I noticed puddles under the machine after washing. My Samsung has been working for 5 years, never had this happen before. Maybe the seal wore out or the gasket? Do I need to fix it urgently or can I still do laundry?
Before you call a repair person, check if the drain system is clogged - sometimes debris builds up in the filter or hose, and water pressure just forces it out through weak spots. There's an access hatch at the bottom of the machine to get to the filter, and that's where hair, coins, and button pieces usually collect. If the filter's clean but the leak keeps going, then yeah, it's probably wear on the seal or gaskets - that's a job for a specialist.
I wouldn't keep using it, because water under the machine will eventually reach the electronics or mess up your floor.
Does water leak right after you turn it on, or does it accumulate under the machine gradually during the wash cycle?
If the puddle is small and only appears after the water drains - it's likely a problem with the gasket on the drain hose or where it connects. That's the least serious issue. Check if it's screwed on tight and whether there are any cracks in the hose itself. If the hose is fine, you might need to replace the rubber gasket - that's dirt cheap.
But if water is leaking actively during the wash cycle, especially at the start - it's most likely the door seal, the drum seal or the drum bearing. The seal can wear out over five years, but usually it leaks from the side, not the bottom. A leak from the bottom more often points to problems with the drum itself, its mounting, or the shock absorbers. You shouldn't keep using it - you could damage your floors or flood your neighbors. Find a technician; it's risky to mess with it yourself because you need to take apart the front of the machine.
Before the technician arrives, put towels or a tray under the machine so the water doesn't spread across the floor.
You don't need to fix it urgently if it's just a small puddle and the machine is washing normally. but you shouldn't keep using it - things can only get worse. five years is a pretty realistic age for the seal or gaskets to wear out, especially if you're washing frequently at high temperatures.
my neighbors had a similar situation with their machine - at first they ignored a small leak for a couple of weeks, but then water was dripping seriously and got into the electronics. when the repair guy came, it turned out the problem was the gasket on the drain hole under the drum, and they had to replace it along with the half-moon seal because water had damaged the plastic. if they'd started earlier, it would've just been one replacement.
try checking first the way people suggested - you'll take off the bottom panel and see exactly where it's leaking from. if water's coming right from under the drum or from the seal area, then yeah, that's it. if the leak's from the drain system or hose - sometimes just cleaning the filter and checking the connection helps. but either way, with a five-year-old machine you shouldn't risk it and should call a specialist - diagnostics usually aren't expensive, and you'll find out exactly what needs to be replaced.
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