Find out why a washing machine is leaking

Work through the common causes of a washing machine leak, from door seal to drain pump, safely and in order.

WM-01Switch off and unplug the machineTurn the machine off at the wall socket and pull the plug out before you touch anything. Never work on a wet appliance while it's still connected to the mains. If the leak is bad enough to have reached the socket or any wiring, don't touch it — switch off at the consumer unit instead.

WM-02Turn off the water supplyFind the isolation valve on the pipe behind the machine and turn it to shut off the water. If there isn't one, find your main stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and turn that off instead — check now that it actually turns, so you're not hunting for it with water on the floor. This stops the leak getting worse while you investigate.

WM-03Pull the machine out and protect the floorLay old towels down and gently ease the machine forward, keeping the hoses slack so you don't strain or kink them. Have a shallow tray or bowl ready to catch any drips from hoses as you disconnect them later. Take your time — a full machine is heavy and awkward on its own.

3 each · Old towels

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1 each · Shallow tray or washing-up bowl

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WM-04Check the door seal (rubber gasket)Open the door and run your fingers right round the rubber gasket, feeling into the fold for grit, coins, hairpins or small tears. A perished or torn seal is one of the most common leak causes and lets water spray out during the wash and spin. If you find a split, the seal will need replacing — this is a straightforward DIY job on most machines with the right seal.

WM-05Check the detergent drawer and dispenserPull the drawer fully out and check behind it for a build-up of powder sludge or a blocked overflow channel. A clogged dispenser can cause water to back up and drip out of the front of the machine rather than draining through properly. Rinse the drawer under a tap and wipe out the recess with an old cloth.

1 each · Old cloth

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WM-06Check the inlet hoses and connectionsLook at both the cold (and hot, if fitted) inlet hoses where they screw into the back of the machine and into the wall valve. Feel for dampness or a slow drip at either joint, and check the rubber washer inside each connector isn't cracked or missing. Tighten by hand first; if it's still loose, use an adjustable spanner but don't overtighten plastic fittings.

1 each · Adjustable spanner

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2 each · Replacement inlet hose washer

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WM-07Check the outlet (drain) hoseTrace the drain hose from the back of the machine to where it connects to the standpipe or under-sink waste. Check the hose itself isn't split or cracked along its length, and that the connection is pushed in fully and not just resting loose. A leaking drain hose usually shows up as a puddle right where it meets the standpipe.

WM-08Check the drain pump filterFind the small filter cover at the bottom front of the machine, put a shallow tray underneath it, and unscrew it slowly — some water will run out. Clear out any fluff, coins or debris, then check the filter's own rubber seal isn't torn before screwing it back in firmly. A blocked filter forces water to find another way out, often as a leak underneath the machine.

1 each · Shallow tray

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WM-09Look for signs of a tub or drum seal leakIf none of the above show a fault, look underneath the machine for water that only appears during the spin cycle — this often points to a worn tub seal or drum bearing, which lets water past the drum itself. This is a bigger job involving stripping the machine down, and on older machines it's often not worth the repair cost. If you suspect this, it's a job for a repair engineer or a decision point on whether to replace the machine.

WM-10Reconnect and run a test washOnce you've fixed or ruled out each cause, reconnect the inlet hose, push the machine back into place without kinking any hoses, and turn the water supply back on. Plug in and run a short empty cycle, checking underneath every few minutes for any fresh dripping. Wipe up and remove your towels once you're confident the leak has stopped.

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