Thread Number: 76111  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Speed Queen Washer Intermittent Water Leak
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Post# 999519   7/6/2018 at 13:52 (2,092 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        

Hello!

I'm new here, after much research including reading here on this forum, I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase an open box Speed Queen AWNE82SP Top Load Washer in late February.

We are having an issue though and I was wondering if someone here may be able to help us troubleshoot it or may have had a similar experience. It would seem that we intermittently end up with water under the washer.

The drain and fill hoses are all tight are not leaking on both ends.

We are using the proper amount of detergent for the load

The tub is still centered properly after loading

This happened twice with full loads of towels, and once with a medium load of dish towels. The first time was about 4 weeks ago, and the other two occurrences were about a week ago.

I pulled the front cover off the one time and could not see anywhere obvious where water had leaked from.

The last full load of towels I stood with the machine the entire time and we didn't have any issues. I guess a watched washer never leaks?

I did notice that the machine still indexes when towels are in there (heavier load?) but I hadn't noticed the indexing on some other loads that we recently did. A few other observations during this load (with no leaks), was that when the washer was spinning and water was being added that some of the stream hits the edge (see photo below). I also observed some bubbling later on when it was not spinning but filling (see photo). Not sure if these are all normal occurrences or not, I'm running out of ideas. The machine is still under warranty of course, but if a tech comes out and we can't replicate the issue I would hate to be wasting someone's time.






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Post# 999525 , Reply# 1   7/6/2018 at 14:20 (2,092 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)        

nmassman44's profile picture
You do realize that with the bubbling water up from the bottom hole pattern is from the washer filling. Not all the water that enters the washer is directed to the load. Some water flows between the washbasket and outer tub....it’s a non issue. The water on the floor could just be splash over from the spray rinse if the tub is at high speed spin. It does happen. Unless you have a big puddle or stream then I would investigate further.

Post# 999557 , Reply# 2   7/6/2018 at 19:22 (2,092 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        

The first time the leak was pretty significant with water more than just under the washer...whatever leaked out actually made a small stream that ran towards a low spot on the floor. That evening, I took the front cover off and couldn't see where it would have come from. I ran two additional loads afterwards that same night with no issues. It seems me to that I need to figure out at what point in the cycle it occurs, and maybe go from there? That makes sense about the bubbles, I'm just mentioning anything and everything... I appreciate your input!

Post# 999564 , Reply# 3   7/6/2018 at 20:36 (2,092 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Probably should watch every load run until the leak source is identified.


Post# 999589 , Reply# 4   7/7/2018 at 06:13 (2,092 days old) by Lorainfurniture (Cleveland )        
Dadoes is right

The only way to fix a leak is to find it first. Leave the cover off, just pay attention for water after every load. When you see water, start looking and feeling for the source of the wet spot. I know this sounds ridiculous but just because water comes from the bottom it doesn’t mean the leak is at the bottom.

Gravity is a thing ya know. I can’t tell you how many “appliance technicians” (like real techs, seriously) don’t understand this simple concept.

Your leak is intermittent so I would be looking for leaks at the top,


Post# 999602 , Reply# 5   7/7/2018 at 09:58 (2,091 days old) by Combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Leaking 2017 Speed Queen Toploader

combo52's profile picture
This was a very common problem we did more than 50s warranty calls on these machines for this problem of a slight leak intermittently.

Water is likely splashing over during the spray rinses it’s especially likely on the normal eco-cycle which does a longer spray rinse.

The main problem is if the machine is not completely level it’s much more likely to happen if the tub moves toward the front of the water sprays over the back, it’s very important to have the machine either completely level or slope slightly to the rear but never low in the front try releveling the machine and see if the problem goes away.

John L.


Post# 999651 , Reply# 6   7/7/2018 at 19:43 (2,091 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        
Thank you Combo

We haven't been using the eco cycle at all, but I wouldn't doubt that water is splashing over the top during a rinse especially after watching a few loads. I really appreciate the input and will double check the leveling of the machine. I do realize that just because the water is at the bottom it isn't leaking at the bottom, but even when I had looked upward previously I didn't see anything telling.

Post# 999667 , Reply# 7   7/7/2018 at 23:57 (2,091 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

As pilots say----GRAVITY ALWAYS WINS!!!!

Post# 1000283 , Reply# 8   7/14/2018 at 14:51 (2,084 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        

I initially checked to make sure it was level and it was almost dead on. Regardless, its been dry for the last week to 10 days. I spent some time this morning releveling with an ever so slight slope to the rear. I received a text from my wife with a picture of a wet basement floor. Regular clothes, large load, permanent press. I took the cover off when I got home but couldn't see or feel anything wet high or low. She doesn't know exactly when it leaked as she wasn't watching it. She discovered it when there were about 14 minutes left in the cycle. I'd love to watch every load, but unfortunately that's not always possible. The loads I have watched have been uneventful. I guess I'll keep watching....


Post# 1000294 , Reply# 9   7/14/2018 at 16:27 (2,084 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
WildManWill:  I guess I'll keep watching....
There's no other choice to pinpoint an erratic leak source.


Post# 1000296 , Reply# 10   7/14/2018 at 16:49 (2,084 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
check and rule out your drain pipe while your at it.....



another thought, if you can't be there to watch all cycles, is to place folded papertowels along the inside perimeter of the machine, would not hurt to place a border around the outside of the machine, just to see if that helps where the water may be coming from...


Post# 1008670 , Reply# 11   9/26/2018 at 11:50 (2,010 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        
Update

So I wasn't able to find the source of leak and ended up placing a service call since the machine was still under warranty. Of course it leaked that morning before the Tech came, but then he was "unable to duplicate the issue" during his visit. He only pulled the front cover off and tested various points of the cycle and looked all over inside. He made sure the hose clamps were tight on the pump, etc. Mostly this was all of the same stuff that I had done.

For whatever reason after his visit on July 25th it didn't leak anymore! The machine started getting progressively noisier over the following 6 weeks. I ended up calling a different company this time for the repair. They came out and quickly diagnosed it to the pump failing. He said in addition to the noise, they can start to leak when they fail (I thought maybe I had my answer) Anyway, they ordered the part, came back a few days later and replaced it. I had forgotten what a normal washer sounded like. I went back down after the first load...and had water on the floor. This persisted for the next several loads. I decided to investigate once again. I found the water sitting in the low spots on the back of the washer vs the front. I flipped the top back and ended up tracing it back to the hose that runs between the valve and the inlet at the drum. It had some small cracks along the bottom and when I moved it just the right way or stressed it a little small droplets of water would form on it. I have another one on order (just going to do this myself at this point). I will post some pictures of the old hose when I remove it. I'm not sure why it didn't leak for over 8 weeks, but I'm guessing when the new pump was installed that the machine was jarred around just enough to cause the hose to be in position where it could start leaking again.


Post# 1012300 , Reply# 12   10/27/2018 at 21:13 (1,979 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        
Photo

Below are pictures of the original valve to inlet hose. The affected area is highlighted in the photos. It almost looks like maybe someone slipped with tool when installing or tightening the hose clamp at the factory as directly inline with where the small crack/split was in a scuffed area almost like a tool slipping.

The unfortunate news is that this was not the main culprit of the mysterious leak after all. Its still intermittently leaking. I've been unable to figure out the source still. We had a tech back out from the company that replaced the pump, but he was unable to duplicate the leak in the time that we was here. I've since started keeping a log of what types of loads, water level settings, etc. and whether it leaked and if so a large or small leak. Maybe this will help me see a trend or pattern and perhaps help me duplicate the issue with a tech. Its great that the washer is well built, cleans clothes well and has a good warranty but if no one can troubleshoot and resolve the leak the warranty doesn't do me much good. The leak seems to originate on the right side of the machine now. I'm thankful that I don't have a finished basement with a hardwood or carpeted floor.


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Post# 1012328 , Reply# 13   10/28/2018 at 06:23 (1,979 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)        

For a mystery leak, I draw lines of brightly coloured chalk all over the place - under every hose connection, on the floor round the machine, around base plate inside the machine. Especially around the drain standpipe.

The water will wash away the chalk when the leak occurs. Find a gap in the chalk and you should be able to ID your leak.

I would pay close attention to the drain, especially if it empties into a standpipe. These machines pump out pretty fast, at least here in Australia these big American machines are known to pump out too fast for many drains, they back up and flood. I believe Speed Queens sold in Australia the last few years now have a small electric drain pump instead of the belt driven pump in US market machines. This means they pump out slower.

If you have a big sink or laundry tub next to the washer, put the drain hose into the sink instead of the standpipe. If it is pumping too fast, the water will just rise up in the sink. If the mystery leak disappears, you have your answer.


Post# 1012393 , Reply# 14   10/28/2018 at 19:14 (1,978 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        

Gizmo - I really appreciate the feedback and ideas. The unit used to empty into a standpipe and early on in this process I ended up switching it over to the laundry sink just to rule out any standpipe related issues. I truly believe it is originating at the top somewhere - either related to the inlet where the water enters the wash basket, or something else related to how the water sprays. I've made sure that the machine is level, that we are using the appropriate amounts of soap, and that we aren't overloading it. All of the hose clamps are properly tightened everywhere and I've seen no evidence of any of the hoses leaking, the pump leaking or the seal leaking. I'm really at a loss. I need to make more time to watch it I guess - or maybe set a camera up on it!

Post# 1012395 , Reply# 15   10/28/2018 at 20:07 (1,978 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        
Also...

The quantity of water that leaks out varies from load to load. It has never appeared to be soapy. I will also take closer look at the tub cover gasket seal too, I guess, though I've never seen any signs of water running along the outer edge of the tub.

Post# 1013301 , Reply# 16   11/4/2018 at 20:06 (1,971 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        
Update

Well, whatever it is seems to be getting worse... I'm still working on narrowing down what part of the cycle it occurs on.

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Post# 1013309 , Reply# 17   11/4/2018 at 20:44 (1,971 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

Try to think of if it happens during a certain cycle or with certain options or load components.

If you have camcorder with tripod or such tapeing the cycle and only checking the footage if there was leakage might save you tons of time and effort and give you something to proof to the service technician that there is something going on.


Post# 1013313 , Reply# 18   11/4/2018 at 20:59 (1,971 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
You're not running the machine with the front panel off so you can see the "guts" for locating the leak?


Post# 1013314 , Reply# 19   11/4/2018 at 20:59 (1,971 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
unfortunately you have a choice....


take the front cover off, and watch every load until you find the issue...


OR....leave the machine while its in operation, and wait until it floods your basement....


if you have to, get one of those water detectors, and place the sensor on the floor, just don't ignore the buzzer when it sounds off.....


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Yogitunes's LINK


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Post# 1013355 , Reply# 20   11/5/2018 at 06:41 (1,971 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        

Starting about a week ago I asked my wife to start keeping a detailed log - of all the cycle options chosen as well as what she is washing, and then whether it leaked a little, a lot, or none at all. I also asked her to take a picture of the leak area when possible each time.

I have been keeping the cover off - unfortunately it doesn't seem to leak when I'm home or watching it. I'm working 12 hour days and the majority of the laundry is washed while I'm at work. I stood and watched a load last week, and of course it didn't leak. On the days it does leak, all I see when I get home is some water pooled in the low spots inside the bottom frame/case of the washer. I'm still seriously considering putting a web cam on it...if nothing else it might give me a clearer picture as to what point in the cycle the leak occurs.

I ut the cover back on for the pictures that you saw - as this has been dragging on for a while, I'm considering reaching out to the store that I bought it from, so I figured it would be safer to take a picture of it with all covers on!


Post# 1013357 , Reply# 21   11/5/2018 at 06:53 (1,971 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
these machines have a corrugated drain hose, which can easily get a pin hole, or crack at the seams....


would not hurt to place your hand over the end of the drain hose while pumping out to sort of pressurize it, just to rule stuff like this out..


at this point, anything is possible


but yeah, would not hurt to put a camera on it....


keep us posted


Post# 1013358 , Reply# 22   11/5/2018 at 07:32 (1,971 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Leaking SQ TL Washer

combo52's profile picture

As a SQ Dealer if someone sent us the picture you posted the problem would be solved, send the pictures to SQ directly and the service agency that is responsible for the warranty.

 

John


Post# 1013372 , Reply# 23   11/5/2018 at 09:57 (1,970 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        

My wife went down there this morning with 16 minutes remaining in the load and it had already leaked. She decided to go down a few minutes earlier during the next load and happened to see it starting flowing out from under the machine when the minutes remaining was at about 20 - which was about the time it started spinning (about 10-11 minutes into the cycle). The status display said "wash" at the time. I'm guessing this would be the low speed spin - spray at the end of the heavy duty wash cycle. Apparently she caught it on video... I think a little had leaked out prior to her getting down there. Her video apparently clearly shows the water originating on the right side of the washer, flowing under neath and forming a river similar to the picture above.

I guess I'll give the selling dealer a day to go back to me, then I'll jump to directly to the manufacturer.


Post# 1013373 , Reply# 24   11/5/2018 at 10:27 (1,970 days old) by Stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)        

stricklybojack's profile picture
.
Prepare for the likelihood SQ will 100% want you to work through the dealer.
You have lost the Speed Queen lottery, you got a dud. Now comes the second lottery with your dealer. Hopefully he/she is stands with you and can get you fairly sorted out. Anything to do with SQ directly will be a fight. They really only work with dealers.
If this machine is under warranty, which my above comment assumes btw, it is in no way your job to diagnose the issue. SQ TL washers prior to the newest design of this year, have historic tub seal issues. People always say this was corrected after Alliance took over SQ, nonetheless the machine is mostly the same design. I have two Alliance SQ top-loaders in my garage now, one has a tub seal leak. I bought it that way gambling it was something else, it wasn’t.


Post# 1013382 , Reply# 25   11/5/2018 at 11:43 (1,970 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        

Yes the machine still has over 4 years left on the 5 year warranty. I started attempting to troubleshoot the issue myself when the techs were unable to diagnose or resolve it. The dealer got back to me just a few minutes ago, they scheduled a service call on my behalf with the same company that was out two weeks ago. Perhaps the photos, video, and additional information will be of help when they come on Friday.

Post# 1014001 , Reply# 26   11/10/2018 at 12:02 (1,965 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        
Tubcover gasket?

Prior to the tech coming out, I pulled the cover and did a load. About 11 minutes into the cycle when the heavy duty wash cycle low speed spin started I shined my light and camera in on the right hand side. See photo below. It definitely wasn't always leaking like that, so I'm guessing it has gotten worse over the months as the gasket failed... It's been an intermittent leak that has become more regular and larger quantity of water recently.

So anyway, the tech came out yesterday, didn't have any interest in any of our photos, videos, or log. Nor did he want us to run a typical load with clothes in it. Needless to say, like the techs before him he did not get it to leak. He said he ran it three times (various parts of cycles) and was pulling on the hoses and the various connections and the drain. He said its an oring inside the top cover that is kinked. He thinks its the centrifugal force of its spinning out the clothes that causes the water to push out. Parts are on the way... There is actually rust on the outer tub from repeated exposure to water - so it was definitely clear to him that its been leaking from somewhere higher up.


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Post# 1014006 , Reply# 27   11/10/2018 at 12:13 (1,965 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        
Video

Trying post a link to the video of it occurring

CLICK HERE TO GO TO wildmanwill's LINK


Post# 1014029 , Reply# 28   11/10/2018 at 13:56 (1,965 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Spin-drain machine, kicks the water up.  Less likely to happen on low water level.


Post# 1014060 , Reply# 29   11/10/2018 at 18:19 (1,965 days old) by GusHerb (Chicago/NWI)        

Hmmm. I’ve always been a little paranoid mine will start leaking from that tub cover due to the spin drain. Luckily that should be an easy fix but how annoying it took so long to track down.

Post# 1018976 , Reply# 30   12/24/2018 at 09:52 (1,921 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        
Update

The tub cover assembly and gasket were replaced just over a month ago and we have been leak free since. Merry Christmas to all!

Post# 1018998 , Reply# 31   12/24/2018 at 12:35 (1,921 days old) by chetlaham (United States)        

chetlaham's profile picture
Glad to hear it was all resolved. Sorry this happened, these are good washers and worth minor the repair.

Post# 1084739 , Reply# 32   8/11/2020 at 13:38 (1,325 days old) by dale32640 (Temecula)        
Anymore Leaking?

I am currently experiencing what appears to be the same problem with my Speed Queen. Is the repair holding with your machine still? Any leaking problems since the Lid and gasket were replaced?

Thank you kindly for your reply--

Sincerely, Dale


Post# 1084765 , Reply# 33   8/11/2020 at 20:18 (1,325 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        

Hi Dale, Yes that repair finally fixed the problem and we have been enjoying the speed queen problem free ever since!

It was part number 202888 (tub cover assembly including gasket) that they replaced that fixed the problem in the end.


Post# 1084843 , Reply# 34   8/12/2020 at 14:59 (1,324 days old) by Paulg (My sweet home... Chicago)        
SQ AWS52NW leak

paulg's profile picture
I just fixed a leak on our 15 year old Speed Queen. The leak was intermittent.
As it turns out, the hose that runs from the input valve to the drum was the source of the trouble. The washer is fifteen years old. After fifteen years of daily use the hose clamps on both sides of the fill tube rusted and split. This left the fill hose fastened only by friction. Depending on the tub position during fill the hose would leak.
I visited my nearby Speed Queen parts depot and bought a new fill hose and two hose clamps. I used ONLY Speed Queen original parts. The original hose was still good but I replaced it anyway.
Problem solved! Cost: Less than $25. Time: Two hours including travel. I don’t have an internal view of the hose but it is the hose that feeds the fill spouty thingy.


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Post# 1085000 , Reply# 35   8/13/2020 at 22:01 (1,323 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        

I'm glad that you worked for you. As I mentioned above, I replaced that same hose, clamps, and actually even "fill spouty thingy" aka inlet deflector when I was on my journey to a leak free washer. Unfortunately they weren't the problem, but I was desperate and not having luck with the technicians.

Post# 1085001 , Reply# 36   8/13/2020 at 22:03 (1,323 days old) by wildmanwill (pennsylvania)        
AWNE Leak

Dale - let us know how you make out!

Post# 1085339 , Reply# 37   8/17/2020 at 00:38 (1,320 days old) by stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)        

stricklybojack's profile picture
.
Glad you got it sorted.
I sometimes take a different tack when replacing parts. As in, “the original stuff failed. I will try something different this time.”
Not always...but if something fails I loose the tendency toward loyalty.


Post# 1085386 , Reply# 38   8/17/2020 at 09:49 (1,319 days old) by Oldschool88 (NJ)        

Agreed. Stainless steel hose clamps would be a good upgrade, given the failure of the factory clamp.

Post# 1198268 , Reply# 39   1/30/2024 at 06:15 by plichtenwalner (Cumming, GA)        
same problem!

Thank you for sharing this- we've had the same problem- random puddles of water on the floor. Our machine is 6 1/2 years old, and it just started happening in the last year or so. We finally narrowed it down to Large loads when running the heavy duty cycle. At first I thought my son was just overloading the machine, but then when I loaded it up and it did the same thing, I realized we have an actual problem. I am going to ask the repair guy to replace the part you mentioned above- thank you for adding the part number!


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