Bauknecht Wat 2350 Leaking Water + Noise (From Belt?)
This is my first time here. Thanks for everything in advance.
So, I have a fairly old Bauknecht washing machine that is giving problems.
I don't have a manual, I actually got the machine for free on FreeCycle.
Problem 1: it's leaking water during the cycle, sometimes it causes a short circuit and the house power goes down.
Problem 2: There's this noise that I suspect will be from the belt. I guess you know what I mean. Pretty much the same noise a car makes when there's a problem with one of its belts (refrigeration, etc)
I am handy with tools and stuff, always was a tinkerer, but never dealt with a washing machine before.
I wonder if I can do this maintenance myself (short on money). If it's likely to be too complicated though, I'd ultimately rather pay for this maintenance instead of wasting a day trying. But you'll help me decide which way to go.
Ask me any questions... And thanks so much for any help.
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Bauknecht WAT 2350 leaking during wash and making squealing noise
- The problem
- An older Bauknecht WAT 2350 washing machine was reported to leak water during the cycle, sometimes tripping the household electrics, and to make a squealing or belt-like noise.
- Likely cause
- The discussion supports a water leak as the main fault, with possible leak points including hoses, hose clips, detergent dispenser, pump area, door seal, or the tub-to-pump hose. A more serious probable cause mentioned was failing drum seal/bearings if water is coming from the centre rear and the noise is during spin. The exact cause was not confirmed.
- What fixed it
- Stop using the machine until the leak is identified and repaired. The accepted advice was to isolate the appliance from the mains and water supply, then inspect for the source of the leak and for belt contamination or wear. Because the machine was tripping the electrics, and because bearings/seals were suggested as a possible cause, further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer if the leak is substantial or points to internal electrical or bearing/seal problems.
- Checks to try
- Check for split hoses and loose hose clips
- Inspect for detergent drawer/dispenser leaks
- Check the door seal/gasket for tears or trapped debris
- Inspect the drain pump area for leaks
- Check the tub-to-pump/sump hose for cracks or perished rubber
- Look for water tracks down the cabinet
- Inspect the belt for looseness, fraying, shine or contamination
- Check the pulley is tight and aligned
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Drive belt
- Door seal/gasket
- Drain pump
- Tub-to-pump/sump hose
- Drum seal
- Drum bearings
- Pulley
Safety: Do not use the machine again until the leak is found, especially as it has tripped the house electrics. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
Hi, and welcome. With a leak plus tripping the electrics, the priority is the water leak rather than the belt noise. A slipping/squealing sound can be caused by the drive belt, but it can also happen if water is getting onto moving parts or if a bearing/seal is failing.
Before doing anything, isolate the washing machine from the mains and turn off the water supply. Do not use it again until the leak is found, especially if it is tripping the house electrics.
1. Check where the water is coming from Remove the lid/back panel if accessible and look for obvious signs: split hoses, loose hose clips, detergent drawer leaks, pump leaks, or water tracks down the cabinet. If possible, run a very short fill/drain test while watching carefully with panels safely removed only if you can do so without touching anything live.
2. Inspect the door seal and dispenser Check the door gasket for tears, trapped debris, or water running from the front left where the soap drawer often overflows. A blocked dispenser or low water pressure issue can cause splashing.
3. Check sump hose and pump area On older machines, the large tub-to-pump hose and drain pump are common leak points. Look for cracks, perished rubber, or signs of dripping underneath.
4. Consider main drum seal/bearings If the noise is a squeal/grumble during spin and there is leaking from the centre rear area, the drum bearings or seal may be failing. That can let water reach the motor/belt area and may explain both faults. This repair is often uneconomical on an older freecycled machine.
5. Inspect the belt and pulley If the belt is loose, frayed, shiny, or contaminated with पानी/washing residue, it can squeal. Also check the pulley is tight and aligned. A belt itself is straightforward; bearings or shaft seal are a bigger job.
6. If it is tripping the electrics Water may already have reached wiring, motor, heater, or connections. Leave it disconnected until dry and the leak is fixed. Electrical fault-finding inside a washer is not a good first DIY job.
If you can identify exactly where the leak starts from, that will narrow it down quickly. But if it’s leaking enough to trip the supply, or if it points to bearings/seals, I’d strongly suggest a qualified engineer. Any mains electrical work should be left to a properly qualified person.
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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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