Kenmore Washing Machine Leaking Water From Underneath?

Check Your Washing Machine’s Drain Pump

The drain pump is responsible for pumping the water through the drain pipe. If the drain pump is cracked, damaged, or worn out, it will leak water. A faulty drain pump could be coming from worn-out bearings. If the drain pump is defective, you will need to replace it. The drain pump is not repairable.

How to Replace Your Drain Pump

Step One: Make Sure No Power Is Going to the Machine

Unplug the washing machine. Don’t just turn it off as it could power on accidentally. This is just a friendly reminder to assure that safety comes first.

Step Two: Remove the Front Panel

You will need to use the nut driver to remove the bottom screws on your washer’s front panel. Pull the bottom of the panel and let it fall.

Step Three: Drain the Filter Basket

Put a bucket underneath the drain cap and unscrew the cap. Remove the filter basket and let it drain into the bucket.

Step Four: Remove the Old Pump and Motor

First, stuff the old towels underneath the pump. Turn your pump clockwise about 1/8th of a turn. This should allow the pump and motor to slide out relatively easily.

Step Five: Connect the Adapters

Steps five and six are about connecting adapters for different connectors. The adapter will have two 6-inch wires hanging from it: one female spade connector and one male connector.

Start by inserting the female over the existing spade connector. Then insert your male into the old connector attached to your old motor.

Step Six: Secure the Adapters

Use electrical tape to tape around the wires and the connectors. This step will reassure that the wires and connectors stay put. Otherwise, they could potentially vibrate out of place when you are using the machine.

Step Seven: Install the New Pump and Motor

To install the new pump and motor, you will simply reverse the steps you have already followed. Line up the motor inside of the housing, and slide it into place. Rotate the motor 1/8th of a turn clockwise.

This should lock your pump and motor back into position. Finally, replace the filter basket and cap, and your machine is ready to test!

Check Your Washing Machine’s Tub Seal

Tools You Will Need for the Job

Step One: Power Down the Machine

Once again, turn off the machine and unplug it from the wall. It’s vital to stop the flow of electricity, so you don’t end up getting a shock, or worse.

Step Two: Remove the End Caps and Panel

You will see two plastic end caps. Pop the caps off, and underneath you will see two screws. Remove the screws, and rotate the panel up to remove that as well. By now, you should have exposed the wire harness and spring clips.

Step Three: Unplug the Wire Harness

Unplug the wire harness connected to the control panel, and insert the slotted screwdriver into the spring clips. There should be one spring clip on each end of the washer.

Use the screwdriver to push down and forward to release the spring clips.

Step Four: Remove the Washing Machine Cabinet

Tilt the washing machine cabinet toward you and slide it off of the base. This step might be more manageable with an extra pair of hands.

Step Five: Remove the Agitator Cap and Agitator

Twist off the fabric softener dispenser, and use the screwdriver to pry the agitator cap off the agitator.

Connect the socket, socket extender, and socket wrench. Hold tightly to the agitator with one hand while using the other to remove the 7/16-inch agitator bolt. Lift the agitator out of the tub and away from the driveshaft.

You will now be able to see the tub nut.

Step Six: Remove the Tub Nut

You will need to lay your spanner wrench over the driveshaft and on top of the tub nut. Use the hammer to hit the spanner wrench and turn it counter-clockwise. This step should expose the drive block.

Step Seven: Remove the Plastic Tub Ring and Drive Block

Press down on the plastic tub ring. Pop the eight clips, and remove the plastic tub ring. Being mindful of the fill spout, remove the inner tub out of the washer. Use the side of your hammer to strike the drive block. You will need to carefully slide the drive block off of the agitator drive shaft.

Step Eight: Remove the Tub Brackets

Use the pliers to release the three suspension rings from the tub brackets. You will find these attached to the bottom of the outer tub. Using the pliers again, remove the counterbalance spring from the back end of the washing machine.

The final three screws will be holding the tub brackets. Remove the screws, and pull the tub brackets from the outer tub.

Step Nine: Remove the Drain Tube and the Outer Washtub

Place a towel underneath the washer to catch excess water. Next, pull the water pressure switch tube from the bracket located to the side of the outer washtub. Hold the drain tube and squeeze both ends with pliers.

Finally, you can wiggle the drain off of the connector. Grab the outer washtub and pull it away from the driveshaft. You can use a lubricant to make this job a bit easier. Be sure to lay the outer washtub on its side.

Step Ten: Replace the Tub Seal, Bearing Housing, and Agitator Shaft

Replace the old tub seal and bearing housing out of the bottom center of the tub with the new parts. Pull the original metal collar from the agitator shaft and replace it with the new one. Slide the exterior tub back onto the shaft.

Step Eleven: Reconnect the Hoses and Reassemble the Washing Machine

Reconnect any hoses to the exterior of the tub. Finally, reverse the disassembly steps in order to put the rest of your Kenmore washer back together.

Time for a Load of Laundry

By now, you hopefully have managed to repair your washing machine. Or, at least you’ve figured out the issue and have decided to call in a professional. Either way, once you’ve done the job, you can plug your washing machine back into the receptacle and let it get back to work!