Whirlpool TL Leaks and Musty Smell from Tub

[pumpkina]

model number
LSQ9550PW3

serial number
CS3802926

made 9/2005 in Clyde, Ohio
“porcelain in steel basket”

mechanical dials

The cabinet and controls look excellent, just having minor scratches easily touched up. The tub is without blemish.

It has not been used for one month. Prior to that, it leaked from the rear, destroying the floor, but this was not recognized. It's believed that the leak was going on for a month.

The water inlet/mixer valves look clear (no rust) but the assembly is loose.

How should I proceed? Hook it up and run it, looking for leaks? Or should I disasemble it?

What is the most likely cause?

Thanks!

 

[askolover]

If the lid isn't left open between washes it can develop that musty/moldy smell just like a front-loader can if the door is keept sealed.  Who knows what's lurking under the agitator.    My sister had a GE with the plastic inner and outer tubs and the transmission went caput.  she gave it to me to tinker with.  I was shocked when I took the tub out to find that pink/red slimy stuff that I know now was Serratia marcescans.  I mean it was EVERYWHERE!  I don't think she ever used hot water or bleach.  It also stunk to high heaven.  My mother always leaves her lid open and hers has never smelled.  My grandmother used to keep hers closed and it had that moldy smell...bad.

The leak could be as simple as a hose not being as tight as it should be causing it to drip or a loose connection inside the washer but you should see evidence of that on the inside if that is the case.    Personally, if it were me, the first thing I'd do would be to determine the source of the leak and then go from there. Your mileage may vary.

 

[pumpkina]

Thanks.

I removed the musty tub smell with vinegar and leaving the lid open for a couple of hours. I also cleaned the space between the tub and the basket, which had a ring of lint that needed firm scrubbing.

Once I solve the leak, how should I clean the system, eg hot/warm with vinegar poured in the tub (or somehow through the inlet valves?

Thanks!

 

[askolover]

You could fill it with all hot water and add some chlorine bleach or dishwasher detergent that has chlorine bleach in it and just let it agitate for a while and then finish out the cycle to rinse it out.  There may be crud under the agitator too.  I'm a big fan of bleach.  "If you want clean, get a cleaner with bleach in it."