Let me remind you i'm in Argentina. Down south in the 4th world and digging...

My washing machine developped a small leak that appears a while AFTER it's done washing.

I believe it's 10YO but otherwise working perfectly.

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What kind of washing machine is it?

I believe Appliance Brad might be able to answer your question if you ping him.

I had something similar years back and the culprit was the tub basket seal. I think it was around $160 USD to repair. As bad luck would have it - the rest of the machine failed a year later so I replaced it.

the rubber gasket or seal is a good first place to look, especially for front load washers. it is between the door/frame and the metal "tub"

type of washer is important. the water that is leaking, is it clean? soapy? dirty?

the drain will clog over time as well, i usually clear the drains on my machines every 5 years or so.

Assuming you don't have one of those newfangled HE (High Efficiency) Front Loaders, Washing Machines are relatively simple designs. They are easily disassembled (lots of videos on YouTube), and most repairs are bolt on replacement parts. I'd get it out in the room and take off the enclosure and do a visual diagnosis. Only simple tools will be required (screwdriver, pliers & MAYBE a ratchet w/ socket), and a water leak will be obvious/easily diagnosed. Hopefully your issue is a hose that's worn through in a small spot due to vibration, or something else simple. At ten years old, you're issue is VERY likely NOT a catastrophic failure.

I've got a Kenmore/Whirlpool Washer (and Dryer) that I purchased in 1998 that's still going VERY strong (knock on wood), and I've only had to do a couple of minor repairs.

May the odds be ever in your favor...


ETA - I'm pretty sure 'Appliance Brad' would prefer to NOT be diagnosing washing machine repairs on another continent, so we should probably keep him out of it! He might chime in if he felt the urge to do so, but that would/should be at his discretion....Just Sayin'

My first guess would be a small crack in the drainage pump.
I had a similair issue in a maytag He top loader. Wound up being a hairline crack on the drum side of the pump housing,
that dripped after the cycle.

Replacement pump was ~25 bucks on amazon

This message has been edited. Last edited by: PeteF,

I've fixed a broken front panel recently using a YT video. A gasket sounds very reasonable given the age of the appliance.
Country has ran out of parts and services usually tell you you are SOL but only after charging you for the visit.

Always ask the board first to have a ballpark idea what you are facing is my motto.

The color of the floor tiles makes the leaked water almost invisible but it doesn't look soapy or dirty.

The timing is odd.

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Front Loaders are 'really' the only machines with such gaskets. Top Loaders are nearly gasket free, at least those that are simple replacements. What type of machine do you have?

quote:

Originally posted by 0-0:
I've fixed a broken front panel recently using a YT video. A gasket sounds very reasonable given the age of the appliance.
Country has ran out of parts and services usually tell you you are SOL but only after charging you for the visit.

Always ask the board first to have a ballpark idea what you are facing is my motto.

The color of the floor tiles makes the leaked water almost invisible but it doesn't look soapy or dirty.

The timing is odd.

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Pull the washing machine out and run it while watching behind and under neath it with a light. If it's a small leak it might be something as simple as a loose hose clamp on the pump or discharge hose, or the discharge hose itself. My guess is that it's leaking a tiny bit the entire time it's running and just eventually makes it out from under the machine.

Youtube is your friend.

Always start with the easy things…
Like Jimmy said,Pull it out and run it.
I had a top load that suddenly began leaving oil splotches on clothing…was some kinda seal in the top load washer. You tube showed me how to fix it.
I’d check to see if any hoses have worked loose or a housing has cracked due to age.

It's a front loader.
You guys are making a lot of sense, will try pulling it out and watching it.

Thanks.


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Once you know the source of the water, post the make, model, and place of the leak.

If the part is cheap enough, I'll buy it and mail it to you.

Thank you for the offer but i have to hard pass.

You wouldn't believe the loops you have to go through in this venezuelan wannabe administration to get stuff from abroad.

Much appreciated.

Will likely find the part locally if i look hard enough.

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As posted, take the cover off, best you can. The idea is to find the exact location of the leak.

Our washer is 1996 vintage, has had several leaks. Often of can get a hose from the hardware store to splice in. No need to get an official part.

Another vote for taking off as much sheet metal as necessary, then running it and watching for leaks. I repaired a front loader this way. Turned out to be the cold water solenoid valve. Found the part for under twenty bucks, took only a few minutes to detach hoses and replace it.

This is going to sound dumb but what about running it without clothes but with food coloring dye in the water?

Also, maybe try the water filter. They get clogged up and can back up. Easy to do if it has a small access door.