A Hotpoint washing machine is well known to be an excellent investment. These appliances are sturdy and reliable, but just like any other washing machine, they can sometimes cause you trouble.
If your washing machine is leaking, you need to locate and repair the source of the leak by checking the internal and external drain hoses, as well as the drain pump. These are the most likely culprits of the problem.
If you’re not sure how to approach the task, keep reading. This article will break down some of the most common causes of a leaking washing machine and explain how to solve the problem as quickly as possible without calling for further assistance. Or, check out these washing machine recommendations.
Common Causes
If you’ve been prevented from doing your laundry by a pesky leak, here are some of the most common causes you can check out to get back to your chores.
External Drain Hose
Your washing machine has internal and external drain and water supply hose connections. A common cause of leaking in a washing machine is a puncture in the external hose or the hose becoming loosened from the fitting.
The drain hose can become damaged when the washing machine drain hose is pushed up against the wall, and the washing machine’s vibrations cause it to split or wear away.
Internal Drain Hose/Tub to Pump Hose
An issue with the tub-to-pump hose can often be the cause of a water leak from underneath the washing machine. If you notice a large amount of water coming from your washing machine’s underside, this might be the problem.
A similar issue might occur with the internal drain hose, which might have become damaged due to foreign objects getting stuck in the washer’s filtration system. Items like coins or paperclips that might have been left in your pockets can clog the filter and cause a blockage which could lead to leaking.
Drain Pump
The third most common cause of a leak in Hotpoint washing machines is when there is an issue with the drain pump.
If you have a faulty drain pump, you might notice your appliance shaking or rattling when running a cycle.
Depending on your washing machine model, the drain pump could be electric, belt-driven, or a direct drive. Each of these will need to be handled differently, but any type could become cracked, damaged, or blocked.
A blocked filter can also be caused by foreign objects, but the drain pump might also become cracked, worn, or torn, causing the same problem to arise.
Other Potential Causes
While the above three issues are the most common causes of a leak underneath your Hotpoint washing machine, there are a few other causes that may be the culprit.
Tub Seal
Hotpoint front loaders have a tub seal on the outer tub and another seal that goes around the tub. A top loader has a tub seal, too – located at the bottom of the tub.
If a tub seal becomes loose, torn, or worn away, this can cause water to leak from the outer drum and out of your appliance. A damaged tub seal can also cause water to leak into the tub bearings and cause the bearings to fail, which is another issue that will need to be dealt with.
Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve controls the hot and cold water supply flowing into the washing machine. The water inlet valve is located on the inlet hoses at the entrance to the washing machine’s plumbing.
There might be a leak in the inlet valve caused by cracks in the body or a faulty seal, which simply occurs over time as general wear and tear on your appliance.
Detergent Dispenser
A final issue that might be causing leaking in your machine is a clogged and blocked detergent dispenser.
Detergent residue can build up and create a leak if there is an overflow of water pooling into the dispenser that can’t flow out due to blockage.
Another detergent-related issue is the potential of the overproduction of soap suds. This is often caused by using too much detergent or the wrong type of detergent. Make sure to use a high-efficiency washing detergent, as these are formulated to create minimal soap suds.
How to Fix Your Leaking Washing Machine
Now that you know what might be causing the leak in your washing machine, this next section will break down what you need to do to get it fixed fast.
Find the Source of the Leaking
First of all, it’s crucial that you identify the source of the leak since the process of solving the problem will change depending on the cause and location of the leak.
Start by running your washer and feeling around the appliance for the source of any moisture. Look at the areas that correlate with the most common causes of leaks: the external and internal drain hoses, the tub-to-pump hose, the drain pump, etc.
If you can’t find the source, you might want to get in touch with an appliance specialist or a plumber to help you out. Or, you can perform more thorough checks at each location:
Check the External Drain Hose
In order to thoroughly check the external drain hose, you’ll need to first turn off the appliance, unplug it from the wall outlet, and move it away from the wall so you can access the back.
When you’ve moved it, check for any leaking and make sure that the drain hose is not loose and that it’s appropriately inserted into the appliance and secured. If it’s not, tighten the connection and secure it.
Next, inspect the hose for tears or punctures where water might be leaking from. If you notice any damage, you can use insulation tape or putty, purchase a new hose, or contact a professional for further assistance.
Check the Internal Drain Hose
In order to check the internal drain hose and the tub-to-pump hose, you’ll also need to disconnect the washer from the power source, move it away from the wall, and then disconnect the water supply hose connections.
You’ll then need to remove the access panel by unscrewing it or lifting it with a putty knife. Here, you’ll be able to access the tub-to-pump hose and internal drain hose, which are both connected to the drain pump.
Feel for moisture in this area and make sure that the connections are tightened. Check for rust or damage to your hose clamps and look for damage to the hoses. If you see any damage, the hoses will need to be replaced.
Check the Drain Pump
If the hoses aren’t part of the problem, you can also investigate the drain pump itself while you already have the access panel opened.
Depending on which model of Hotpoint washing machine you have, there might be two or three hoses connected to it. Check all of the hoses as well as the pump itself, for cracks and any other signs of damage.
Check that the pump impeller turns freely and is not broken – if there are any loose or broken pieces of plastic, you will need to replace your drain pump.
You can also remove the drain pump from the appliance and test it for resistance with a multimeter if you have the tools available to you. You can also contact an appliance professional for assistance if you suspect a problem.
Check for Imbalances
A leak might also be caused by an imbalance in your machine, so it’s a good idea to ensure that the appliance is standing level as one final check.
You can check this by simply rocking your machine from side to side when it is turned off and disconnected from the power supply for safety purposes. You can also use a spirit level to check with more accuracy.
If you notice that the machine is unbalanced, adjust the feet of the washing machine until they are all touching the floor and providing support.
Other Possible Solutions
Even if you didn’t notice any moisture while investigating your machine, most professionals recommend double-checking after running a cycle on your washing machine. However, there are still a few more things you could take into consideration.
Stop Overloading Your Washing Machine
If you have overloaded your washing machine, you might want to consider reducing the load in your next cycle.
Too large a load can cause leaks, too many suds, and even damage both your clothes and your appliance in the long term.
Close Your Detergent Dispenser
Even something as simple as not properly closing your detergent dispenser can cause an overflow of water to come out of your washing machine and lead you to believe there is a severe leak.
Make sure to close the drawer properly before starting your washing programme to ensure that no water escapes.
Check the Door Seal
If there happens to be a fault in the seal of the porthole door on your washing machine, this can also cause water to leak out of the machine during a wash cycle and end up on the floor.
Make sure that the door of your appliance shuts firmly, and if you suspect an issue, make sure to feel around the door for moisture the next time you wash a load of clothes.
Call for Professional Help
As much as you may try, you might not be able to solve this problem on your own. Serious leaks and other issues that might be causing water spillage might require the handiwork of a qualified professional.
Working with plumbing and even the electronics of your appliance could be dangerous if you are inexperienced, so calling for help might be your best option.
If you need further assistance, get in touch with a local appliance technician or send an email to Hotpoint to find more detailed solutions and get a professional out to assist you with your leak.