Short answer: Washing machine leaks almost always come from one of five places: the inlet hose connection, the drain hose, the door gasket (front-loaders), the drain pump or its housing, or a worn tub seal. When the puddle appears tells you a lot: during filling points to the inlet, during washing to the gasket or tub, during draining to the pump or drain hose.
First, Stop the Damage
Switch off at the socket, close the water tap, and mop up. Water near a plug point is a shock risk, and water seeping under tiles or into a wooden cabinet causes damage that costs far more than the repair.
Finding the Leak
Leak when filling starts: loose inlet hose, a perished washer at the tap or machine end, or a cracked inlet valve
Leak from the front (front-loaders): torn or mouldy door gasket; check its folds for coins or underwire cuts. Also check the detergent drawer for overflow from too much powder.
Leak during draining: drain hose split or loose at the clamp, or a cracked pump housing
Leak from underneath, mid-wash: tub seal or a hose inside the machine, which needs a technician to open the panel
Lots of suds on the floor: too much detergent, or the wrong type in a front-loader
Tighten what you safely can: the inlet hose at the tap, and the drain hose clamp. If the leak continues, the source is inside the machine.
Repair, Cost and Questions
Most leaks are inexpensive: a hose, a washer, a clamp, a gasket or a pump. A tub seal on a front-loader is a bigger job and often comes with bearing replacement. See costs
Is a small leak safe to ignore?
No. Small leaks grow, rust the base, and can reach the motor or wiring.
