April 19, 2023

Front-Load Washer: Why does my front-load washing machine leak?

Puddles on the laundry room floor? First make sure the water supply hoses are firmly connected to the back of the washer and aren't damaged. Also check the washer drain system for a clog or restriction that could cause drain water to back up. Then, check the folds in the door boot for a hole. Damage to the outer wash tub--the stationary plastic tub outside the spin basket--could also cause a leak.

If the washer overfills during the cycle causing water to leak out of the door, suspect a faulty water-level pressure witch or a leaking inlet water valve. You may need to replace the water inlet valve assembly if water leaks into the washer and then onto the floor while the washer is turned off.

front-load washer

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR FRONT-LOAD WASHER PROBLEM

JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-door-boot

Replace the washer door boot

The door boot on a front-load washer is a flexible bellows-like seal that prevents leaks. Physically examine the boot for tears or holes, checking between the folds of the door boot. If the boot is damaged, replace it.

Washer door boot

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Door-Boot-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

How to replace the door boot on a front-load washer

Front-load washer leaking under the front panel? The door boot might be torn or damaged. This repair guide and video give step-by-step instructions for how to replace a front-load washer door boot.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-water-inlet-valve-assembly

Replace the washer water inlet valve assembly

The water inlet valve assembly is a set of water valves that control the flow of water into the washer. Replace the water valve assembly if the washer won't fill and start because a valve doesn't open, or if the washer overfills because the valve doesn't close.

Washer water inlet valve assembly

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RG-WASH-Replace-Vertical-Modular-Top-Load-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

How to replace a water inlet valve on a vertical modular top-load washer

When a top-load washer won't fill, or it fills with water even when unplugged, chances are the water inlet valve is to blame. This repair guide and video show how to replace the water inlet valve in 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Direct-Drive-Top-Load-Washer-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the water inlet valve on a direct-drive top-load washer

Is your top-load washer not filling with water, or is it filling even when it's unplugged? Suspect the water inlet valve. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace the water inlet valve in less than 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

How to replace a water inlet valve on a front-load washer

If your front-load washer won't fill with water, or if the washer fills with water even when it's unplugged, the problem could be the water inlet valve. This repair guide and video explain how to replace the washer water inlet valve in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-water-level-pressure-switch

Replace the washer water-level pressure switch

The water-level pressure switch detects the water level in the wash tub. If the water-level pressure switch is defective, the washer won't fill properly. It could not fill at all or it could overfill even to the point of overflowing. If the pressure switch doesn't accurately detect and control the water level in the washer, replace it.

Washer water-level pressure switch

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Direct-Drive-Top-Load-Washer-Water-Level-Pressure-Switch-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

When a top-load washer overfills with water, or when it won't fill at all, the water level pressure switch might have given out. This repair guide and video show how to replace the water level switch in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-outer-wash-tub

Replace the washer outer wash tub

The outer washer tub houses the inner metal spin basket. The other tub is stationary and usually made of plastic. The outer tub can leak if it's damaged. Replace the outer tub if an inspection reveals a crack or hole in the tub.

Washer outer wash tub

Find the required part specific to your product.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your washers

Choose a symptom to see related washer repairs.

Main causes: clogged drain hose, house drain clogged, bad drain pump, water-level pressure switch failure, bad control b…

Main causes: worn agitator dogs, bad clutch, broken motor coupler, shifter assembly failure, broken door lock, suspensio…

Main causes: bad lid switch or door lock, bad timer or electronic control board, wiring failure, bad water inlet valve a…

Main causes: broken lid switch or lid lock, bad pressure switch, broken shifter assembly, faulty control system…

Main causes: unbalanced load, loose spanner nut, worn drive block, broken shock absorber or suspension spring, debris in…

Main causes: no water supply, bad water valves, water-level pressure switch failure, control system failure, bad door lo…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, bad power cord, electronic control board failure, bad user interf…

Main causes: leaky water inlet valve, faulty water-level pressure switch, bad electronic control board…

Main causes: water heater failure, bad water temperature switch, faulty control board, bad water valve, faulty water tem…

Repair guides for front-load washers

How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer

How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer

The motor control board makes sure the motor spins in the right direction and at the right speed. You can install a new …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer

How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer

If the machine control board is completely dead or won't activate the washer components properly, replace it by followin…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer

How to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer

Follow these steps to replace the drain pump if it's not removing water from the washer.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your washers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your washer.

How to use your washing machine efficiently

How to use your washing machine efficiently

Find tips for using your washing machine efficiently to save energy and help reduce utility bills.…

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…