Leaking Washing Machine: Causes, Fixes, and When to Call a Pro

When your leaking washing machine, a household appliance that dispenses water to clean clothes but unexpectedly spills it onto the floor. Also known as a wet washing machine, it’s one of the most common appliance emergencies in UK homes. A small drip might seem harmless, but it’s often a warning sign—water doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It’s coming from somewhere specific: a worn hose, a damaged drum seal, a clogged pump, or a cracked tub. Ignoring it won’t make it go away. In fact, it’ll likely get worse, soaking your floor, rotting subflooring, or even triggering mold.

Most washing machine leaks, unintended water escape from a washing machine during operation or standby happen because of simple, fixable parts. A loose or cracked inlet hose is the easiest culprit—you can check it in under five minutes. Just pull the machine out, turn off the water, and look for cracks, mineral buildup, or wet spots. Then there’s the door seal, the rubber gasket around the drum. Over time, it gets brittle, collects lint, and starts to leak from the front. You can clean it, but if it’s torn or stretched, it needs replacing. Less obvious is the pump or drain hose. If water leaks from the bottom during spin, it’s often the pump seal or a clog forcing water out where it shouldn’t. And if you hear grinding or see water pooling under the machine after a cycle, that’s a sign the drum bearing or tub itself might be failing.

Not every leak means you need a new machine. Many repairs cost under £100 and take less than an hour. But if your washer is over eight years old and you’re fixing the same part twice, it’s probably time to think about replacement. Older models use more water and energy, and parts get harder to find. A new machine might cost more upfront, but it’ll save you money in the long run. And if you’re unsure where the leak is coming from? Don’t guess. Water can travel, making it hard to trace. That’s where a certified appliance repair technician, a trained professional who diagnoses and fixes household appliances like washing machines, boilers, and ovens comes in. They’ve seen it all—broken hoses, faulty valves, even hidden cracks in the tub—and they know exactly where to look.

You’ll find real stories below—from people who fixed their own leaks with a new hose, to those who called in a pro after their machine flooded the kitchen. Some saved £300 by DIYing. Others avoided a flood by acting fast. No fluff. Just what actually works.