Washing Machine Flooded
Most Common Causes and How to Prevent Them
It’s the middle of the day, and you hear a strange noise coming from your washing machine. You walk into the laundry room to investigate and discover that your machine has overflowed, causing water to spread throughout the room.
If this happens to you, don’t panic. We’re here to help you identify the common causes of washing machine floods and tell you how to prevent them.
Top 11 Causes of Washing Machine Floods
1
Water inlet valve blocked by debris
The water inlet valve is what allows your machine to fill with water, so if it gets blocked by debris, the washing machine may not be able to drain properly or at all. A blocked water inlet valve can also cause a leaky hose that leads into the tank. If your washing machine is leaking, you may need to replace this part of the unit.
2
The washer is leveled incorrectly or out of balance
Another reason why a washing machine might flood is if it’s not leveled correctly or out of balance. This can cause an overflow in one direction as the machine tries to compensate for the imbalance. If your machine is out of balance, you may need to adjust the leveling feet or add more weight (like a towel) to one side of the unit.
3
The leaking seal
This is when water leaks through the gasket (rubber ring) that seals your washer’s door, causing it to flood all over your floor.
To prevent this, check for signs of wear and tear on the rubber gasket, such as cracks or tears. If there are any signs of wear, replace them immediately before they cause more problems.
4
Debris lodged in the pump housing
If there is any debris lodged in the pump housing, it may prevent water from draining properly.
To prevent this, be sure to clean out your laundry room regularly and remove any hair or other debris that could get stuck in the pump housing.
5
Faulty hose connections or loose clamps
If one of these is faulty, the machine will not drain properly and may overflow.
To prevent this, be sure to check your hoses regularly for leaks and replace them if necessary. Also, use caution when attaching new hoses or clamps so they don’t get caught on anything.
6
A faulty water level control valve
This is another cause of washing machine flooding. This happens when too much detergent has been put into the machine, and it overflows.
To prevent this, be sure to check your water level regularly for leaks or other problems that could cause overflow.
7
Drain pump
This is another common cause of washing machine flooding. This happens because there may not be enough water flowing through it at all times in order to keep up with demand from the rest of the system, or there may be a clog blocking its flow.
To prevent this, be sure to check your pump regularly for leaks or other problems that could cause overflow.
8
Overloading the machine
One of the most common causes of washing machine flooding is when people overload the machine. This happens when you try to wash too many clothes at once, and they end up getting stuck in the washer drum or around the agitator.
When this happens, water will start spilling over the top of the washer and can quickly cause a flood in your laundry room. To prevent this from happening, don’t overload your washing machine with large loads of clothes and always follow the instructions on how much weight you can put in at once.
If there are no instructions, it’s safe to assume that one full load is about 20-25 pounds (or roughly 15 shirts).
9
Damaged solenoids
The washer contains two solenoids on the back, which are what the hoses connect to. They aren’t as common a problem as the hoses, but they still exist. Fortunately, they exhibit some telltale signs that they’re going bad, mainly when you notice water leaking into the washer when it is off.
That’s a clue that the solenoid needs to be changed. They aren’t exactly cheap, but they’re not difficult to change yourself. If you don’t adjust them, they might remain in the open position and flood the house.
10
Bad signal to solenoids
Solenoids are also involved in a washing machine filling to the appropriate level. This problem, on the other hand, has nothing to do with the aforementioned solenoid failure. Other mechanisms regulate the solenoid. Depending on your washer type and age, it could be a control panel, pressure sensor or setting the control, or other reasons.
When the valve does not get a signal to close, shutting off the water, the tub could overfill, flooding the home. The flooding will continue as long as the machine is in this state, and it’s usually a pretty clear sign of this problem.
You can stop the flooding temporarily by manually closing the valve with pliers, but you’ll have to figure out what’s causing the problem and fix it so that it doesn’t happen again.
11
Washer overheats
If your washing machine starts overheating, it is usually caused by there being something blocking the air vents, which stops the machine from cooling down properly.
To fix this problem, you need to turn off your washer and give it a clean. The best way to do this is by using a vacuum cleaner, which will remove any dust or debris from the vents in no time at all.
If the problem persists, it’s likely that your washing machine needs a new motor or control board, which can only be replaced by an expert repairman who has access to these types of parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix a flooded washing machine?
If your washing machine has flooded, the first thing you need to do is turn off the power and unplug it from the wall. Once you’ve done this, open the door and inspect the drain and filter for any obstructions. If there are no obstructions, check whether your door will open – if it doesn’t, then you will need to remove it.
Once you have accessed the inside of your washing machine, use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to suck up any excess water. If there is still water in your machine, pour it out into a bucket and then unplug the washer from the wall – this will prevent further damage. Finally, leave the door open so the machine can dry out.
How do you prevent a washing machine from flooding?
There are a number of ways to prevent your washing machine from flooding, including regularly cleaning the filter and drainage system, using cold water only when necessary, and ensuring that the circuit breaker is operational. You can also try using a different power source if you find that your washer won’t start or quit during a cycle.
Will insurance cover flooding from my washing machine?
Insurance companies will typically cover damage caused by an appliance, but it’s important to read the fine print of your policy before filing any claims. You might have to pay out-of-pocket expenses if there were other factors at play that caused your washing machine to flood, such as a burst pipe or faulty electrical outlet.
Why won't my washing machine start?
There are a number of potential reasons why your washer might not start, some of which include power source issues, voltage problems in the home, and even faulty control boards that will require professional repairs.
How does a washing machine flood work?
When you wash clothes in your washing machine, they get wet and heavy. This causes the water to flow back up into the washer’s drum from where it came out. As a result, some parts become overworked and will eventually fail if left unchecked for too long without repairs or replacements being made by an expert repair person who has access to these types of parts.
A flooded washing machine can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time, so it’s important to be aware of the most common causes and take preventative measures.
If you have this problem, it’s always best to contact an expert who has access to all of the necessary tools and equipment needed for this type of job.