If your Hotpoint washing machine is leaking, the issue might lie in a faulty water pump, clogged catch gasket, clogs or debris, worn bearings, overloading, excessive detergent, and uneven flooring.
Fortunately, you do not have to buy a new washer or reset your Hotpoint washing machine. Instead, you inspect it and identify what the problem is likely to be.
Here is a more detailed explanation.
Why is the Hotpoint Washing Machine Leaking?
Faulty Water Pump
A Hotpoint washing machine has its water pump located at the bottom on the rear side. Sometimes, your machine might leak at this point because of a damaged water pump. You will easily notice it as your machine will rumble and shake abnormally during a normal cycle.
Fix – Unclog the pump pipe, Tighten the Loose Parts or Replace with A New One
Before resolving the issue, you need to unplug the machine from the main switch to cut OFF the power supply. Also, ensure the drum is empty so you can easily tip the machine back.
Before you tip it back, lay a blanket or rug on the floor to caution the machine from scratches. Once you lay it backward, you will have a clear view of the downside part of the machine, mainly the water pump.
At this point, you should see if the water pump has some damage or is clogged or loose. If it has clogged, unscrew the machine back to access the pump filter. Twist, remove the filter, and make way for all the water flow.
Check if the filter has any clogs or debris. Rinse the filter to remove any remaining debris and inspect it for damage. If it’s damaged, you must replace the drain pump (view on Amazon) with a new one.
After cleaning or replacing, fix the pump housing and reassemble the back panel with the same screws. Once you turn ON the machine, it should now work without leaking.
If the water pump is loose, inspect the real cause of its looseness. It could be loose bolts, brackets, or connections. If it is loose bolts, tighten them just enough using a screwdriver or wrench. However, if you find out that the entire pump has worn out beyond repair, replace it with a new one.
After you have checked for possible damages, clogs, and loose water pumps and resolved the issue, your washing machine should work well after you reassemble it back to its normal position. If it doesn’t, then there could be another problem.
Clogged Catch Basket
If you have an old Hotpoint washing machine, it has a catch basket on the bottom right side. The basket catches any lint from the machine cycles and can clog anytime. Once they clog, they restrict water flow out of the machine during the drain cycle. The restriction causes an overflow of water, which leads to leaks around the door or other vulnerable areas.
The clog can also cause pressure buildup in the washing machine, eventually leading to water finding its way through or sealing in the machine, leading to leaks. Therefore, whenever you start noticing some fibers on your clean laundry and excessive vibration, your washer has a clogged catch basket.
Fix – Remove the Clogs and Debris
Start by removing the panel or door using a screwdriver. Carefully remove the catch basket attached to a hose or cap. Check if the catch gasket has debris, lint, and foreign objects. Get a soft brush and use it to brush off any clogs. Rinse the basket under running water; if it is very dirty, consider using some detergent.
Once you know it’s sparkling clean, reassemble it and close the access panel. You can now reconnect the power supply to the washing machine and test if it will now work without any leaking issues. Check for another issue or contact Hotpoint customer support for help if it leaks.
Worn Tub Seal or Bearings
Again, if your Hotpoint washing machine is old, its tub seal or bearings may have worn out with time. During a spin cycle, worn-out bearings increase friction between the inner and outer tubs. The extra friction generates heat and weakens the tub seal over time, causing it to deteriorate and lead to leaks.
On the other hand, worn bearings can also cause excessive movement or misalignment of the inner tub. As the tub wobbles or shifts during the washing cycle, it stresses the seal and creates gaps through which water can escape.
Fix – Replace the Bearings
To curb the leakage, you must involve a professional washing machine technician when fixing the bearings. You can get one from Hotpoint engineers to do the work because this is not a DIY task.
The technician will have to remove the washing machine’s top panel, front panel, or rear panel to access the inner drum and tub assembly. Here, the technician will access the tub seals and bearings, where he can remove the drum using a pulley and belt.
He will then lift the drum out of the machine and inspect whether the bearings and tub seal have worn out, gotten damaged, or any signs of leakage. If the tub seal or bearings are visibly worn or damaged, you must replace them.
After replacement, reassemble the parts and test the machine for leaks.
Overloading
When you overload your Hotpoint washing machine with too many clothes or heavy items, it stresses the washer’s internal components, including the suspension and the drum. The extra weight causes imbalance during cycle spins, which can cause water to splash out of the drum and leak from the door or detergent drawer.
On the other hand, it can also cause friction between the drum and the laundry. When the clothes rub against the door seal or gasket, it creates small tears/ gaps in the seal. When the washer fills with water, the excess pressure forces water through these gaps, leading to leaks.
Fix – Load recommended Kgs
The solution for overloading is simple. All you have to do is stop overloading the washer. Load it with the recommended kgs, either maximum or less. Once you stop overloading, your machine will work normally without any leaks.
Uneven Flooring
According to the manufacturer, you should place your washer on an even floor. When you put it on an uneven surface, your washer will become imbalanced during the spinning cycle. An imbalanced load leads to excessive drum wobble and water splashing out. Worse, the drum can rub against other components inside the machine, potentially damaging them and causing leaks.
If you check your Hotpoint washing machine, it has adjustable leveling feet to help balance the washer on the uneven floor. If you adjust the fit properly, they will be protected, and your washer will not sit at level. At this point, your machine will be prone to leaks, and water will not drain properly, or the drum will misalign.
Level Up the Ground
First, you must inspect the area before you permanently place your Hotpoint washing machine in a particular spot. Check for loose tiles, warped floorboards, or other issues that may cause unevenness.
Place a level on top of your washing machine to determine how unlevel it is. From this, you will know how to adjust its legs to the floor level. You can use a wrench or pliers to adjust the legs. Raise or lower the legs until the washing machine is level, front-to-back, and side-to-side. Ensure that the bubble in the level is centered in both directions.
Alternatively, you can repair or replace the damaged floor or tiles if the floor needs to be more leveled.
Add shims or leveling compounds to the floor to create a level surface. Once your ground has leveled up, you can comfortably place your machine there and power it ON to test for leaks. That is, run a short cycle like a quick wash to test for leaks caused by uneven flooring.
Excessive Detergent
The Hotpoint washing machine has a detergent section allowing you to put powdered or liquid soap for washing your laundry. The washer manufacturer specifies the amount of detergent you should feed your machine. Putting too much detergent will create excessive suds, which can lead to your washer leaking.
As earlier mentioned, the sud from too much detergent can also lead to clogs in the washing machine drain pump or filter. Once the pump and filter clog, it automatically leads to washer leaks and overflow.
Fix- Wash the Detergent Dispenser
First, pull out the detergent dispenser and clean it thoroughly to solve the excessive detergent issue. Soak it in warm, soapy water and scrub it with a brush to remove stubborn buildup. Fix the dispenser back on the machine, run an empty hot water cycle, and then let it dry. This will help flush out any remaining soap residue from the machine’s internal parts.
After the wash, strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the recommended amount of detergent. It will save you from leaks and further damage due to clogging of the water pump pipe and filter.
If the sud has already caused the clogs, follow the instructions to unclog the pump and filter as discussed above or call a professional technician to work on it.
