What Makes a Whirlpool Front Load Washer Leak?

All washing machines are prone to failure over time.

Like all major appliances, the Whirlpool Duet front-loading washer is prone to failure over time. Some of these failures may result in either a minor or a major leak which typically can be fixed by any handyman or even yourself.

1. Hoses

   • Hoses, commonly made of rubber, are typically the first parts to fail on a washing machine. If your Whirlpool Duet is leaking, it is best to check the hoses first. There are three hoses of major concern: the main drain hose and separate cold and hot water hoses. Ensure all hoses are free of kinks or holes, and ensure all are attached properly to both the washing machine and the main water valve in your home. If you find a problem, replace the hose promptly.
   
   

   Drain Pump

   • Part # 280187. Complete Pump Assembly (comes with hoses!) All washing machines, including the Whirlpool Duet, rely on an inner pump to regulate the water level. If your Whirlpool Duet is leaking, especially when the machine’s main basket is filled with water, the pump could be to blame. Two hoses are connected to the pump, which should be checked for any holes or kinks. These can easily be replaced if faulty, but the whole pump unit may require replacement if the hoses appear to be in working order.
   
   

   Tub

   • Whirlpool Part # W10269756. The plastic outer tub of your Whirlpool Duet washing machine may erode, rust or otherwise develop a hole or crack.  Additionally, the rubber seal located between the machine’s transmission and its plastic outer tub may also be responsible for a leak. To detect a leak of this type, fill your washing machine with water and a small amount of laundry detergent. The leak should be apparent underneath the outer tub.
   
   

   Water Inlet Valve

   • Part # 8181694. The water inlet spout is a small plastic part located within the machine’s main basket. If your Whirlpool Duet washer is leaking, ensure that this piece is fully attached to the machine and free of any cracks or damage. If a problem is found, the spout should be replaced promptly.
     
     Bellow
   •  Whirlpool Part # 8181850.  This Whirlpool Bellow is also known as a Boot Seal and is used in front load washers to fix leaking water. This part is used to keep the clothes inside the tub during the wash cycle. The folds in the bellow allow the tub to move separately from the door during the spin cycle

These parts can be used in the following brands: Whirlpool, Admiral, Estate, Inglis, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Roper, Maytag, Kenmore, Admiral, Crosley, Jenn-Air, Hardwick, Magic Chef, Amana, Caloric & Glenwood.

Read more: What Causes a Whirlpool Duet Washer to Leak? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_12117241_causes-whirlpool-duet-washer-leak.html#ixzz25c80mpmd

Common Reasons Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain or Spin

Nothing is worse than a broken washing machine! Household laundry is hard enough to keep up with, nevermind if you your machine is broken a few days and the laundry starts to pile up!

A washing machine won’t spin if the water can’t drain. Check hoses for any kinks or clogs that may prevent the water from draining. If a hose has kinks, try to straighten out the kinked hose. If it can’t be straighten sufficiently, replace the hose. If hoses are not kinked, check for clogged hoses. This can be done by using the screwdrivers to remove the hoses and looking for clogs or running a water hose through the clogged hose to remove the clog. Use the rags and bucket to clean up the water that comes out of the hoses when they are disconnected. Once the clog is cleared, put the drain hose back into place.

The washer should drain and spin now if a clogged or kinked hose was the problem.If the washer still won’t drain or spin, check to see if the lid is not closing all the way or if the lid switch is not clicking into place. Close the lid and make sure that it closes all the way down. When the lid closes, the lid switch should click. If there is no clicking sound, then the switch may need to be replaced.

Follow manufacturer’s directions for replacing the switch. If the lid does not close all the way, visually check for signs that the lid is bent. If bent, try to bend it back into place.

Loose or broken belts could also prevent a washing machine from draining or spinning. Pull the washer away from the wall and, using the screwdrivers and wrenches, remove the back panel. Using the flashlight, visually check for any broken or loose belts. Replace any broken or loose belts. Although replacing washing machine belts is difficult, anyone who has replaced belts on a car, lawn mower or even a bicycle chain should be able to accomplish the task.

Another possibility for a washing machine to not spin or drain is the pump. With the back panel still off the washer, check the pump with the voltmeter to ensure that the pump is getting power. If the washer is getting power, turn on the washer and listen to find out if the pump is running but the water is still not draining. It may be necessary to remove the pump and clean it or to replace the pump with a new one.

Once the pump is replaced, turn on the washer to determine if it will now drain and spin.
If all of the above steps fail to produce a washing machine that drains or spins, then it is time to call a professional repairman. Use the screwdrivers and wrenches to replace the panel on the washer and push it back against the wall.

Check out Laundry Parts Market if you are in need of a part to fix your washer.  We can verify exactly what laundry part you need if we have the Make and Model # of your washer.
Contact parts@laundrypartsmarket.com or call 888-217-2717 for a quote today.