
- 3Check the manufacturer's instructions before opening a pump filter. It may release trapped water, so place a shallow tray and towels first and do not force a stuck cap.
- 4Keep the water supply isolated until a damaged hose or fitting has been repaired and the area is dry and safe.
Repair and prevention
An appliance fault may need a washing machine engineer, while a leaking valve, waste connection or pipework may need a plumber. Do not run repeated test cycles to find a leak. TraceFix engineers in Birmingham and London can assess plumbing connections and leaks around appliances; appliance repairs may require a specialist.
When to call a plumber
- Water is near a socket, plug, cable or electrical appliance.
- The leak continues after the appliance is switched off or its valve is closed.
- A hose, valve or waste connection is split, corroded or inaccessible.
- Water has spread under flooring, into a ceiling or into adjoining rooms.