Advice on Kenmore Washer 796.4031 Leaking

[kat2011]

Recent widow needs advice before calling for washer repair. Samurai(s) here have never steered me wrong. 

Kenmore (LG?) front load washer, purchased from SEARS in 2011 began slow leak last weekend. Since the door lock failed randomly on rug spin before, I cleaned up about 3-4 cups of water and forgot about it.

Last night I found water dripping during a small load wash and captured this video dripping under the left front below the drain pump during the spin cycle. The area has visible rust, too.

• After cycle finished,  I emptied drain pump, which was clean, and left a thick towel to soak up the last of the water and shut off machine.
• Discovered the leak must have continued since towel was soaking wet this morning.
• Shut off hot and cold water valves.

DILEMMA: I'm needing to call repairman, and wondering:

1. Is it worth spending the $ to troubleshoot this model at this age or should I begin looking for a new one?
2. Who can I rely on that won't take one look at an older gal and take advantage?   (a roofer and landscaper have already played this game)
3. If a new washer (I hope to keep the dryer), what should I look for that will stack under the dryer I have?  Is this one a decent replacement?

The machine is less than 10 years old, currently gets VERY light use (1-2 sm loads/ wk) except after holiday/visitors bedding washes.

I haven't really be happy with all the ridiculous and bogus electronic features and despite being a water saver, it doesn't clean very well.

Katydid, thanks all advisors in advance.

[Vance R]

Open the door and carefully look around the boot for rub spots. Next would to remove the top and look for evidence of a leak from dispenser area.  Last would to remove the front to look for leaks from the drain pump and hoses. 

 

2 hours ago, kat2011 said:

despite being a water saver, it doesn't clean very well.

The current trend of water savers this is a common complaint.

[kat2011]

Thanks, Vance!

Sorry this reply took so long. The boot is perfect. The dispenser is spotless, but it is holding some water in the back two dishes, perhaps because the washer seems to have shifted and may now be leaning slightly forward. Evidence is very slight rust on the front panel under this area.

Problem is when we purchased in 2011, we had to stack the units due to a small freezer next to them to fit.

The freezer is gone, but I can't get to the top of the washer by myself or have the right tools to even level the feet. Unless I can get someone to come out, I'm stuck for now.

Based on the video I linked and after watching some the repair videos, I suspect the drain pump housing.

If I CAN get someone, is it worth ordering the part to have on hand or given the appliance age (9 years), just  get a new machine because the next repair will be a bigger one?