A washing machine flood is stressful and can damage floors, cabinets and neighbours' ceilings in an apartment building. Most floods are preceded by warning signs that are easy to miss. Spotting them early gives you time to act.
Early warning signs
- Damp patches or small puddles around or beneath the machine
- Water stains on the floor or the wall behind it
- A musty smell from the area around the machine
- Slow draining or water that stays in the drum
- Unusual noises from the pump, such as gurgling or humming
- Detergent residue or leaking from the drawer
- Hoses that bulge, are cracked or feel wet
- A door seal that is torn, mouldy or leaking
- Vibration and shaking during the spin
- Error codes relating to water, drainage or the door lock
What causes floods
Common causes include worn inlet or drain hoses, loose clamps, a blocked drain filter or pump, a damaged door seal, a failing door lock, a blocked drain pipe or standpipe, overloading, too much detergent that creates suds, and a faulty valve that lets water in when it should not. Scale can add to blockages. See hard water and home appliances.
Safe checks
- Look around the machine with a torch for moisture.
- Check both hoses for kinks, bulges and drips, and make sure the clamps are tight, with the machine unplugged.
- Check the drain filter according to the manual, placing towels and a shallow tray first.
- Wipe the door seal and look for tears.
- Use the right detergent amount for the load.
- Do not overload the drum.
- Check that the standpipe or drain is not blocked or too low.
Prevention habits
- Turn off the water tap after use if the machine is in an area at risk.
- Replace old hoses before they fail.
- Clean the drain filter and detergent drawer regularly.
- Keep the machine level.
- Do not leave a machine running while you are out, if possible.
- Consider a drip tray in sensitive areas.
If water is already spreading
When to call a technician
Call if the machine keeps leaking, will not drain, shows water or drain error codes, or has a damaged door seal or hose you cannot replace yourself. Tell us the model, what you see and when it happens. See washing machine repair for more. For basic checks across appliances, read everyday appliance faults: safe checks.
Need help with your AC or appliance?
Call or message us on WhatsApp. Tell us the appliance, its make and model if you have them, and what is happening. A photo or short video of the fault helps.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is there water under my washing machine?
Common causes are loose or worn hoses, a leaking door seal, a blocked drain filter or an overfilled drawer. A technician can find the exact cause.
Is it safe to keep using a machine that leaks a little?
It is better not to. Small leaks tend to get worse and can reach electrics or neighbours.
Can too much detergent cause a flood?
It can create excess suds that overflow or interfere with drainage. Use the recommended amount.
How often should I replace the hoses?
Check them regularly. Replace them if they show cracks, bulges or wear, or according to the manual.
