A Canton homeowner called us about water leaking from their Kenmore washer during the wash cycle. Our diagnostic revealed a torn door boot seal that was allowing water to escape onto the laundry room floor.
The Problem
The customer reported water pooling around the base of their front-load washer after each cycle. The leak was most noticeable during the spin cycle when water pressure against the door seal was highest. This is a common failure point on older Kenmore front-loaders where the rubber boot develops cracks or tears from regular use.
Diagnosis
We found the door boot (part WP8181850) had developed a significant tear along the bottom fold where it connects to the outer drum. This rubber bellows seal creates the watertight barrier between the wash tub and door, and when it fails, water escapes during agitation and spin cycles. The boot showed typical age-related deterioration with the rubber becoming brittle and cracking under normal washing stress.
The Repair
- Parts replaced: WP8181850 — door boot/bellow assembly
- Work performed: Removed front panel, disconnected clamps, installed new door boot with proper alignment
- Result: Ran full wash cycle with no leaks detected
Is It Worth Repairing?
This Kenmore 110 series washer is a reliable workhorse that typically runs 15-20 years with proper maintenance. The door boot replacement extends its useful life significantly, and these units are known for their durability once the common seal issues are addressed. Given the solid mechanical components, this repair makes good economic sense.
Maintenance Tips for Kenmore Front-Load Washers
- Leave the door open after each cycle to allow the boot seal to dry completely and prevent mold growth
- Wipe down the door boot monthly with a mild bleach solution to prevent buildup that can cause premature cracking
- Run the washer’s self-clean cycle monthly or use affresh tablets to maintain the tub and boot seal
Appliance Repair in Canton, OH
Canton is in Stark County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Massillon, North Canton, and Alliance. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your appliance needs service, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Stark County and surrounding areas.
Louisville Appliance Repair serves Stark County and surrounding areas.
Schedule your repair online,
call (330) 693-9163,
or see our reviews on Google.