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LG washing machine leaking: diagnosis and repair guide

LG · freestanding washing machine · based on 85 similar repairs

Diagnosed by Sean McCauley · SMC Services · Last verified 10 May 2026

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Likely causes (Lg freestanding washing machine):

Problem summary

Water leaking from your LG washing machine during or after a cycle is a common fault. The leak may appear under the appliance, from the front, or around the door area. Most leaks come from one of three wear parts: the door seal, the inlet or drain hose, or the drum itself.

Likely causes

Based on repair data, leaks in LG models in this range usually stem from:

Door seal (most common) The rubber seal around the door degrades over time, especially if the machine is used frequently or if detergent residue builds up. A damaged or worn seal lets water escape during the wash cycle.

Hose damage The inlet hose (hot and cold water supply) or drain hose can crack, split, or come loose at the connection points. Age, pressure spikes, or accidental damage during cleaning can cause this.

Drum perforation A hole or crack in the drum itself will leak water continuously throughout the cycle. This is often caused by a foreign object (coin, wire, bone) getting trapped between the drum and the outer tub during spin.

What you can try yourself (DIY)

If you're confident working with appliances, these checks may identify the fault:

Check the door seal - Unplug the machine. - Look inside the rubber seal around the door for visible tears, cracks, or hardening. - Run your finger around the seal to feel for damage. - Check if the seal is seated correctly in its groove.

Inspect the hoses - Unplug the machine and turn off the water supply. n- Follow the inlet hoses from the back of the machine to the wall. Look for splits, cracks, or bulges. - Check the drain hose for kinks, splits, or loose jubilee clips at either end. - Gently flex the hose to check for cracks that only show when pressurised.

Listen and observe during a cycle - If you can safely see where the water emerges, note the exact location—this helps identify which part has failed. - Listen for hissing (suggests a hole under pressure) or dripping (suggests a slow seal leak).

If you find a faulty hose or seal, these are wear parts you may be able to replace if you have basic DIY skills and access to a replacement. However, if the drum is perforated or if you're unsure, proceed to the next section.

Why some faults need an engineer

If the leak comes from inside the machine (not the hoses or door), the drum is likely perforated. Fixing this requires dismantling the appliance to access the inner drum, which involves disconnecting the motor, pump, and various clips. This work is best left to a qualified engineer.

If you've checked the obvious areas and still can't identify the source, or if you're not confident opening the machine, a professional diagnosis will save time and prevent further water damage.

If you're in Northern Ireland, SMC Services can usually book a repair within 2-3 working days.

When to call SMC Services

Contact us if: - The leak persists after you've checked hoses and door seal. - You suspect a perforated drum. - The appliance is still under warranty and you'd prefer not to open it yourself. - You need a replacement seal, hose, or pump fitted by a qualified engineer.

Step by step

  1. Stop using the machine. Unplug the appliance immediately to avoid electrical hazard and further water damage. Do not run another cycle.
  2. Locate the leak. Look under and around the machine to see where water is coming from—underneath, from the front, or from the door area. Note the exact location.
  3. Check hoses and door seal. Turn off the water supply at the wall. Follow inlet hoses for cracks or loose clips. Inspect the door seal for visible damage or hardening.
  4. Note any foreign objects. If water is leaking from inside the drum, check whether you can see any coins, bones, or wire caught in the drum seal area—this suggests a perforated drum.
  5. Call for diagnosis if unsure. If you cannot locate the source, or if the fault is inside the machine, a qualified engineer should dismantle and inspect the appliance safely.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to run the machine if it's leaking?
No. Running a leaking machine risks water damage to your kitchen flooring and electrics. Always unplug it and call for repair.
Can I replace the door seal myself?
Many LG models allow DIY seal replacement if you have the right part and basic mechanical confidence. The old seal usually clips or glues into a groove around the drum. Check your model's manual or ask us for guidance before you start.
How much does a replacement seal or hose cost?
Wear parts like seals and hoses are usually affordable (£20–£60), but fitting time and any additional parts found during repair will add to the cost. A qualified engineer can give you an accurate quote after diagnosis.
What if the leak is very small?
Even a small leak often gets worse over time. It's worth having it checked rather than risking water damage or electrical faults developing.
How long does a repair usually take?
A hose or seal replacement typically takes 30–60 minutes. A drum fault may take longer if the machine needs to be largely dismantled. Your engineer will give an estimate on arrival.

Get this fixed

The parts most often needed for this repair — order direct:

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Prefer a pro? A local appliance engineer can carry out this repair. SMC's own repair service covers Northern Ireland only. The parts above ship UK-wide.

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About the data on this page

This page draws on 85 similar repairs from across 29 years of SMC Services records — over 116,000+ appliance repairs in total since 1997. The likely-cause percentages above are computed directly from the engineer reports we filed for this brand and fault, and we update them as new repairs come in.

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