Why does my washing machine tap leak from under the handle?
Washing machine taps spend their lives under full mains pressure, turned on all the time and rarely touched. So when one starts dripping from under the handle, it's usually because a seal has finally given up. It's a small leak that often runs down the wall behind the machine where nobody sees it. Here's why it happens and how it's fixed.
Where the leak is coming from
Under the handle
The spindle that the handle turns is sealed with an O-ring or gland packing. When it wears, water seeps out around the spindle whenever the tap is on.
At the hose connection
A worn or missing washer inside the hose fitting leaks where the hose screws onto the tap. Often a new hose washer fixes it.
From the tap body
Old taps can corrode or crack, especially brass taps decades old. These need replacing.
Tap won't turn off
A worn washer or jumper inside means the tap won't shut off fully, which also stresses the machine's inlet valve.
What to do
- Put a towel or tray under it and check the wall and floor behind the machine for water damage.
- Check the hose: a bulging or rusty washing machine hose should be replaced straight away.
- Turn the taps off when the machine isn't in use, especially if you're going away.
- Don't over-tighten the handle to stop the drip. It damages the seat.
Repair or replace?
A newer tap can often be repaired with a new O-ring, gland, washer or jumper. Old, corroded taps are better replaced, and a pair of quarter-turn washing machine taps is easy to turn off between washes. If your pipes bang when the machine fills, we can fit water hammer arrestors at the same time. See water hammer. You get a fixed price before any work starts.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Laundries in older homes in Matraville, Botany and Pagewood often still have the original brass taps, and high mains pressure in those areas wears them out faster. A leaking laundry tap is often a good time to check the pressure as well. See pressure limiting valves.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Why is my washing machine tap leaking from the handle?
The O-ring or gland packing around the spindle has worn, so water seeps out when the tap is on.
Can a leaking washing machine tap be repaired?
Often, yes, with new seals or a washer. Old or corroded taps are better replaced.
Should I turn off my washing machine taps after each wash?
It's a good habit. It takes the pressure off the hoses and the machine's valve when it's not in use.
Why do my pipes bang when the washing machine fills?
The machine's valves close quickly. A water hammer arrestor and lower pressure usually fix it.
Related help: taps and toilets, flexi hoses, water hammer, mixer tap leaking at the base and going on holiday. Local pages: taps and toilets Matraville, taps and toilets Botany, taps and toilets Pagewood and taps and toilets Eastgardens.