Washing Machine Leak Fix

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-109 -- More Projects »
PHOTO
Home repair expert Henry Harrison helps a guest track down a leak behind her washing machine. They flush the drain, replace the drain hose and band clamps, and finally replace water lines. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a one.

Tools:

flashlight
band clamp
auger
replacement intake hoses
screwdriver
adjustable wrench
garden hose
level

PHOTO

Figure A
PHOTO

Figure B
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Figure C
Steps:

1. Move dryer out of the way. Turn off water supply and unplug washer, then turn it around enough to inspect hoses (figure A). If everything seems all right, you may need to turn washer back on and run a test load of clothes.

2. In this case, the leak was coming from the drain hose where it connected to another hose that in turn fed into the drain.

3. Snug up the connection between the two hoses using a band clamp (figure B). Tighten the screw for the band clamp using a screwdriver.

4. Run an auger down the drainpipe to make sure there are no blockages (figure C). Once you're sure it's clear, insert a garden hose into the drain and flush it out.

5. Reinsert the drain from the washer.

6. If the supply hoses to the washer are old, go ahead and install anti-burst replacement hoses. Make sure water is off and loosen old hoses with an adjustable wrench. Replace hoses, turn water back on and check for leaks.

7. Move washer back into place and check with a level to make sure it's secure.