Washing machines are part of the daily needs of every household. From a small family to a larger one, everyday laundry is an absolute necessity. Disrupting the trait of cleanliness can be seen, if the washing machine faces any irregular notions.
Fixing a broken washing machine can cost as high as 50% of the cost of a new machine, thus fixing is a smart intelligent decision.
One of the major problems that many washing machine user’s face is that water drips inside the machine. Even when it is turned off, water may enter. If you are one such user, who is experiencing some leaking, you might not be the only one.
Here we will discuss why it is happening, and how you can find solutions that are quick, effective, and affordable.
Washing machine dripping water inside
There are plenty of reasons why a washing machine may drip water. A prime reason can be the water valve getting broken. Also, in many cases hose pipes getting loosen, clogged or damaged causes the dripping. However, if water drips inside, checking the water inlet valve would be the smartest move.
Having a troubled washing machine is a painful experience for any household. Not only are the overdue laundry to worry, finding ways to fix it, also comes with huge hassles. Thus having a washing machine dripping water is something to be taken seriously.
Dripping water may look innocent, but can be a big issue if ignored. It may lead to overflowing water and washes less effectively. However, it is wise to look into the matter as soon as possible, and fix the problem right away.
Also, if your washer is leaking into the drum, you may try to explore the reasons why it is happening. It can happen for multiple reasons.
Hose pipe:
Hose pipes allow water to pass into the machine from the water supply. Hose pipes are needed in multiple events in a washing machine. To connect the machine with hot and cold water sources and also allow the discharge of the drained water.
Being a vital component in the system, it is capable of doing much harm as well. There are many ways a hose pipe can contribute towards water dripping inside a washing machine –
Being loosen:
In case of a hose pipe connection being loosen, the water may spill into the washing machine. With even a small gap in the joint, large amounts can emit over time. However, to fix this issue, you only need to tighten the connection and don’t allow any gaps.
Being clogged:
A clogged hose pipe is even worse. If the discharge hose is clogged, then the wastewater will find no room to exit and overflow in the system when you drain it. As a result, washed clothes will become dirtier again.
Solution for this issue is to either clear the clog with cleaning too otherwise, you have to replace the hose pipe.
Being damaged:
A faulty or damaged or leaked hose pipe will drench lots of parts of the washing machine. Only solution to such a problem is to replace the pipe altogether.
Water Inlet Valve:
A very useful component of the machine is also responsible for controlling the amount of water to insert into the washing chamber. These can measure and control water supply on its own and with help of manual commands.
It is the most common reason for dripping water inside the washing machine.
When a valve fails to decide how much water to pass through or cannot control when to stop supplying water, it is considered a faulty valve. In this way, a washing machine can experience overflow and water wastage.
Easiest way to solve such a scenario, is to replace the valve with a new one. The process is simple and can be achieved without professional help.
Can overloading a washing machine cause it to drip water inside?
Overloading a washing machine can cause imbalance and the machine won’t be able to spin smoothly. Due to this, it is possible that the clothes may not get cleanest as per your expectation, as there will be little to no room for clothes to move properly.
However, in terms of dripping inside, no it is not possible as all washing machines are designed in a way that it can release water in times of overfilling. Meaning, due to an occasion of overloading, the washing machine can balance its weight by adjusting water quantity.
However, it’s unlikely that nothing would happen if you continue pouring clothes beyond limit. Water inlet valves may accidentally get broken due to overloading in a continuous manner. So yes, repetitively overloading a washing machine can cause it to drip water inside in the long run.
Is the washing machine dripping water inside common?
Being an electronic appliance, a washing machine might face big technical challenges after a while. One of the most common issues washing machine user’s face is dripping water. However, when the water leaks inside, it becomes a major problem to deal with.
GE washing machine:
Despite the finest quality of washing machine GE produces, it may leak water inside from time to time. In most cases, it only occurs when the inlet valve fails from the back.
LG washing machine:
LG washing machines are not particularly reputed for dripping water inside. However, if they do, you may fix it by yourself, without any external professional help.
Whirlpool washing machine:
It is pretty common for Whirlpool washing machines like most of the manufacturers. However, this is not any manufacturer’s fault, and only happens due to a faulty valve at the back of the washing machine.
How much does it cost to fix a dripping washer?
Dripping washing machines is very common among the users. Especially for old machines, which are overdue maintenance, may lead to dripping water. A washing machine can drip water in a number of ways.
If the water drips from outside due to loosen, clogged or damaged hoses, you simply have to replace the hose or tighten the joint.
The more expensive fix would be required, if the water leakage happens inside due to a broken water inlet valve. As the valve has the primary responsibility for controlling how much water may enter when needed. A broken valve fails to measure or may still pass water when the machine is not in action.
You may require professional labor along with new parts. Altogether it will only take around $100 – $175 depending on the model and parts and the experience of the professional.
How to stop water dripping into the washing machine?
Looking for professional help is not cheap, thus it would be wise to fix the problem if you desire and have the right tools.
The following steps will let you understand all the required instructions, which would guide you to successfully prohibit water dripping into the washing machine.
Disconnect the machine:
The first step would be sliding the machine from the wall and disconnecting it from electric power. Then, you may want to remove the connection of hot and cold water supply to the machine.
Remove all input and output connections of water for a while.
Remove the top panel:
Unscrew the top panel to remove it from the machine body. Find where the water inlet valve is located. As an amateur, you may want to take a photograph of the circuit, or label the wires so that it would be easier to connect them after the fixing.
Replace the faulty valve:
Now start removing the wire connection from the faulty valve. Also, you have to remove the hose from this valve to disconnect the water supply. Slowly pull it from the diaphragm to remove it.
Install the new valve:
It’s time to install the new valve that would take the place of the faulty one. Screw the new valve in place and connect the hose pipe in its inlet. Connect the electronic wires with the new valve.
Reattach the top panel:
Now connect the electric circuit as per the photograph or the label that you put earlier. After ensuring everything is in the right place, now you put the top panel on the machine. Screw it tightly in place and secure the top panel.
Reconnect everything:
Now you have to reconnect all hot and cold water supply hoses with the machine and don’t forget to connect the output hose. Connect all the electric power supplies in the right place. And slide it to its rightful place.
Time for a test run:
Before getting done with the work you may want to make a trial run and check if there are still leakages.
Final Thoughts
A dripping washing machine is no better than a broken one. Water inlet valves are the primary reason why a washing machine gets drenched inside. Also, the issue is common and the solution is not very hard to find. Repairing the machine will take less time and effort compared to replacing the system.