Last updated on August 14th, 2022 at 01:27 pm
Owning a Maytag washing machine is a piece of cake, with its wash and dry feature. But when it becomes faulty, it is frustrating to use, especially when it’s a leakage.
If your washing machine has this kind of problem, you are in the right place. A leakage during the spin cycle can be daunting.
In addition, cleaning the floor after the laundry is not part of the laundry process. So, why is your Maytag washer leaking from the bottom?
A clogged drain hose is most likely the reason your Maytag washer is leaking from the bottom during the spin cycle. It usually looks like a leak, but it is a blockage. Another factor that causes leaks during the spin cycle is a weak connection with the hoses and washer valves.
Why Is My Washer Leaking From the Bottom During the Spin Cycle?
If your washing machine leaks from the bottom, specifically during the spin cycle, it is often because of a blocked pump hose and loose connections between the drain hoses and the valves.
A leaking washer is repairable if you can find the source of the leak. You may repair or change your washer for good, but ensure you know the cause of the leaks.
Other Points Your Washer Could Leak From
#1. Leak From the Front
When your front load washer leaks from the front, especially during the spin cycle, there is a build-up of dirt and soap residue on the door glass and gasket.
This build-up keeps your washer door from sealing properly during use.
#2. Leak From the Back
A build-up of soap deposits causes this. A leak from the back usually occurs if you use too much soap during laundry or detergent not recommended for your Maytag model.
This frequently happens if you’re using too much detergent or a kind that isn’t recommended for your model machine.
Reasons Your Washer Leaks During the Spin Cycle?
If your washer is leaking from the bottom, it is a symptom of many issues. These are the most common ones:
#1. Faulty Gaskets
The gaskets in your washing machine secure your washer’s cover and the outer part of the washer by ensuring no water gets into it. If there is a defect in your gasket, it can cause leaks.
You can address this problem. Tighten the bolts holding the gasket if it is loose. If torn, it needs replacement.
#2. Leaky Hoses
Most washers have hoses connecting the washing machine to the water source. Therefore, a damaged hose will most definitely cause water leakage from the bottom of the washer.
Internal connective hoses also cause leaks during wash cycles if they are faulty.
To access the internal hose for repair, take out the top part of the machine cabinet and inspect it for damages. Also, check if the hose connection is tight.
Corroded or perforated internal parts can also cause leaks during the spin cycle. You can replace these parts to stop the leakage.
#3. Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve is at the cold-hot water inlet hoses joining the washer. It regulates the hot and cold water that flows into the tub. If there is a torn water inlet valve or a bad seal, it could cause a leakage.
To replace the inlet valve, remove the entry panel to access the defective valve and replace it.
#4. Pump Seal Leaks
Pump seal leaks are the most likely reason your washing machine is leaking from the bottom. However, depending on the type of pump used, the issues may vary slightly.
To check the pump, open your machine’s front cover. Once you have access to the pump, inspect it for cracks and defects.
#5. Door Seal Defects
The door seal defect is another common reason for a washing machine to leak from the bottom during the spin cycle.
If particles or build-ups prevent the front load door from closing, water may leak from the bottom of the washing machine.
#6. Bad Pressure Switch Communication
If the pressure switch is not responding to water overflow, water leakages will be unavoidable.
The pressure switch controls the water level in the washer and, if faulty, the washing machine would leak during the spin cycle.
To assess the pressure switch, remove the control panel from the washer and inspect the pressure switch for defects and loose connections.
If the pressure is decreasing, it is faulty and needs replacement.
What To Do if Your Washing Machine Is Leaking From the Bottom?
Depending on the component causing the washer to leak from the bottom, there are different means of resolving the issue.
These are some general solutions:
#1. Run a Hose Check
In your washing machine, there are two kinds of hoses you need to inspect if your washing machine is leaking from the bottom. These are the drain hose and the fill hose.
The drain hose takes water out of the washer, and the fill hose carries water into the tub.
These are steps to check the hoses for defects:
- Detach the washer from the power source and tightly secure the connections at the back of the washing machine.
- If the connections show no sign of leaks, you might need to perform an internal inspection. To accomplish that, remove the cabinet unit of the washer to access the hoses.
- Inspect the hoses for damages and cracks
- Replace the hose if you see signs of defects. Ensure to change the hose with the damage.
#2. Assess the Tub Gasket
These are steps to confirm the gasket connection. First, ensure the gasket holding the tubs of the washer is secure.
- As usual, disconnect the washer from the power source and detach the machine’s front cabinet.
- Open the lid of the tub to get clear access to the gasket.
- Inspect the gasket for likely damage, tear, and signs of perforation.
- If there are defects, order a new gasket and install it in your washing machine.
#3. Inspect the Inlet Valve
To ensure an inlet valve problem is not hindering the water flow into the tub, inspect the inlet valve:
- Disconnect the washing machine from the power source and turn off the water source.
- Remove the front panel of the washer to access the inlet valve. The inlet valve is at the back of the hose connections in some appliances.
- Examine the valve screens for foreign particles and dirt build-up. The particles interfere with the efficiency of the valve. This makes the water from the external source leak to the bottom of the washer.
- Probe the valve with a multimeter. Fix the multimeter in the Rx1 mode and attach the probe to the valve terminal to get a reading. Then compare the result with the user manual of your washer to ensure your valve is not faulty.
- If the probe reads zero or an abnormal reading, get a replacement for the damaged inlet valve and install it.
#4. How To Prevent Washer Leaks
You can avoid these washer leaks if you maintain and inspect your washing machine. Here are some tips on preventing washer leaks:
- Cleaning your washer tub, inlet valve filter screens, gasket, and detergent dispenser drawer yearly can keep your Maytag washing machine from leaking.
- Ensure you are using the correct detergent during your laundry. Top load washers require less detergent to avoid overusing, while Front-load washers need high-efficiency detergent in small quantities. Check your Maytag appliance manual to know the proper amount to use for your washing.
- Regularly clean your tub, at least monthly, to keep your machine at its optimal performance.
Conclusion
Once you notice signs of leakage in your Maytag washing machine during the spin cycle, ensure to check the source of the leak.
If you checked all the causes above, and your washer still leaks, the issue is most likely complex. It requires the attention of an expert technician.