A leaking commercial washing machine can be a huge inconvenience. For businesses such as hotels, care homes, gyms, and hospitals, leaking washing machines can lead to operational downtime and costly damage if left unaddressed. Plus, if your commercial washing machine is leaking water, it could be potentially dangerous.
If your commercial washing machine is leaking water, you might be wondering why. Below, we look at four common reasons your commercial washing machine may be leaking water and how our expert team can help resolve them.
1. Damaged or loose hoses
One of the most frequent causes of water leaks in commercial washing machines is damaged or loose hoses – when they can become brittle, cracked, kinked, or simply work loose from their fittings. This is common in commercial environments because the machines are used much more frequently than in a domestic setting, and often at higher temperatures.
Common signs to look out for include cracks or brittleness of hoses; drips or pools of water behind or under the commercial washing machine; and leaks that get worse when the machine is filling or draining.
If you think this has happened to your commercial washing machine, don’t let it get worse. A small crack can quickly escalate into something major, leading to serious flooding and avoidable damage.
2. Faulty seals
Seals are vital for keeping water contained in a commercial washing machine – especially those around the door, valve, internal connections and pump. However, with so much use and constant exposure to heat, detergents and disinfectants, it’s common for seals to become damaged.
Signs of this happening include slow leaks after draining, water escaping from the seal area, and visible cracking.
It’s easy to ignore faulty seals, but leaving them could lead to further internal damage and potential flooding.
3. Loose or corroded connections
Loose or corroded connections are a common issue in commercial washers due to the constant vibration they experience, which can gradually loosen hose clamps, valve fittings, and pipe connections.
Over time, exposure to moisture and cleaning chemicals can also cause corrosion, further weakening these joints. This problem often starts with intermittent leaks that worsen during spin cycles, water appearing only while the machine is running, or white residue and rust around metal fittings.
If left unaddressed, loose or corroded connections can fail suddenly, leading to significant water leaks during operation.
4. Faulty or obstructed valve
The water valve controls the flow of hot and cold water into the drum. Over time, the valve can become worn, misaligned, or blocked, leading it to fail to seal properly.
If you’re experiencing constant dripping from the drain outlet or notice your commercial washing machine slowly losing water when not in use, it might be a faulty valve.
By not addressing the issue, you may see increased water usage and waste due to improper drainage and frequent refilling.
Book regular maintenance to prevent long-term damage
At PDS, we understand how critical reliable laundry equipment is to your organisation. With nationwide coverage and expert engineers, we provide dependable supply, installation, repair, and maintenance services to keep your commercial washing machines performing at their best.
If you’re experiencing leaks or want to prevent future issues, our team is here to help. Contact us today or book an emergency call-out.
