Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
Leaking water from a washing machine usually comes from hoses or connections. Be sure that water appearing to be a leak isn’t drain water from a backed-up standpipe. To prevent potential flood damage, which can occur if washing machine supply hoses burst, be sure to install “no-burst” stainless-steel mesh hoses and lever-type shutoff valves, as shown below. With these, you can easily turn off the levers for both hot and cold water between wash days.
1) Check the fittings where the hoses connect to the faucets and to the back of the washing machine. Also look for worn or leaky hoses. Tighten couplings or hose clamps if needed, or replace the hoses altogether. Be sure to turn the water off before removing the hoses, and drain them into a bucket after disconnecting them.
2) Determine whether the machine is oversudsing, which can cause the machine to overflow. Reduce suds by pouring 1/2 cup white vinegar in 1 quart water into the washer. Then switch to either less detergent or a low-sudsing variety.
3) The machine may have a faulty basket gasket or tub seal and bearing that must be replaced; in this case, call an appliance repairperson
