Three Test Cycles Were Dry, but Heavy Loads Left a Puddle
The source collected several confirmed leak paths that become visible only with the right fill, load, vent position or cycle length.
Why the standard empty test missed it
The complaint appeared with a large load and after long cycles. Three observed cycles did not reproduce it. A similar symptom can have a different cause on another washer, so the goal is to recreate the operating condition without assuming the door boot is responsible.
Three confirmed hidden paths from comparable washers
Dispenser housing
Water passed between the dispenser and cabinet where the closed assembly hid the trail. Another case ended with a warped dispenser housing.
Vent damper
A vented model moved the damper in test but logged a SmartHQ fault. During washing, the damper failed to seal and water reached the door boot.
Dispenser hose clamp
A hose leaked at its dispenser connection, dripped onto the counterweight and then appeared at the gasket.
A better reproduction plan
- Match the reported load size and cycle length.
- Remove only the service panels needed to view the dispenser and hose path.
- Use model diagnostics to compare commanded and actual vent-damper state.
- Trace water from the highest wet point instead of replacing the door boot first.