Opening your washer to find a giant puddle on the floor is every laundry room’s nightmare. But beyond just a cleanup chore, persistent water leakage damages floors and appliances over time – so getting to the bottom of things matters.
If you notice water dripping from your dependable Speed Queen washing machine, don’t panic. In most cases, seemingly complex washer leaks boil down to just a few common culprits that can be repaired with a bit of DIY elbow grease.
This guide will walk through diagnosing and fixing the most frequent sources of both top-side and underside leaks in Speed Queen washers so your laundry room can get back on track.
How to Fix Speed Queen Washer Leaking from Bottom
Is your Speed Queen washing machine leaking from the bottom? If it is, there are several possible culprits at play.
In this section, we’ll take a look at the common issues, explain the cause, and provide you with detailed step-by-step instructions (where necessary) to resolve each problem.
1. Damaged or Worn Drain Pump
The drain pump is a key component responsible for pumping water out of the washer tub through the drain hose during the spin cycle.
Over time, normal wear and tear can damage the pump impeller blades, bearings, or hose connections.
A cracked pump housing that leaks water outward or blockages preventing proper drainage can manifest as puddles under your Speed Queen.
Solution
If you have confirmed that your drain pump is leaking water or fails to effectively eliminate tub water, then replacement is the sure fix.
To replace a faulty drain pump, follow these steps:
- Unplug the washing machine and turn off the water supply.
- Remove the washer cabinet panel and locate the drain pump in the bottom rear.
- Disconnect any water hoses and wiring connected to the pump.
- Use a screwdriver to remove screws securing the pump mount bracket.
- Carefully lift out the old drain pump and set aside.
- Seat replacement drain pump into position and secure screws through the bracket.
- Reattach water inlet/outlet hoses and wiring harness to pump ports.
- Ensure all hardware and connections are tightened properly.
- Reinstall the cabinet panel, restore power and water, and test the new pump.
2. Damaged Hoses
Next, Inspect all rubber fill and drainage hoses linking major washer parts. This is an important step to take when diagnosing leaks from the bottom.
The constant torrents of water and pressure from each wash cycle take a toll on the hoses. Hence, to diagnose this problem, look for cracks or fractures in the tubing, loose fittings, kinks impeding flow, or corrosion signaling degradation.
If you notice any of the above signs, then you’ll have to replace the damaged hoses.
Solution
While inspecting the hoses described above, go ahead and swap out any that are cracked, misshapen, loose, or corroded. To do that, follow these steps:
- Get a bucket and towels ready to catch water from disconnected hoses.
- Identify bad hose tubing and locate ends or points of attachment.
- Release hose clamps at each end screw using a flathead screwdriver.
- Twist hoses gently side-to-side while pulling away from fitting ports.
- Clean port openings of residue buildup with a rag.
- Apply seal tape to replacement hose Barb-style fittings if applicable.
- Push new hoses firmly onto port connections as a tight seal is critical.
- Tighten hose clamps securely at each port end.
- Check the snugness of all fittings, mop any spills, and run the washer briefly to confirm if the leak is fixed.
3. Torn Tub Seal
Hidden out of sight, the bearing and tub seal kit prevent water from escaping the outer tub housing that contains all the sloshing laundry.
However, just a small tear or gap in the tub seal can dribble water onto the twin tub bearings on either side, leading to eventual corrosion and failure here as well.
Solution
Catching a defective tub seal early and swapping in an entirely new seal/bearing set avoids costlier appliance repairs down the road.
To replace a defective tub seal, follow these steps:
- Use a square bit driver to completely detach the top and console panels.
- Pull the drum forward to access the tub seal retaining ring at the rear.
- Pry off the seal retainer and use a putty knife to detach the lip of the old seal.
- Lift drum fully out and detach all interior tub piping (requires step ladder).
- Wipe seal contact area clean and confirm new seal properly lines up.
- Hammer replacement seal into place by tapping around outer edges.
- Flip the tub over and use a wrench to detach bearing retainers.
- Lift bearings out, wipe contacts clean, and push in new bearing packs.
- Bolt bearing retainers back on and reinstall all tubing and drum.
- Confirm seal/bearing alignment by spinning drum manually.
- Reattach all exterior panels and test for leaks/noise.
4. Cracked Dispenser Drawer
Up top, take a peek inside the dispenser drawer where you pour detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. All those cleaning agents can be tough on materials, so inspect closely for any cracked or warped compartments leaking water downward when activated.
Solution
If any crack or warped compartment is found, you’ll have to replace the drawer with a matching drawer.
To replace a cracked or damaged dispenser drawer, do the following:
- First up, unplug the washing machine – safety first. Then go ahead and remove the entire dispenser drawer. Slide the latch release and it should pop right out.
- Next, use a trusty screwdriver to take off the rear panel and get access to the dispenser components. Take a look and see which parts are cracked or worn out. This is where you’ll need to source replacement parts specific to your washing machine make and model.
- Once you’ve got the new dispenser pieces, install them into the housing and transfer over any still intact parts from the old dispenser. Reattach that rear panel and slide the whole drawer back into place along the original tracks.
- We recommend running a quick test wash, just to make sure the new dispenser is operating smoothly and no leaks occur.
5. Excess Suds
Finally, for those with front-loading Speed Queens, using the wrong suds-filled detergent can create leaks even with everything structurally sound.
Always match machine type to HE-formulated (“high efficiency”) detergents specifically designed for low-water front loaders. Otherwise, bubbles may back up and push water out the rear vent during wash cycles.
Solution
If you’ve confirmed foam overflow on a front-loader model, immediately stop using standard powder or liquid detergents and only purchase HE-rated detergent made for high-efficiency machines going forward.
Not only does low-suds HE formula prevent backflows, but it also improves cleaning performance in front loaders.
How To Fix Speed Queen Washer Leaking From Top
Speed Queen washers do not only leak from the bottom, they can also leak from the top as well.
If your Speed Queen washer is leaking from the top, there are several reasons behind it. In this section we’ll take a look at each cause, after examining the cause, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions to fix the cause or problem.
1. Damaged Transmission Seal or Bearing
Sitting just underneath the washer tub is the transmission seal and bearing kit. They both stop water from leaking out where the agitator shaft goes through the outer tub housing.
If either component wears out from years of friction and pressure, small drips may start escaping down onto the transmission below resulting in corrosion.
Solution
Transmission seal replacement is no small feat, so have your trusted repair shop tackle this if you’re apprehensive. But if you think you can handle it yourself, then follow these steps:
- Unplug the washer power cord and turn off the water supply.
- Remove the control panel, top cover, and lift up the shouldered washer drum.
- With the drum tilted, inspect the seals around the transmission driveshaft for gaps.
- Pry off retainer rings/clips securing old seals with a flathead screwdriver.
- Use a seal removal tool applying pressure evenly along edges to pop out.
- Scrape old putty away and clean contact areas with steel brush or putty knife.
- Spread plumber’s putty around replacement seal edges & evenly press in.
- Clip new retainer rings back down ensuring tight, full seal contact.
- Reassemble reversed steps, confirm no leaks, and proper spin activation.
Note: Use OEM parts to avoid generic seals resulting in premature repeat leaks. Also, note that some Speed Queen washers may have a tub seal instead of a transmission seal.
2. Torn Door Boot Seal
Up top near the door, inspect the flexible rubber bellow boot seal wrapped around the rim of the washer tub opening.
Why? It’s important to inspect the door boot seal because aggressive laundry loads leveraging the lid over time can loosen screws or tear the boot material. And minor damages here lead to water rushing past during fill cycles.
Solution
For boot seal inspection, detergent residue, and coins often wedge into folds along the bellow surface. Carefully pick out debris with needle nose pliers while checking for cracks or gaps that allow water passage.
If your door boot seal has been compromised, follow these steps to replace it:
- Examine rubber folds of the door seal closely for tears or retaining ring gaps.
- Remove contaminated areas including pet hair & detergent residue.
- Use flatheads to detach old retaining rings or clamps at top/sides.
- Pull the seal section outward then up from the rim to peel off in one piece.
- Align and test fit replacement around tub opening edge.
- Start at bottom reattaching new retaining rings working upwards.
- Ensure rings are uniformly tight & confirm rubber lays flat all around.
- Run a short test cycle assessing for leaks with the door shut.
3. Split/Damaged Tub-to-Pump Hose
Moving to the back, examine the large tub-to-pump discharge hose that expels wash water.
Constant turbulence slowly erodes connections and tubing composites from the inside. Any cracks or ruptures along the length should warrant immediate replacement.
Solution
As outlined for bottom hoses, shutting off water and having a bucket handy eases replacement of any leaky tubing links up top.
Use an adjustable wrench to detach and reattach tub-to-pump hoses by the retaining bands at either end fitting. Confirm no twisting kinks inhibit flow.
4. Damaged Water Inlet Valves
The water inlet valve is responsible for controlling the volume of water going into the washer. The water inlet valve can get damaged by corrosion and minerals in the solenoid.
If the solenoid becomes worn out, it could prevent the valve from closing properly, causing water to keep flowing or leak. Also, if the hoses or valves have cracks, it could also result in leaks as well.
Solution
To fix the water inlet valve, you need to do these steps:
- Turn off the power and unplug the washer.
- Check the valve and the hoses carefully and make sure they are not broken.
- If broken, use pliers to loosen the hoses from the valve and the plumbing.
- Check the inlet screens for scale buildup. If they are dirty, you need to replace them.
Note: Match OEM replacement valves to your model keeping cold and hot supply lines clearly marked for correct reinstallation.
5. Blocked or Restricted Drain Hose
Tracing leaks higher up, rule out simple drain line issues first. Over time, lint and debris collecting in the discharge tubing leading outside can impede drainage. An overfilled tub results, with water spilling over the top when agitating or spinning.
Solution
Likewise, detaching the discharge hose from the pump outlet allows closer inspection for debris plugs or siphoning issues if water volume remains too high.
An unobstructed hose reinstalled higher on outlet may provide better gravity drainage tilting slightly downward.
Conclusion
With some DIY determination, a little investigative work, and the right replacement parts, most Speed Queen washer leaks can be repaired in no time.
Just be sure to always unplug the machine, shut off water supply, and use caution when handling electrical components.
8 Most Common Speed Queen Washer Problems and Solutions
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.
