Washing machines can leak for a variety of reasons, and stumbling upon a leak unexpectedly is not only a pain, if it’s not resolved quickly, that leak can also result in unwanted water damage! Extensive water damage can be costly, and also develop into mold growth, which is the last thing you want to find in your laundry room. Here are some reasons why a washer leaks, and that may make you want to inspect certain components now to prevent problems later.
The first thing you’ll want to do is check your water hoses. On your washer, you have two hoses that carry water from pipes in the wall to the machine (one for hot water, one for cold). You’ll want to first make sure there’s no physical damage to the hoses, such as a crack, or simple wearing down from age and use. If they seem physically fine, make sure that each hose is attached tightly to the machine itself and the wall. Both sides of the hoses have mesh filters inside of them to prevent any debris or impurities from entering the washer – make sure that those are also completely clear, just to be sure.
If the external hoses are in good condition, the next place to check is inside the washer itself. There are also internal hoses that drain and fill the inside of the machine. You should perform a thorough check of these (similar to that described above) to see if they are the potential cause. If necessary, a damaged hose is usually easily handled by replacement. Survey the rest of the washer for additional signs of faulty components that need addressing before another leak occurs.
We hate to say it, but sometimes you may be the culprit behind your laundry leak. Why is that? Well, even the largest, most durable washing machines have limits. They seem so sturdy, with a very large drum – but it’s still possible to overstuff them. When you have especially bulky items like certain towels, blankets, or sheets, there’s only so much that the machine can take, and it may leak sudsy water. Here’s an often overlooked tip: It’s important to pay attention to the kind, brand, and amount of detergent you use. Too much HE (or modern “high-efficiency detergent”) can cause an overflow in the machine, so always measure and use the amount that corresponds to the size of the load.
More than anything, your local team at Restoration 1 of Northwest Arkansas wants you to prevent a major water episode from a leaking washer, because water damage is fast-acting. If you have hardwood floors, they could easily be ruined – along with wooden baseboards and other items, depending upon the amount of water spilled. Call us today for immediate water damage restoration. We are available 24/7 and serve the cities across the Northwest Arkansas