How to Check for Leaks in GE and Hotpoint Washing Machines

Last Updated: January 2, 2023 References

Here is a list of parts to check if your GE & Hotpoint washer develop a water leak. Follow the instructions below to find where your GE or Hotpoint washing machine is leaking from. Often a visual inspection will tell you what is going on. The front panels of top loaders come off easily; there are two clips on top loaders that must be depressed to pop the panel off. A thin screwdriver or scraper will release these clips. Slide your tool along the seam between the top and front panels, the clips are 4–5 inches (10.2–12.7 cm) from the corners.

Method 1

Method 1 of 8:

The Pump

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Sometimes items like coins, paper clips, screws, nails, etc. will fall from the clothes you're washing and wind up inside of the pump. These objects can cause cracks in the pump body making the pump leak.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 8:

The hoses that connect to the pump

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Check all the hoses; sometimes clamps can get rusted and break. Without the pressure from the clamps, the hoses will leak. Sometimes all you only need to do is to change the clamps to correct a leak. Fill hoses should be replaced every 5 years.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 8:

The Overflow Tube

1
If the washing machine fails to stop the incoming water when it reaches the selected level, water will leak through the overflow tube. This usually indicates a pressure switch problem, see below.^{[3]
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2
When the user uses too much detergent, the suds will leak through the overflow tube. After overflow you may see what looks like plain water on your floor; suds will usually disappear after a few minutes. On front loaders in particular, use High Efficiency detergent to reduce sudsing.

Method 4

Method 4 of 8:

The Transmission Seal

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When the washer leaks water through the transmission seal, it is probably time to get a new washing machine. It costs too much to do a transmission seal replacement.^{[4]
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- Seals cost less than 20 dollars and take about 30 minutes to change.

Method 5

Method 5 of 8:

The Air Dome or Pressure Switch Hose

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Sometimes you will find that the pressure switch hose has come off the air dome. When this happens, the washer won't stop filling and this will cause a leak.^{[5]
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- Check operation of pressure switch. This switch tells the system that there is water in the tub and allows it to proceed to agitate. The switch itself is behind control panel but you can lightly blow into the hose leading up to it. Remove hose from side of tub and see if you can get the switch to flip by softly blowing into the hose. If power is on and timer is set to fill, it might begin to agitate at this point, so keep your hands away from the motor and pulley assembly. If it does try to agitate the switch is functional. It is best to check this while unplugged, then reassemble and try the unit.
- Check the hose for blockage, especially where hose connects to tank, lint from clothes can clog this causing overfilling.

Method 6

Method 6 of 8:

The Washer Holding Tank

1
Items that are left in the pockets of the clothing that you're washing, can cause holes in the holding tank.
2
Make sure that the person using the washing machine do not leave objects in the pockets of the laundry they are doing.

Method 7

Method 7 of 8:

The Water Valve or Fill Hoses

1
Check the water valve body for cracks. If someone tries to move the washing machine by grabbing it by the water valve, this could cause the water valve to crack.^{[6]
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2
Make sure to check for pinholes in the two fill hoses.

Method 8

Method 8 of 8:

The Holding Tank Top Seal

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When the machine has been used quite a bit, sometimes the tank top seal will leak. You will notice the water trickling down the holding tank.^{[7]
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Community Q&A

Question

What if water drips when the machine is not in use?

Community Answer

Your supply lines might be faulty or your water pump needs replacing. It's cheap, quick, and easy to do yourself.
Question

If I have water leaking from under the washer when filling up, what might the issue be?

Community Answer

There could be a leakage underneath from a lot of pressure building up. You might want to get a plumber; he or she could give you some assistance with this.
Question

My washing machine smells like gas, could there be a gas leak?

Community Answer

Ordinary washing machines don't use gas. They are electric. Other appliances, like fridges, have a gas tank (freon or similar) to help the compression process, but washing machines don't. Is your machine connected to gas plant? If not, there is no gas source.

Warnings

Make sure that you disconnect your washing machine from the wall outlet before attempting to do any repairs. Electricity is dangerous, but if you treat it with respect and follow the safety instructions, you will be OK.

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