I have a Kenmore front-loading washer, model 417.43142200.

It has started leaking water from the bottom rear when not in use. It's a relatively slow leak.

The leaks are coming from somewhere INSIDE the unit - there's no leakage where the hot and cold water supply hoses attach to the rear of the washer.

I tested to see whether the leak was coming from only the hot or cold sources, by turning off the faucets supplying the water one at a time and waiting an hour or so to see if a puddle of water appeared. It looks like the water is coming from both the hot and cold intakes.

I have a Sears repair person scheduled for next week, but if it's something easy, I'd love to do it myself and save some money. I'm thinking of trying to remove the rear cover to see what's on the inside of those water intakes. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

It can be costly getting a repair tech to look at something that simple, it would be a good idea to find the problem and fix it yourself. It sounds like the problem is the water despenceing unit is leaking on the inside.(good luck!)

it can be costly getting a repair tech to look at something that simple, it would be a good idea to find the problem and fix it yourself.

That's why I posted this question - isn't that obvious?


it sounds like the problem is the water despenceing unit is leaking on the inside.(good luck!)

Can you explain a little more?

Thanks!

Bob

Turns out it was the water intake valve, part #33 on the Kenmore parts list pdf, pages 4-5. I removed the washer's back plate, re-attached the water hoses, turned on the water, and saw a leak at the top of the valve, where the plastic part meets the metal part. These two parts are held together by six hex-head bolts, some of which turned out to be a little loose. I tightened the bolts with w 1/4" crescent wrench, and the leak appears to have stopped. Thanks to the folks at the Samurai Appliance Repair Forums for help.