My wife and I own an older Kenmore "Heavy Duty" (that's what the label
says) washing machine. Water is leaking into the tub (whatever you call
the place where you put the clothes) and seems to be coming from this
flat plastic piece which controls the water flow into the tub (the part
which makes the water flow flat). The leak is completely internal;
water is not leaking outside of the washer. Since the tub was made for
holding water, it just pools up. I then have to drain it by setting it
to the draining part of the cycle for a few seconds. As I'm sure you
can guess, this is getting old quick.

Today I decided to remove the four screws on the control panel and pull
it off. But that only revealed all of the wiring; the leak was still
underneath the metal outside covering of the washer. So, I don't even
know how to get to the leak. I am assuming that the hose directly above
this is leaking and merely flowing over this plastic piece, but I can't
be sure. I'm usually very good with my hands, but I have never touched
a washing machine (so I am reluctant to just jump in on this without
advice). Does anyone have any suggestions? Or is this something where
it would be much easier to call a repairman? Thanks for your help.