Washing machine leaks on spin
A leak that only occurs on spin is caused by one of two things: the machine entering spin with too much water still inside, or a component that only leaks under the pressure and movement of spinning. Water visible from the soap drawer during spin usually points to the first cause. Water appearing underneath during spin usually points to the second.
A leak that is absent during the wash and rinse cycles but appears only on spin is a specific fault pattern with specific causes. Identifying where the water appears – drawer, door, or underneath – narrows down the source significantly.
Water Appearing From the Soap Drawer on Spin
If water is escaping from the soap drawer area during spin, the machine has most likely entered the spin cycle with water still inside the drum that should have been pumped out. On spin, this water is forced upward and outward – into the drawer, out through a steam vent, or around the front of the drawer.
Partial pump blockageA partial obstruction in the pump or pump filter may allow the machine to drain slowly enough to appear to complete the drain cycle, while leaving enough residual water to cause problems on spin. Check the pump filter and pump for a partial blockage even if the machine appears to drain. See our guide on the washing machine pump filter.
Motor running out of controlIf the machine appears to be spinning much faster than normal with audible banging and loss of control, it may have entered spin while full of water and the motor is not being properly managed. Water is then thrown outward at high speed. This is a motor or control system fault that needs engineer investigation.
For more detail on water escaping from the drawer area, see our guide on washing machine leaking from the soap drawer.
Water Coming From Underneath During Spin
If water appears underneath the machine during spin but not during the wash or rinse cycles, the most likely cause is a component that only leaks under the specific conditions of spin – pressure, vibration, and tub movement. The following are the most common culprits.
Door seal with a small split or hole
The door seal (boot seal) can develop small cuts or holes – particularly higher up in the seal – that do not leak during low-speed washing but open under the pressure of spin and tub movement. Inspect the full circumference of the seal carefully, including the upper sections, for any splits, holes, or areas where the rubber appears damaged or thinned. Evidence of previous leakage may be visible as a rust stain or dry detergent deposit inside the seal folds.
Internal hose with a small hole or loose connection
Hoses inside the machine that connect to the tub can have pinhole leaks or loose clips that only produce water under the pressure of spin. These leaks often leave tell-tale rust marks or dried detergent deposits on the hose body or at the connection point. Inspect all internal hoses visible when the back panel is removed, paying attention to hose clips and any point where a hose attaches to the tub.
Crack or hole high in the plastic outer tub
A crack in the upper section of the plastic outer tub may only be reached by water when it is thrashed around during spin. During wash and rinse cycles the water level is lower and the tub is not moving at speed, so the crack is never exposed to water under pressure. This type of fault requires access to the tub itself to identify and is usually beyond straightforward DIY repair.
How to Investigate a Spin-Only Leak
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Inspect the door seal thoroughly. Run a finger around the full inside of the seal, especially the upper sections, feeling for any cuts, holes, or soft spots. Look for rust staining or dried detergent inside the seal folds as evidence of a recurring leak path. -
Watch where the water first appears during a spin cycle with the machine pulled out. Does it come from under the front? Down the back? From a specific point? The origin of the water visible from outside helps narrow the internal source. -
Remove the back panel and inspect internal hoses for rust marks, residue deposits, or visible cracks. Check hose clip tightness – a loose clip may hold during gentle wash movement but release under spin pressure. -
Try to reproduce the leak with a normal load. A spin-only leak often does not reproduce without laundry inside – the weight and movement of a real load changes how the tub behaves on spin. See our main guide on finding washing machine leaks.
Cannot Find the Source?
A leak that only appears on spin under load can be difficult to trace without the machine running and accessible simultaneously. A qualified engineer can often identify this type of fault quickly.
All Washing Machine Leak Guides
5 Essential Tips for Finding a Washing Machine LeakThe main leak diagnostic guide – systematic tips for locating the source of any washing machine leak.
Leaking From Underneath or When Not in UseCauses of leaks that appear under the machine, including leaks when the machine is switched off.
Leaking From the Soap DrawerCauses of water escaping from or around the soap dispenser drawer area.
Leaking From the DoorDoor seal faults and other causes of water escaping around the door glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my washing machine only leak on spin and not during the wash?
A spin-only leak is caused by conditions that are only present during spin: higher speeds, tub vibration, and water being forced around the upper sections of the drum. A small hole or split in the door seal may only open under this movement. An internal hose with a loose clip or pinhole may only leak under spin pressure. A crack in the upper part of the plastic outer tub may only be reached by water when it is thrown around during spin.
How do I check the door seal for spin-only leaks?
Run a finger around the full circumference of the door seal, including the upper sections which are easy to miss. Feel for any cuts, holes, or soft areas. Look inside the folds of the seal for rust staining or dried detergent residue that indicates a recurring water path. Pay particular attention to the upper portion of the seal, as holes here may only release water when the tub is moving at speed during spin.
Could the machine entering spin with too much water cause a spin leak?
Yes. If a partial pump blockage prevents the machine from draining fully, the residual water is thrown outward during spin. It may appear from the soap drawer area, from a steam vent, or around the front of the drawer. Check the pump filter even if the machine appears to drain – a partial blockage can allow most water to clear while leaving enough residual water to cause problems on spin.