My Washer is Leaking, Should I Replace It?

You’re doing laundry one day when you notice that the machine leaks when the water drains after rinsing or washing clothes. Does this mean that your washing machine is broken and you need to replace it?

If the water only leaks out during the above cycles, it’s probably not a damaged water supply hose, which tends to drip water nonstop. There’s a good chance that you do not need to run out and plop down $400 to $1100.00 (average price of a new washer) on a new top or front-loader.

Instead, all you have to do is a little troubleshooting to find the source of the mysterious leak and get it repaired. The problem can probably be traced back to one of the following:

• Drain Hoses: The washer comes equipped with large drain hoses, and as the hoses lose their elasticity with wear and tear, the connection points can leak or the clamps can get loose. Also, the hoses can become brittle as they age, which can lead to splitting and holes. If there are leaks or drips under the hoses, that’s a telltale sign there’s a problem. You also want to look for rust or calcium deposits on the hoses as this may indicate a leak.
• The pump: It’s the pump’s job to draw water out of the tub and into the drain. If the seals inside the pump become brittle with wear and tear, the leaky pump will eventually fail, leading to the need for a replacement.
• Seals: Other seals, such as the outer tub seal can sustain damage over time. If these seals fail, the leakage won’t be limited to when the washer expels water. Instead, the machine will leak at several points throughout the cycle. Generally, the outer tub seals and the center post gasket under the agitator have a tendency to leak.
• Too much detergent: When people put too much detergent in the washer, it can result in “oversudsing.” When this happens, it’s common to notice leaking during the wash cycle, but it can also occur during the drain cycle.
  If your washing machine is leaking, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to go out and buy a new washer; it could just mean that you need a few parts replaced. But, what if your washing machine is old, should you replace it instead of having it repaired? It depends.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Washer?

How long do washing machines last? On average, the lifespan of a washing machine is about 14 years, whether it’s a top-loader or a front-loader. That figure is based on one load a day, or seven loads a week.

So, if you wash two or three loads a day, the lifespan of the machine would be shorter, but if you were to wash only three loads a week, you’d be extending the life of the washer.

Do you have a leaky washing machine? Contact Excalibur Plumbing to schedule a service call with one of our professional plumbers!