Southsea, Portsmouth Office 023 9200 7719

Home plumbing guide

Washing machine and dishwasher plumbing problems

Note whether the leak appears while the appliance is off, filling or pumping out. We check the water supply and waste connections and explain when the appliance needs a specialist.

Match what you notice

It leaks with the appliance off
We check the isolation tap, inlet hose and both connections. A sound hose may only need a matching washer. A split hose or cracked hose nut needs replacement. If the tap keeps passing water when shut, we isolate the supply upstream before replacing it.
It leaks or backs up during pump-out
We look for the first drop at the hose, trap or standpipe. If a full sink also drains slowly or water rises in a connected bowl, we look beyond the trap. For an overflowing standpipe, we check the hose position and standpipe dimensions against the model instructions, then check for restrictions or insufficient fall.
Dirty water returns to the dishwasher
We check the waste hose route under the worktop and whether the sink trap or pipe is restricted. If the dishwasher itself fails to empty, we check the accessible filter and hose connection first.
The washing machine fills slowly
We check the flow from the inlet hose and the inlet strainer. If those are clear and flow is good, an appliance repair specialist can investigate the machine.

Connecting one appliance or two

We check the isolation valve, water flow, waste and hose routes. Two nearby appliances can sometimes share a compatible twin appliance trap and have individually isolatable cold feeds. We test them together. If the shared waste cannot handle the flow, we discuss a separate drain.

When the appliance is far from the drain

We check whether a route has enough fall throughout. Moving the appliance closer is often the first option. If gravity drainage is impractical, we check whether a pump is rated for the appliance, lift, run and discharge flow. After fitting, we check that it starts, drains and stops without water returning.

When an existing drain pump struggles

A late start can point to the inlet or level sensor. If the pump starts on time but drains slowly, we check the outlet, non-return valve and pipe route. If it restarts after the appliance stops, we check whether the water level rises again or the sensor is triggering at a steady level.

What to send us

Send the make and model, a photo of visible plumbing and the stage of the cycle when it happens. Leave the appliance out of use if water is escaping and keep clear of wet electrics.

Read about water under the kitchen sink

Further reading

All home plumbing guides

Tell us what needs attention

Have your postcode and a short description ready. If water is still escaping, call us.