how to stop leak from front base of LG intellowasher DD?

I had a similar problem which caused some water damage to an adjacent kitchen unit.The leak was traced to the soap dispenser drawer. In my case a simple cure was to run the machine with the soap drawer slightly open-about 1cm. The machine has been operated in this way for a few years with no further leak problems. This is an easy option to try in order to identify the problem. I use a velcro patch on the side of the dispenser to hold it in position.

Phil C
March 2011

My LG washer leaked as mentioned. As previously stated the small overflow pipe circuit was blocked with soapy, sludgy deposits. I pulled off the rubber pipe and blew it to ensure it wasn't blocked and with a small screwdriver cleared the actual blockage in the plastic pipe. No need for silicone or selftapping screws, it's better to ensure the water gets away in the first place. Why anyone should want to purchase a new plastic dispenser is beyond me, when merely removing and cleaning the original will do. Ensure that you wash at 90 degrees at least once a month as 30 or 40 degrees breeds bacteria blocking the pipes and making freshly washed clothes smell. Also use Calgon once a month.

Oilcanarry
December 2010

I had the same problem with an LG WM1171. The fix that worked for me (and thanks due to the various suggestions above) was to take apart the soap dispenser and clean it all, seal up the front few holes with silicone sealant to stop it spraying in a forward direction and seal between the soap dispenser and the plastic at the front of the machine with some more silicone as suggested by Andrew above. The exit pipework on mine was all gunged up with soapy residue so I recommend that you take the opportunity to take this apart ant clean it as well, particularly the join between the pipe from the drain pump and the pipe to the outside drain which also has the little breather pipe to the soap dispenser. On mine this was almost completely blocked. End result - bone dry.

Doctorpete
November 2009

hi the answer to your problem is the soap tray,look very carefully at the front and side of the soap tray area when its running and you should see a very fine stream of water coming from behind the soap tray.thjis is caused by the prewash(left soap compartment) water jets running out the left side of the soap powder tray and round to the front and down the front.my washer does it but I aint been able to cure it yet.

dave g
August 2009

I had a similar problem and when I investigated there was nothing wrong with the machine but the outflow pipe was routed back to the drain with a high loop which collected water which couldn't flow away. After the wash this slowly leaked onto the floor. I changed the route to a much lower loop which solved it straight away.

Chris
June 2009

Get a new Dispenser housing from this site

http://www.espares.co.uk/part/washing-machines/lg/wm1485fhd/p/1085/81/0/384155/188853/dispenser-housing.html?k=dispenser

problem solved. limescale is an issue here.

carlos maline
November 2007

I have found another cause for a small leak at the base on the left hand side.

On the front of the washer at the bottom, behind the square panel, is the access to the pump filter. (NB: Water will escape when you undo the large screw cap). There is a rubber o-ring which keeps the water from escaping through this cap. In my washer, small amounts of water were leaking through this cap during the wash. There was no leak unless water was under pressure during the wash.

I put teflon plumbers tape under the rubber o-ring. I separated the cap into two components by prying it apart with a screwdriver. I cut a thin pice of plastic from a CD cover into the shape of a small circle to use as packing between the two components of the cap. In this way the o-ring provides a tighter seal. Also the areas where contact is made were cleaned.

As far as I can tell this has fixed the problem. Possibly the drawer was leaking also - as described previously. I sealed around the drawer and I thought that this fixed the proble, but then it leaked again. I then found this problem with the o-ring seal.

Anthony
October 2007

I also have an LG Intellowasher with the same problem. I have fixed the problem a different way, probably the way described by Gary Winter is better.
I think washing in hot water deforms the drawer unit and causes water to go where it shouldn't.

1. Remove the soap dispenser unit and wash it thoroughly.
2. There is a thin hose leading from the soap dispenser unit to the drain in the back of the washer - make sure this hose is not blocked. Remove hose and run water through it.
3. Re-assemble everything into the washer.
4. This is the contraversial bit:
- The soap dispenser unit should be fully installed but the drawer is still removed.
- Silicone seal the gap between the soap dispenser unit and the plastic at the front of the washer, (Seal all round, but especially at the top. It should be possible to do this neatly, Try to get silicone fully into the gap, not just between the two pieces of plastic. (I flexed down the plastic at the top of the soap dispenser unit to get silicone into the gap.
5. Replace the drawer and wait a day before using the machine.

This worked for me, I can't guarantee that it will work for anyone else.

Anthony
October 2007

Further to my last, if you remove the soap dispenser completely it splits in two and you can clearly see the water jet drillings. In the section that feeds the main wash powder there more jets than I first thought. Concentrating with the front jets plug the first six smaller holes (preferrably with galvanised self tapping screws-make sure that they are not too long!) I tried this today, tested appliance twice and hooray no leaks. Goodluck to anyone trying this for themselves. If you require more info feel free to contact me bernywinter@btinternet.com.

gary winter
February 2007

Hi, same problem. Have cleaned dispenser jets thoroughly but no difference. Will be stopping the front two jets in the main powder area to see if this stops leak,as it seems from watching and believe me I have been watching and watching to find cause of leak, that the jets in question direct water too far forward in the soap drawer(lowering water pressure makes no difference unless its down to a trickle but then does not take powder very well) Funny that the user book refers to water pressure! Would have been easier to have had the jet drillings not so close to front of drawer. Plugged jets on a certain Whirlpool model quite a few times with success as replacing with new dispenser made no difference so fingers crossed. If this works I will let you all know tomorrow 28/02. Wish me luck!

Gary Winter
February 2007

Have the same problem with leaking DD. Have been told by engineer that the internal water sprays are affected by incoming water pressure changes. Lowered the water presseure to the inlet and the machine leaked worse than ever. Have yet to raise pressure, but fingers crossed.

BigMart
November 2006

Have similar leak from an LG 12126RD washer drier. It definitely comes from the soap drawer and thorough cleaning of the drawer and water jets with a brush appears to provide a temporary fix. A relative had a similar problem and eventually LG replaced the washer !! Lucky, what ? Might just be a common problem and that is why I am searching the web.

westmidsman
October 2006