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GE PFW950 front-load washer is leaking water

GE PFW950 front-load washer is leaking water: the location and cycle stage of the first drop matters more than the final puddle. Scoped to PFW950S*.

For a leak from a GE Profile PFW950, GE's manual and articles point to a few places. The hoses and fittings: GE says not to overtighten or cross-thread fittings, to make sure hose rubber gaskets are installed and leak-free when pressurized, and not to let hoses rub sharp objects, kink or stretch. The door: dry around the door opening, gasket and glass, and press down the gasket to remove trapped objects, since the seal must be watertight. Clumped detergent in the dispenser can cause a leak, and too much detergent creates suds. GE's leak article directs to sub-articles for leaks from the front, rear, overflowing and oil.

Differential

Likely causes of “GE PFW950 front-load washer is leaking water”, and how to tell them apart

  1. 1

    Loose, cross-threaded or unseated hose fittings

    What separates it There are drips at the back at the hose connections because the hose fittings are loose, cross threaded or unseated

    How to confirm Check the rubber gaskets and connections without over-tightening

  2. 2

    A dirty or obstructed door gasket

    What separates it There is water at the front around the door because the door gasket is dirty or obstructed

    How to confirm Clean and dry the gasket and door glass; clear objects trapped inside

  3. 3

    Clumped detergent in the dispenser

    What separates it There is a leak from the drawer area because of clumped detergent in the dispenser

    How to confirm Never put clumped detergent in the dispenser, and clean the drawer

  4. 4

    Too much detergent

    What separates it Suds and water escape because too much detergent was used

    How to confirm Use the recommended dose or set SmartDispense to LOW

Before you touch a setting

Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence

  • Where the water first appears: front, rear or drawer
  • Whether the water that leaks looks soapy
  • When the gasket and drawer were last cleaned

Try in this order

0 of 5 completed
  1. Check the hose fittings

    Reversible

    Check the hose fittings, with the rubber gaskets in place, no cross threading, and the hoses not kinked or rubbing.

  2. Clean the door gasket

    Reversible

    Press it down with both hands, remove trapped objects and wipe with mild detergent, diluted bleach or diluted vinegar, then wipe with warm water.

  3. Check the drawer

    Reversible

    Check the drawer, and clean it, and do not use clumped detergent in it, and then test again to see whether it helped.

  4. Cut the detergent

    Reversible

    Cut the detergent, by using the recommended amount or LOW on SmartDispense, and then test again to see whether it helped.

  5. Run a short cycle

    Reversible

    Run a short cycle, and watch for the first drip at each connection, and then test again to see whether it helped.

Model-specific

What is true of this model and not of its siblings

GE hose accessories
GE's installation section lists the accessory 6 ft stainless steel washer hoses with 90 degree elbows, part number WX14X10011, in a 2-pack, and a rubber washer and screen, part number WH1X2267, as replacement parts. A hose whose rubber washer has gone hard or been left out is the single most common cause of a drip at the back of a front-loader.
Pump filter reassembly
After cleaning the pump filter, turn it clockwise and tighten it securely, flip up the pour spout and close the access door by hooking the bottom tabs first. A filter left loose will leak at the front bottom of the washer. It is normal to catch about a cup of water when the filter is removed, so use a shallow pan and towels.
Parts for this problem on the PFW950 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
outer boot seal retaining ring, part number WH05X29663, at $7.91; add to cart damper gasket clamp front genuine oe, part number WH01X29612, at $7.91; drain pump assembly with housing and coin trap, part number WH11X39237, at $98.82; water inlet valve, part number WH23X29553, at $97.59.
Other models this page answers
These steps also fit models GFW850, GFW655, GFW650, GFW550, GFW510, PFQ97, GTW840, GTW725, GTW720, GTW585, GTW525, GTW465, GTW335, GNW128.

Stop boundary

When this stops being a self-service repair

  • !If water comes from under the tub or inside the cabinet, schedule GE service
  • !If oil is on the floor, GE's leak article covers it separately; stop using the washer

Evidence ledger

Sources behind this answer

Exact questions

Common questions

Where do GE Profile front-load leaks usually start?+

At the hose fittings, the door gasket, the dispenser drawer or from over-sudsing.

Can clumped detergent cause a leak?+

Yes; GE says clumped detergent in the dispenser can cause a leak.

How do I clean the gasket?+

Press it down, remove trapped objects, wipe it with mild detergent, diluted bleach or diluted vinegar, and rinse with warm water.

Should I overtighten fittings?+

No; overtightening or cross-threading fittings can cause leaks.

Are stainless hoses available?+

GE lists 6 ft stainless steel washer hoses with 90 degree elbows, part number WX14X10011, as an accessory.

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