Finding a puddle of water underneath the washing machine can be enough to make any homeowner's heart stop. A leaking washing machine can cause all sorts of expensive water damage. Front loading washing machines can be especially susceptible to leaking because of the presence of water next to the washer door.
In a proper functioning washer, a door seal helps to keep the water inside the machine where it belongs. But when your seal starts to go bad, water can find all sorts of places to escape. Luckily, replacing washing machine door seals isn't especially difficult, and you can save yourself some money by doing it yourself.
Turn Off the Water and Electricity
Water and electricity can be a deadly combination, so the first step in replacing washing machine door seals is to cut the electricity for the washer. If you can safely reach the plug without stepping into a puddle of water, go ahead and pull it out of the wall. If not, cut the electricity for the washing machine at the main circuit breaker. Once the electricity is cut, turn off the water supply for the washer at the rear of the machine.
Wipe up any water spilled on the ground. Move the machine back enough so you can access the rear.
Remove the Panels
Loosen the screws holding the top of the machine in place at the rear and sides of the machine. These screws could be Phillip, hex or Torx screws, so use the appropriate screwdriver. Pull the top off the machine and set aside.
Pull out the soap dispenser drawer. Remove the screws holding the control panel in place on the side of the machine. There may also be screws located inside the soap dispenser compartment. Pull the control panel up, but be careful not to tug on the wires, and place it on the top of the machine.
Remove the kick panel at the bottom of the washing machine. This may have screws securing it in place, or may simply pull out.
Open the washer door and locate the retaining clip holding the outer lip of the washing machine seal in place. Pull this out with either a screwdriver or pair of needlenose pliers. Push the seal into the drum of the machine. Remove the screws around the perimeter of the drum and then at the bottom of the machine. Pull the front off of the washer.
Replacing the Washing Machine Door Seal
There is a spring clip holding the seal in place on the exterior of the washer chassis. Pull this spring towards you. Remove the washing machine door seal by pulling it towards you. Align the new seal so that the drain holes are at the bottom of the seal. Press the new seal into position on the door. Secure with the spring clip.
Reassembly
Reassemble the washer in reverse order. Restore the power and water supply to the washer. Run a short load and watch the washer as it runs through the cycles to ensure that there are no leaks.
References
Espare parts, Replacing Washing Machine Door Seals (accessed February 1, 2011).
Scott Calonico - Scott Calonico holds a BS in Communications from the University of Texas at Austin and an MA in International Journalism from City ...
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