My Kenmore Heavy 70 Series Washer Is Leaking From the Bottom

Pump Seal

A Kenmore washer’s water pump pushes water from the washer's tub through the drain hose and out the drain. Despite its function, the pump can’t be directly exposed to water, and is protected by a watertight seal. Over time, the seal can wear and form a leak that causes water to collect at the bottom of the cabinet and eventually onto your laundry room floor. Contact Kenmore to have your washer serviced if you suspect that the pump is leaking. Changing out a faulty seal requires a relatively extensive disassembly of your washer, including usually removing the washer's tub.

Drain Hose

If you open the top cover of your Kenmore Heavy Series 70 washer, you’ll find a rubber drain hose that links the washtub to a drain outlet. If the drain hose isn’t securely connected at one or both ends, water will leak from the hose into the bottom cabinet when the washer drains. Ensure that the hose’s clamps are securely fastened. Examine the hose for holes, and replace it if needed.

Washtub

Although you might not initially think a washtub that’s made of heavy-duty plastic could develop a crack, it could. A crack in the tub of your Kenmore washing machine could cause the tub to leak water during the wash cycle. Depending on the size of the crack, water might trickle out slowly so that the water level inside is barely affected, or stream out, drastically reducing the amount of water needed to wash clothes effectively. In either case, you’ll probably find water leaking from the bottom of the washer. Due to the significant expense to replace a washtub, you might want to consider upgrading to a new washer if the tub leaks.

Supply Valves and Hoses

A washer’s water supply valves and hoses are a common source of leaks on washing machines, including Kenmore models. Although new Kenmore washers come complete with new water supply hoses, the hoses generally last only about five years before they need to be replaced. Inspect the hoses for wear. If the outside of one or both hoses feels wet, assume it’s damaged and substitute it with a new one. Although water valves typically have a longer life span than hoses, if a valve’s connections aren’t secure or if the filter becomes clogged, it can spring a leak at the connection point. Turn off the valve and disconnect the hose. Remove the filter on the valve and rinse it clean with warm water to eliminate sediment buildup. Reattach the filter and hose.