Front Load Washer - Leaking Water

Leaks on a Front Load Washer can be caused by soil and soap being left on the door seal after a wash. Carefully wipe off the rubber door seal to prevent small leaks, making sure to wipe the edge of the gasket.The following video provides suggestions for things to check when a Front Load Washer is leaking water:Video - Front Load Washer Leaks

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Here Are Tips to Resolve Various Water Leakage Concerns with Your Front Load Washer

A Few Drops of Water

• Debris, fabric fibers in the gasket.
  • Open the door, clean the gasket (lift up the edge and clean the underside, and in the folds of the gasket, as much as you can).
  • Ensure when putting a load in that all of the items are in the drum and not hanging over the edge to get caught when the door is closed.
• Ensure the detergent door is completely closed and not left slightly ajar.

A Substantial Leak (Not Flooding)

The dispenser trays will fill with water that will flush the detergent, fabric softener, etcetera, into the wash load at a specific time through ports that open into the drum. If anything blocks the ports, then the fill-water for the dispenser will have no outlet and water will backup and overfill the dispenser and leak out of the washer.

• Detergent pods will not dissolve in the dispenser.
  • Do not place detergent pods in the dispenser.
  • Place pods in the drum with the clothes.
• A clogged dispenser tray will block the ports that open into the drum with the load.
  • The dispenser trays and box should be cleaned at least once a month to remove laundry product buildup. The procedure for this is listed in the Owner’s Manual for your specific washer model.

Flooding

• Check the fill hoses and drain hose for holes, damage or improper installation.
  • PAUSE the wash cycle or turn the appliance OFF at the control panel or shut off the circuit breaker to the appliance (do not unplug while standing in water).
  • When the power is OFF, turn the household water OFF at the valves behind the washer.
  • Inspect the hoses for damage and replace if necessary. This includes both the Fill hoses (2) and Drain hose (1).
  • Depending on your installation, check to ensure the drain hose is not pushed too far down into the standpipe behind the washer. A gap is needed between the hose and the standpipe that will allow air in to help the water drain properly. Back-pressure from the hose being pushed too far into the opening can cause flooding.
• Have the plumbing checked for clogs.
  • The washer’s drain hose allows all the water to leave the drum.
  • The drain hose must be installed into an outlet that is part of the household plumbing (either a standpipe behind the washer, or to a floor drain, or a sink, etcetera).
  • A plumber is needed to correct any clogs to the household plumbing.

Soapy, Sudsy Water

You could be using too much detergent.

• The softer your water is for your home, the less detergent you need.
• We recommend using HE detergent (high-efficiency).
  • This detergent is concentrated for use in low water-use washers.
  • HE detergent does not create the soap bubbles that could overflow and cause leaks.
  • Check the label for the HE icon on the detergent packaging.

Additional Support

To protect your floor from scuffs, spills, leaks and overflow, washer trays are available to order from our GE Appliances Parts and Accessories website. For more information, please check out the Washer - Universal Floor Tray article.