Learned something important about washing machines....
 

Here's the background:

I kept noticing a small amount of water on the floor after I would do a load of laundry. I didn't pay it too much attention since I figured that maybe I just overloaded the thing each time. However, the amount of water gradually started getting larger each time I'd do laundry...

I finally decided to sit and watch it while it ran through a cycle to see if I could find out where the leak was coming from. After the tub filled, I saw the drain hose dripping about a quarter of the way up. I was relieved to find out that the leak was coming from a drain hose instead of somewhere deep inside the machine.

Here's where the power of assumption rears its ugly head. I decide to remove the drain hose. I'm thinking that it won't be a problem since the tub isn't currently draining....I figured that the valve would keep the water in the tub of the washer. Well, I quickly learned that there is no valve between the tub and the drain hose...the water is only kept in by gravity. I pulled the hose, and water started shooting out the back as the tub started to drain.

Moral of the story: I'm a dumbass. Since I know I'm not alone, I figured I'd share the story with you...

LOL, I saw that coming as soon as you said you removed the hose. Washing machines are pretty simple but damn they hold a LOT of water!

If everyone could fix that stuff, I'd need something else to do for a living.

Hopefully the cleanup wasn't too bad. I saw the ending before you got there, that sucks.

Last summer (about 6-7 months ago) a puddle of oil appeared after one load. We were brave and cleaned it up and did another load. A little more oil came out and we cleaned it up again and put some rags under the washing machine. No major problems since (it scoots back during spin cycle sometimes). We're still using the same washing machine and I'm wondering when it's going to break now.

I wish that I would have known that there was nothing to prevent the water from coming out the drain while it was turned off. Had no idea that it was just an open system like that.

No real damage done, and a $5 from the Depot and my washer's up and running again. Just felt like a complete ass...

you gotta love gravity

Excellent post!!

You saved me from doing this same thing somewhere down the line.

Yeah gravity sucks!
Without we would just fly of the planet.

That's your transmission I believe leaking oil.

Basically, if it's an older washer, you might as well kiss it goodbye.

Just wait till that oil starts coming out on your clothes (which it probably will when the transmission pops its clock altogether.)

Ditto that. I'm totally glad I checked out this thread because that sounds like my form of logic too.