If you’ve used your washer for a while, you might face spinning or beeping problems. And you have every right to be concerned. Every appliance eventually fails, even a high-quality washer like those GE machines.
The GE washer leaking from the bottom is one of the most uncommon but disturbing issues. Hopefully, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your machine. We’re going to prove so.
The reason is usually an incorrect type of detergent or overload.
But we’re confident we’ll address more of the most common reasons for the leaking washing machine in this article. Additionally, we’ll also provide the best washing machine leak solutions.
So stay tuned.
Why is your GE Washer Leaking From the Bottom?
Leaking issues is the worst nightmare of the washer’s owner since you don’t know how to stop the water from coming and how to gather all the water once it does.
Are there those who haven’t faced this issue? We doubt it.
So, before we start listing the reasons for the GE washer leaking from the bottom reasons, let’s see what you can do to prevent this issue from happening in the first place.
The first rule of thumb is never to overload your machine. The second is to wash the door and gasket weekly to prevent dirt buildup. Besides, you should run a monthly tub cleanup.
That said, even regular maintenance can’t guarantee your washer won’t leak. Hopefully, it will happen later than sooner.
Still, you have to be prepared. Skim through these reasons why the GE washer might leak to determine if that’s your case.
1. The wrong type of detergent
The first reason your GE washer might be leaking is the wrong type of detergent or the incorrect amount of it. It leads to over-sudsing, which does appear as a leak.
This happens since different types of detergents are formulated with different concentrations. Correspondingly the appropriate amount varies depending on the load size.
If you use too much detergent, your GE washer will start leaking. It isn’t water but suds. Anyway, it would help if you avoided it.
2. Overload
Overload is the second most important reason the GE washer leaks from the bottom. But it happens not only if you overload the washer.
When you load the washer in a way so the heavier clothes are on one side, it causes an imbalance and shakes the washer during the spin cycle. As a result, the washer starts to leak.
3. Lose or missing hose clamp
Your washer’s drain hose is connected to the drainage pipe that extends from your washer. A clamp is a connection where the pipe and hose meet. It can be hidden on the inside in some models. But usually, you will see it outside.
If the connection appears loose or the clamp is missing, water will leak out the bottom of the washer.
4. Defective door seal
Sometimes the water starts leaking from the bottom when something prevents the front-loading door from closing properly. It could be excessive detergent, dirt, or some other factors.
5. Faulty inlet valve
The water inlet valve is located where the hot and cold inlet hoses enter the washing machine. It controls the hot and cold water that enters the tub.
The water inlet valve will leak if its body is cracked or if the seal is faulty. In both cases, you should remove and replace it to prevent further issues.
6. Broken tub seal
If you notice that the GE washer starts leaking from beneath during the rinse cycle, the most likely reason is the broken tub seal.
7. A clogged filter or catch basket
A catch basket is the same as a lint trap in a dryer. So it can also become clogged over time, resulting in fibers in your washer. But usually, it results in leaks from the bottom of your washer.
8. Defective internal hose
The other reasons for the leaking might be multiple hoses inside your washer, most commonly the tub-to-pump one. But the dispenser and internal drain hose are two other hoses you need to keep an eye on.
Foreign objects such as coins and buttons that pass through the washer’s internal filters can cause damage to those hoses.
9. Defective water pump
If it is not a hose, a faulty water pump is often to blame for the leaks from under your GE appliance. If your water pump is malfunctioning, you will hear a lot of sharing and rumbling from your washer through the wash cycle.
10. Defective coupler
If the GE washer leaks from the bottom and your clothes are still wet after the wash cycle, the broken coupler is to blame.
The coupler’s purpose is to act as a rubber or plastic seal between the washer’s motor and the drum. It is designed to beak in case of malfunction.
So as bad as it sounds, it is good the leaking starts in this case. It indicates the issues you need to fix to prevent further problems.
The good news is a coupler is relatively inexpensive to replace.
How to fix a GE Washer Leaking From the Bottom
Before looking for solutions, look at the water pooling and determine where it comes from.
If the machine is not level, the water will be running, and it will be difficult to figure out the source of the leak.
Before replacing any hose or gaskets, determine if the leaking water in your GE washer is caused by something you can easily fix.
Besides, you should also use the machine’s user manual to ensure you’re using it correctly and that it is not the misuse that sauces the problem.
Once you’re sure there is no other reason for the unit to leak than the faulty part or wrong detergent, check the possible fixes.
1. Use the right type of detergent.
Since detergent is one of the most common reasons why GE washers might be leaking from the bottom, we’ll start with it.
Be sure to avoid oversizing to use only HE detergents. They are concentrated on the low-sudsing.
Besides, you should never use more detergent than the manufacturer recommends. Only use the required amount for your size of the load.
You can tell if the amount is right by the suds during the wash cycle. If you notice a heavy amount of suds, it indicates the amount of detergent you used needs to be reduced.
2. Replace the hose clamp
If you see the clamp connecting the hose and the drainage pipe, simply tightening the hose by hand will be sufficient to stop the leaking. But if it doesn’t, you might need to replace the part or call for a professional appliance repair to complete the task.
3. Check the door seal.
If anything is blocking the door from closing properly, you should remove it and clean the seal with warm water. Besides, examine the door seal for any wear and tear. In this case, it will need to be replaced.
4. Check the tub seal
When the water leaks beneath your GE washing machine, replacing the tub seal could solve the problem. The tub seal is installed on the top of the washer’s transmission.
Remove the spin basket and flip the washer to access the tub seal. Unfortunately, it will require a lot of disassembly work. So it’s best to contact the serviceman about that.
5. Clean the catch basket
To clean the catch basket, find it along the top edge of the washer’s drum, the end of the drain hose, or the top of the center column. You should find a removable screen you can clean.
But note that those baskets are available in newer washers. So consult the user manual first.
6. Check internal hoses
If you can access any internal hoses, check if they are securely attached, cracked, or damaged. It would help if you replaced whatever hose is defective.
7. Check the water pump.
You can find the water pump near the bottom of the GE washing machine. You will also find the two substantial hoses attached to it. They serve as a visual cue.
If any connections seem congested or slack, you can confirm this visually and consider further actions.
F.A.Q
Why is my GE washer leaking from underneath?
The most common reason your washing machine leaks from underneath are the wrong type or amount of detergent or overload. But there could also be faulty washer parts.
Is it worth fixing a leaking washing machine?
The reason for the machine to lean in the first place could be too simple to rush replacing the machine. You might need to replace the detergent.
How much does it cost to fix a washer leaking from the bottom?
In most cases, fixing a water leak in your GE washer doesn’t cost much. However, when the reason for the issue is a faulty water hose or a water pump, it may come to a $200-$300 fix question.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
