Kenmore 110.20922990 tripping GFCI outlet

[strudles]

Earlier today I went into the laundry room and found a puddle on the floor. The tube going to the water level pressure switch had jiggled loose (so I reseated it). Somewhere in the process of the overflowing of the water, the GFCI outlet tripped and the washer stopped flooding my floor (thankfully). Now, however, the GFCI outlet trips as soon as I start to plug the washer in. I'll reset it and it trips the instant I touch the plug to the outlet.  I really don't think this is an outlet issue as it's given me no problems till now. I'm thinking this is a result of the overflowing of the washer (maybe some components got wet in the process causing a short?), but need some guidance. I emptied the washer so I can check things like the pump, lid switch, yada yada, just don't know where to start and there might be a really easy fix (I hope!). 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[darren412]

34 minutes ago, strudles said:

Earlier today I went into the laundry room and found a puddle on the floor. The tube going to the water level pressure switch had jiggled loose (so I reseated it). Somewhere in the process of the overflowing of the water, the GFCI outlet tripped and the washer stopped flooding my floor (thankfully). Now, however, the GFCI outlet trips as soon as I start to plug the washer in. I'll reset it and it trips the instant I touch the plug to the outlet.  I really don't think this is an outlet issue as it's given me no problems till now. I'm thinking this is a result of the overflowing of the washer (maybe some components got wet in the process causing a short?), but need some guidance. I emptied the washer so I can check things like the pump, lid switch, yada yada, just don't know where to start and there might be a really easy fix (I hope!). 

Thanks in advance for your help!

Pump and lid switch should be fine. It’s the motor that has likely gotten wet. Pull the washer out from the wall just enough to lean it back  to Tilt the washer back against the wall so it leans enough to stay there. Then run A fan onthefloorclose enough to throw air into the bottom area of the washer cabinet so it dries out the motor and  the capacitor. And the harness connection for the motor. Disconnect the wire harness from the motor also so it will dry out also. There’s a round capacitor next to the motor that is about 3 1/2” long. Do not touch or go near this capacitor. It stores voltage and is dangerous to touch that capacitor .  Leave it alone. Let the air dry out the bottom area where the motor is long enough  till your sure it is dry to set it up right and give it another try to start it.  Just be sure it’s definately dry . I would also suggest you replace that water level switch hose on th washer also.  It may or may not be fine. Those motors are pretty resilient so there’s a-good  chance it may work again if all the electrical components at the base of the washer have dried out  try a good extension cord and plug it into another outlet separate from the washers outlet if it still trips the breaker. That way you will definitely know it’s not the washers outlet that is giving you the problem either. Remember don’t try plugging the washer in again  until it is dried out.  Good luck 

[strudles]

I just tried it again (before I read your reply, oops) and it isn't tripping anymore, but I'm going to run a dehumidifier in the room all night to make sure all is good and dried out before I try to run a load. The hose going to the water level switch still seems in good condition and has a snug fit so I think it's good for a few more years (this same thing minus the GFCI part happened 8 years ago), I just need to add that to the list of things to check every year or two

Thanks!

[darren412]

There is never a problem with The hose end in the console unless someone opens the console and accidentally popped it of the water level switch . The other end of the hose where it goes into the flash chamber I would at  least put a plastic tie around it on that end. The hose is really inexpensive . Plus you said this was the second time it happened.??    You should consider replacing it. With a new hose that fits tight not snug.  Obviously that’s your call .  I ‘m glad it restarted for you though . Like I mentioned these are pretty resilient whirlpool machines and worth tuning them up and fixing them.  Good luck 

[strudles]

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these are pretty resilient whirlpool machines and worth tuning them up and fixing them.

I totally agree. We've had this one since 1997 and I've been fixing it since 2007. I'm thankful it's still running.