Leaks

Leaks can either be very easy to zero in on, or they can be exceedingly difficult because there is nothing wrong with the unit.

Ask the customer clarifying questions before diving in. There will be instances where you don’t ask questions and spend an entire cycle looking for one, just to find nothing.

Questions For The Customer

• When did the issues first start?
  • Some customers have had the issue for quite some time, just never got around to it, or they don’t use the unit that often.
• How often does it leak – every cycle, or intermittently?
  • If every cycle, then zeroing in should be easy. If it’s intermittent, then there might be a use related cause.
• How much does it leak?
  • If it’s pouring water out the door, or if they’re seeing a pool of water coming out from the bottom will guide you on where to focus your efforts.
• Do they see where it’s leaking from?
  • Again, if they know where the leak is coming from, then you don’t need to waste too much time hunting it down. You can check the relevant areas. If they don’t know where the leak is, then you’re going to want to get eyes on everything.
• When during the cycle does it typically leak?
  • If it is leaking shortly after starting the cycle, and from the bottom, then we’d zero in on the inlet valve area. If it’s leaking 30 minutes into a cycle, then you’re going to need to see determine where it’s leaking from, or what is happening during that point in the cycle.

Tips

• Before starting the unit, make some visual checks.
  • Do you see any indication that water had been under the unit? Or is it dusty?
  • Do you see any loose water connections or cracked components?
  • Do you see any indications of where a leak might have occurred? (Such as water marks.)
• If the customer is reporting a substantial leak at or near the start of the cycle, do not start a cycle to prove it.
  • Gain access to easily view all the sealing areas.
  • Check for loose or broken water lines first.
  • Start a cycle, and prepare to cut it off quick once you see the leak.
• If the customer is reporting sudsy water leaking well into the cycle, then you’d want to discuss detergent usage, loading, and prewashing rather than replacing door seals.
  • This type of leak will generally be intermittent, unless the unit is new to the customer and they experience the same issues on each cycle.
• If the unit is leaking on every cycle, and at a seemingly specific point, then you’ll want to start a cycle and visually check if nothing is standing out with the unit off.