Is it 'Normal' to have water under the drum in a front loading washer?

Question

I have had the Kenmore front loader he2t now for 7 years, without one problem. Recently I noticed a tiny leak, perhaps a couple of tablespoons, of water on the floor after a wash. We checked the trap and found coins, stones etc. so emptied that. I am 'assuming' the leak was due to this...
Recently I am seeing/hearing water sloshing under the drum but not in it. Computer research from 'users' indicated this water is used for balancing and is normal. The manual for this machine also says a small amount of water is normal...
I have a repair scheduled for Tuesday, and hate to pay the repair fee of $85.00 IF this IS totally normal. 
Can anyone verify that this water under the drum is truly the norm? Why did I not notice this water before? Thank you!!!!!

KL · Answer

With the front loads there is ALWAYS water that doesn't empty completely out of the machine.This is the one reason I would never use them at the laundry mat.I just got rid of my front load.I have had nothing but problems with it.When I went to remove the drum( using it for a fire ring) there was a bunch of dirty gross water there

Dorene Jankovitz · Answer

When I see the little water. I run an old rag under the first seal in the door. Then I have my husband clean out the trap. No problems after that. I have had mine for almost 10 years and I love it. Between washes I leave the door open a little bit to stop that front door odor, which is what you're supposed to do. I would get another front load if my current one goes to the big appliance place in the sky.

Jeanette S · Answer

The front loaders hold water...that is why they stink and you have to leave the door open and you have to 'clean' it every month! I HATE MY FRONT LOADER! But I understand the other 'new' ones are no better. I almost never use my 'water saver' dishwasher! HATE IT!

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

This is not water in between the seal, this is water under the drum. I always use a hand towel and sop up the water around the rubber seal and then leave the door open for 24 hours. Can't get to the water under the drum. I shake the seal area and the water sloshes around.

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

I did have a bit of moldy odor in ours and when I checked the trap I found coins and stones. I washed it out thoroughly with Shaklee Basic G (to kill the mold) and then vinegar (to kill the smell) and it has been fine since then....no more odor. I am also VERY careful to wipe off the door glass and wipe out the rubber seal EVERYTIME and leave the door open to dry out for 24 hours minimum too.

Rose McDonald · Answer

Many, many years ago, my mother had a front loader. After the first year it always had water in it under the drum, it always stank, so did the clothes she washed in it. The Sears repair guy tried to tell her it was normal and that the clothes woudn't smell if she used more soap. She tried that a couple of times, then had my Dad put it out on the curb. She bought a top loader. It lasted for years and NEVER smelled. I wouldn't get a front loader, they have too many problems.

Ellen · Answer

in my country( Holland) we normally use a front loader I never heard off water left in the machine. to me it is not normal. but to call a repairman for it I don't know. but leeks are never alright.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Provide the make and model number on the machine. Its common for some water to remain, only a max cup amount if even that amount. leaks are common when the front gasket gets plugged with lint, and objects that fall out of the pockets when laundry is put in to be washed. Many manufactures sell a cleaning chemical that you can use to remove build up of film in the area between the clothes tub and the tub that holds the water. This is where the odor comes from. Keeping the door open for a few hours after laundry is done will help evaporate and prevent odors from occurring.

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

Kenmore front loader he2t. (This is what the printed manual says.) I am very conscious about wiping off the glass door after every wash load as well wiping out the rubber seal between the door and the drum. I leave a hand towel in the seal area for several hours to sop up any moisture that might remain. I then leave the door open/air our for a minimum of 24 hours-faithfully. I was unaware of the 'trap' so was not watching that as I should have been but will do so in the future. I am a very anal homeowner who strives to make my appliances and belongings last a long time so I am very consistent about maintenance. (I am likely the only person who vacumns under their fridge/and vac's the coils twice a year, clean their house faithfully once a week and vacuums daily.) NOTE: The washer manual says 'bleach clean out load once a month,' however we are totally organic here drink or well water and eat the food from our ground so no chemicals for us. We live on a septic system too, so no bleach goes into that as well. All cleaning supplies/lawn care are non-toxic here.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

The model number should be on the unit somewhere. he2t says nothing to me. 
As far as bleach and septic system. If the septic system is properly operating a few cups of bleach every month will do nothing to the digestion in the system. It will be diluted way to much to make any difference so not to worry about that. It would be different if you were using bleach every day with all the laundry etc. But it will have no impact at all with the septic. 
Look inside the door in a corner for model number its somewhere on the machine.

Tate6433 · Answer

I'm having this problem, but it's with my dryer not washer. They are front loader, Bosch 500 series. Anyone else?

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

Well to solve this mystery the repairman came out today and this water is NORMAL!!

Is it "Normal" to have water under the drum in a front loading washer?

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Is it "Normal" to have water under the drum in a front loading washer?

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