Washing machine problem

[Cinio Dydd Sul]

Stab in the dark because I cant find much online about it and a plumber I know also didn't know what was going on.

Old machine starting leaking from beneath the front of it. Moved it and the leak is isolated towards the front. Oldish machine so bought a new one.

First time on long cycle on brand new machine and same happens. Incoming water pipe dry and drain pipe is clear.


Any ideas!?

 

[Squarebear]

ChatGPT offers all this. Dunno whether it's worth at least trying to rule them out in turn?


Given that two machines (old and brand-new) leak in the same place, this almost certainly points to an installation or setup issue, not a faulty appliance.





Here are the most likely causes, in order of probability, and how to check each.














1. Drain hose pushed too far / wrong standpipe height (VERY common)








If the drain hose is inserted too far down the standpipe or the standpipe is too low, the machine can siphon or back up, forcing water out of the front bottom.





What to check

• Drain hose should go no more than ~10–15 cm (4–6 inches) into the standpipe
• Standpipe height should usually be 65–100 cm from the floor
• There must be an air gap (not sealed tightly)

Quick test

• Pull the drain hose out slightly
• Make sure it’s loose, not taped or sealed

This is the #1 cause when a new machine leaks immediately














2. Detergent drawer overflow (pressure or detergent issue)








Water can run down inside the front panel and appear as a leak underneath.





Causes

• Too much detergent
• Using non-HE detergent
• Water pressure too high
• Drawer not seated properly

What to do

• Remove drawer and check for blockages
• Try a cycle with half the detergent
• Watch during the initial fill to see if water backs up

3. Door seal (gasket) not seated or trapped








Even on new machines, the door seal can:

• Be folded
• Have packing material still present
• Be twisted slightly

Check

• Open door and run fingers all the way around the rubber seal
• Look for:
  • Folds
  • Small tears
  • Trapped plastic or cardboard

4. Transit bolts not removed (new machine only)








If transit/shipping bolts weren’t removed:

• Drum movement is restricted
• Water can slosh forward and escape internally

Check

• Look at the back of the machine
• Confirm all transit bolts have been removed (usually 3–4)

5. Machine not level








If the machine tilts forward slightly, water can collect and escape at the front.





Check

• Use a spirit level (or phone app)
• Adjust front feet so it’s perfectly level

6. Pump filter / front access panel








Even if it’s new:

• Filter cap may be loose
• O-ring may not be seated correctly

Check

• Open the lower front flap
• Ensure filter is fully tightened
• Check for moisture trails above it

Why this isn’t “bad luck”








Two machines leaking the same way, same place almost rules out coincidence.


It strongly suggests drain hose configuration or standpipe setup.














What I’d do first (10-minute fix order)

1. Pull drain hose out slightly and confirm standpipe height
2. Check detergent drawer and reduce detergent
3. Confirm transit bolts are removed
4. Level the machine
5. Check pump filter tightness

If you want, tell me:

• Is it a washing machine or dishwasher?
• Does the leak happen during fill, wash, or drain?
• Is the drain hose into a standpipe or under-sink spigot?

That’ll let me pinpoint it very quickly.

 

[Muteswan]

Sounds like a drain hose issue

 

[Cinio Dydd Sul]

Sounds like a drain hose issue

I have thought that but wouldn't you expect the water to be slightly dirty or suddy? This is crystal clear.

 

[stevethejack]

front bottom.

 

[Jack2jack]

Blocked filter usually situated to the front of machine behind removable plinth. Maybe blocked or damaged. Worth a try.

 

[Jack2jack]

And another thing, why is it when I put a pair of socks in the machine, I can only find one in the airing cupboard. Where does the other one go. I mean it's not like its 250 miles from the machine to the cupboard ffs.

 

[Darran]

Stab in the dark because I cant find much online about it and a plumber I know also didn't know what was going on.

Old machine starting leaking from beneath the front of it. Moved it and the leak is isolated towards the front. Oldish machine so bought a new one.

First time on long cycle on brand new machine and same happens. Incoming water pipe dry and drain pipe is clear.


Any ideas!?

PM @waynekerr55 he’s an expert on this kind of shit.

 

[Pentyrchjack]

Stab in the dark because I cant find much online about it and a plumber I know also didn't know what was going on.

Old machine starting leaking from beneath the front of it. Moved it and the leak is isolated towards the front. Oldish machine so bought a new one.

First time on long cycle on brand new machine and same happens. Incoming water pipe dry and drain pipe is clear.


Any ideas!?

Maybe your dog or cat is having a pee in same place

 

[J_B]

Maybe your dog or cat is having a pee in same place

Or wife.

 

[jack123]

Stab in the dark because I cant find much online about it and a plumber I know also didn't know what was going on.

Old machine starting leaking from beneath the front of it. Moved it and the leak is isolated towards the front. Oldish machine so bought a new one.

First time on long cycle on brand new machine and same happens. Incoming water pipe dry and drain pipe is clear.


Any ideas!?

Must admit, I'm slightly thrown by this, I would highly doubt, that 2 appliances, one old and one new, could have exactly the same fault, for me it has to be a plumbing fault, but yet the plumber you know doesn't know?

Edit: I'll hazard a guess, the pipe at the back is leaking (an old one) and it's seeping through to the front. Sorry, I can't be any more help, it would do my head in, I hope you get it resolved.

2nd Edit, I notice you said the incoming water pipe is dry, right. Hmm All I can suggest is pull it into the open, put it on a cycle, and then see if you can identify where the leak is coming from, I would say 100% it's a plumbing issue, the odds of a new washing machine, having exactly the same fault as the old one, is very unlikely.

 

[Cinio Dydd Sul]

Must admit, I'm slightly thrown by this, I would highly doubt, that 2 appliances, one old and one new, could have exactly the same fault, for me it has to be a plumbing fault, but yet the plumber you know doesn't know?

Edit: I'll hazard a guess, the pipe at the back is leaking (an old one) and it's seeping through to the front. Sorry, I can't be any more help, it would do my head in, I hope you get it resolved.

2nd Edit, I notice you said the incoming water pipe is dry, right. Hmm All I can suggest is pull it into the open, put it on a cycle, and then see if you can identify where the leak is coming from, I would say 100% it's a plumbing issue, the odds of a new washing machine, having exactly the same fault as the old one, is very unlikely.

Yea this is bizarre. Have pulled it out now and turned the valve on the inlet pipe a bit and it did a cycle with no leak so it could be a water pressure thing.

 

[jack123]

Ah good, glad that’s done the trick.