GE Washing Machine Leaking: 7 Common Reasons (with fixes)

GE washing machines have been around for a long time, producing high-quality, affordable washing machines.

Having said that, every appliance will eventually fail.

Hopefully, it will be later rather than sooner.

Toaster Hisory
Toaster Hisory

The most inconvenient thing is a broken washing machine that leaks all over the floor.

In this article, we’ll address the most common washing machine leak issues.

We are confident that we will be able to identify your GE washing machine leaking issues, possibly restoring your faith that it will not leak everywhere again.

Reasons why GE Washing Machine Leaks (with fixes)

The most common causes of a GE washing machine leaking from the bottom are using the incorrect type and quantity of detergent, overloading the machine, leaking detergent draws, or leaking hoses.

Based on our research and experience, below are the most common reasons why your GE washing machine is leaking water underneath and all over the floor

Before we dive in to figure out where the washer is leaking, take a look at where the water is pooling and try to figure out where it’s coming from.

If the washing machine is not level, the water will run, and it will be more difficult to pinpoint the source of the leak.

Examine the Most Easily Resolved Common Causes

Before you replace hoses and gaskets, determine whether the leak is caused by something that can be fixed more easily.

Check the machine’s instructions to ensure you’re using it correctly.

Here are a few examples of common, easily remediable issues:

Right amount and type of Detergent

Often GE washing machines leak due to incorrect amount and type of detergent being used, this oversudsing does appear as a leak.

Because different detergents are formulated with different concentrations, the appropriate amount may vary depending on the load size.

To avoid oversizing be sure to use only use HE detergent. 

HE laundry detergents are concentrated laundry detergents that are low-sudsing.

Never use more than the amount recommended by the detergent manufacturer and only use the required amount of the size of the load.

You should be able to tell if you have the right amount of suds during a wash cycle.

If there are a heavy amount of suds this indicates the amount of detergent should be reduced.

The next step in determining the leak problem is to move to the following step.

Check the Load

Water can leak out of the washer if you try to load it with too many clothes.

Leaking problems can also occur if the washer is loaded in such a way that heavier clothes are on one side, causing an imbalance that shakes the washer during the spin cycle.

Remove the Drain Plug

If your washing machine is brand new, it will have a drain plug that must be removed before connecting the drain hose.

The washer will not drain properly if you run the cycle without first removing the plug.

Faulty Detergent Draw

Laundry detergent can also be a source of the leak.

If your drawer is leaking, rust can build up around the edges.

Examine it for any damage and give it a thorough clean.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it properly.

This includes the type and amount of detergent that should be used.

Hose Clamp Loose or Missing?

Your washing machine’s drain hose should be connected to the drainage pipe that extends from your washer.

A clamp for the hose connection should be visible where they meet.

Your washing machine’s drain hose should be connected to the drainage pipe that extends from the washer.

This clamp may be hidden on the inside of some models, but it is usually visible.

If the connection feels or appears loose, or if there is no clamp or sealed connection at all, water may be leaking out the bottom of the washer.

In most cases, tightening the water hose by hand is sufficient.

However, there may be times when a replacement part or a professional serviceman is required to complete the task.

Defective Door Seal

The most common cause of leaks is a defective door seal, which is easily repaired and identifiable.

Water frequently begins to leak from the bottom of the washing machine because something prevents the front-loading door from closing completely.

This could be due to dirt, excessive detergent, or other factors.

Check the door seal (also known as the gasket) for any wear or tears.

It will need to be replaced if there are tears.

If it is not damaged, gently clean it with warm water to remove any detergent, grime, or dirt.

Common Washer Faults and Repairs

If you have checked all of the above items and your washer is still leaking, it could be due to faulty parts.

The following are the most common faulty parts that cause leaks.

Faulty Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve, which is usually located where the hot and cold inlet hoses enter the washer, controls the hot and cold water that enters the tub

A leak from the water inlet valve is usually caused by body cracks or a faulty seal.

The water inlet valve can be removed and replaced by removing the access panel and then removing the clamps that secure it with pliers.

Broken or Faulty Tub Seal

If the water leak is beneath the washer, replacing a component known as the tub seal will usually solve the problem.

This is especially important if your washing machine starts leaking during the rinse cycle.

A tub seal is installed on the top of the transmission of the washing machine.

To access the tub seal, remove the spin basket and possibly flip the washer over.

Unfortunately, this can imply a significant amount of disassembly work, and it may be best to contact a repair technician.

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Filter or Catch Basket Clogged?

A catch basket in a washing machine is similar to a lint trap in a dryer.

It can become clogged over time, resulting in fibers in your washed laundry.

However, it can also cause the washer to leak from the bottom!

clogged basket or filter in the washing machine

The catch basket can be found along the top edge of the washing machine’s drum, the top of the center column (called the agitator) of the drum, or at the end of the drain hose, where there may be a removable screen you can clean.

These catch baskets may not be available in newer washers.

Defective Internal Hoses

A water leak that appears to be coming from beneath the washing machine, usually a large amount of water, is frequently caused by one of the many hoses inside the washer, most commonly the tub-to-pump hose.

The dispenser hose and the internal drain hose are two other hoses to inspect.

Foreign objects, such as buttons or coins, that have passed through the washer’s internal filters can cause damage to either of these internal hoses.

So be sure to check the hoses are not damaged or cracked, and that they are securely attached.

Any damaged hoses will need to be replaced.

Defective Water Pump

A faulty water pump or hoses linked to the pump are frequently to blame for leaks under the washer.

If the pump is malfunctioning, you will typically hear a lot of rumbling or shaking coming from the appliance throughout a wash cycle.

A washer’s water pump is often found near the bottom of the appliance.

The two substantial hoses that are attached to the water pump serve as a visual cue.

If any of these connections seem slack or congested, you can visually confirm this.

Defective Coupler

If your washing machine is leaking from the bottom of your clothes are still wet after a cycle, a broken coupler could be the source of the problem.

The coupler serves as a rubber or plastic seal between the washing machine’s motor and drum.

To protect the actual machinery in the event of a malfunction, it is actually designed to break.

And the good news is replacing it is not too expensive!

What Should I do if GE Washer keeps leaking?

Because you have a leak, it does not mean that your washer is broken and cannot be repaired.

Following the steps outlined above should allow you to identify and resolve the problem.

To find out the warranty of your fridge, it’s best to locate the paperwork that was handed over to you when you purchased the fridge.

GE appliances typically come with a 12-month limited warranty. Check the back of your owner’s manual for the specifics of your appliance’s warranty.

For more information on warranty and support check out 1-Year Limited Warranty (geappliances.com)

However, if you have been unable to resolve the leak it’s time to call in a qualified technician to take a look

Should I Repair or Replacement my Washer?

If the repair is less than half the price of a new appliance and your machine still has several years of expected life left, a quick fix may be a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire washer.

A valid warranty can also justify any repair.

If not, it’s time to change the washer.

If the defective part costs more than half the price of a new washer.

Conclusion

This concludes the article, and we hope your GE washer is no longer leaking.

Remember that machines break down, and no matter how frustrating it is to discover that your beloved washer is leaking, keep your cool.

If your leaking problem has not been resolved, you should call a technician.

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