Rusty water underneath washing machine (floors, washer, drain, install)

[chilaili]

I've noticed lately than when I do a load of laundry there is a very small puddle of rusty water collecting in the pan that the machine sits in. Or rather, what I can see is small. Any ideas what is causing this and should I be concerned? The machine is probably 6 years old (I got it with my condo).

[Cosmic]

There are some rubber seals in most of them. Usually where the tower mounts. Or could be from the pump itself. Those also have seals.

Not rocket science, usually can be repaired but if it is old and you can not do the work yourself, ain't worth it. Time for a new one, once that one starts to leak too much.

Is there a drain installed from the pan? Or did you get el-cheapo just the pan and some hope???? On the second or first floor, normally there is a drain line coming down from the pan to somewhere the basement. If the washer is in the basement, many times just sitting in the pan. If it gets full you get a chance to break out that mop.

If on upper floors and no drain, best not let it get to far gone. Don't turn a minor thing into a real disaster.

Usually you can just tip it up a bit, look in there with a flashlight. Lots of times can spot the offending critter. Might even have a hose leaking. Never know until the eyeballs exactly get on the right area. If in doubt take them outside, put up on something kind of high, (saves the knees and your humor) hook up and do a simulated wash, can typically see in a cutout port in the back exactly where it is.

[chilaili]

Originally Posted by Cosmic

There are some rubber seals in most of them. Usually where the tower mounts. Or could be from the pump itself. Those also have seals.

Not rocket science, usually can be repaired but if it is old and you can not do the work yourself, ain't worth it. Time for a new one, once that one starts to leak too much.

Is there a drain installed from the pan? Or did you get el-cheapo just the pan and some hope???? On the second or first floor, normally there is a drain line coming down from the pan to somewhere the basement. If the washer is in the basement, many times just sitting in the pan. If it gets full you get a chance to break out that mop.

If on upper floors and no drain, best not let it get to far gone. Don't turn a minor thing into a real disaster.

Usually you can just tip it up a bit, look in there with a flashlight. Lots of times can spot the offending critter. Might even have a hose leaking. Never know until the eyeballs exactly get on the right area. If in doubt take them outside, put up on something kind of high, (saves the knees and your humor) hook up and do a simulated wash, can typically see in a cutout port in the back exactly where it is.

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, I know nothing about the install and set-up of the machine - it was put in by the previous owners. The way it's been installed there is no way to remove it without the use of several large husky men or possibly a small crane! To replace it would probably require lifting it over the dryer (which I never use) and then manhandle it out thro the kitchen door, down 2 flights of stairs and out the front door. That will be an interesting exercise !