How to Repair a Leaking Washing Machine Water Supply Line

A broken washing machine sounds like a nightmare, but you don't always have to call in a professional, especially if it is just the water supply line that needs fixing. You can check the manual, take a deep breath, and be your own washing machine mechanic.

Step 1 - Locate the Leak

The first thing that you need to do is locate where the leak is coming from. Unfortunately, you may get wet doing this, but try and move the washing machine to get a better look. To do this the best way, you should run a full load and stand near to see where the water is leaking from.

Step 2 - Shut off the Water and Clean Out the Machine

Take everything that was in the washing machine or around it and move it. You want to make sure that everything is cleared out before starting. Next, shut off the water supply so that you don't run into anymore leaks, problems or even electricity. This is a very important step that cannot be ignored.

Step 3 - Replace the Old Supply Hoses

Using pliers and a screwdriver, you should be able to get the supply hoses unscrewed and popped off. After you get them off, you can move onto removing the old washers. For this task, it is probably easiest to use a flat screwdriver or even a butter knife. After you have gotten everything out, you will want to replace the old gaskets with new ones and reconnect the supply line the same way you took them off (screwdriver and pliers if need be). It is important when you are finding new equipment for your washing machine, like the new gaskets for this project, that you are not just looking for the cheapest possible. Since washing machines are used a fair amount, and the pressure of the water goes through each time, you are going to want to find sturdy gaskets and hoses to use so that you won't have to continue to replace them often. This can be hard on you and the washing machine.

Step 4 - Test It Out

An easy way to see if you did the job right and to make sure that you got the right source of the problem is to run the washing machine with no clothes in it for a full cycle. Stand there to make sure that you can see if water comes out or not.

While this task seems like a lot to do, it is much better to do it yourself then to have to call someone from the company or a repair man. You can get the materials you need and then do the whole job yourself. You will save yourself a lot of time, money and can get the job done and the laundry going again in no time.