Model #WFW8500SR01, this washer started leaking from the bottom of the door during a wash cycle resulting in water all over the floor and inside the base of the unit. Because front load washers rarely leak unless some damage has occurred, I figured this one would again fit that pattern.



Well the cause of the leak was easy enough to find simply by opening the door. A portion of the bottom of the door seal (door bellow) had torn loose and was now allowing water to leak past and run down the front of the washer. The seals on these doors are very good at retaining water because the shape of the door glass conforms to the rubber of the seal making for a tight fit. But if there is any damage or deformity in the seal (even a small cut or tare) water will start leaking during the wash. The primary reason for this kind of damage (as I explained to the customer) is an article of clothing hanging partially over the door seal when the door is closed creating an incomplete seal. During the spin cycle, the clothes are subjected to a high RPM rotation causing the rubber seal to be pulled on by the article of clothing until it either stretches or tares loose. For this reason, it is important that all clothes are placed inside the spin basket instead of using the door itself as a ram to push the clothes in. After my short lecture, I installed a new door bellow making this door water tight again.