Suzan30,

Your machine is a Whirlpool-built direct-drive unit. They're quite robust and easy to repair. Whirlpool has produced millions of them since the early 1980s under several brand names.

Could be a simple leaking pump. Of course I can't comfirm that from here when you're there ... but you could have a look yourself.

It's an easy repair, I can do it in 15 mins. May take you longer. Do you have a handyman (husband?) available? I can provide instruction if you wish.

Part Number 3363394.
SearsPartsDirect lists it for $46.31.
Other sources offer better prices.
PartsDr.com for example currently lists $21.49.

The water valve can be a source of leaking but that'd be usually be a continuous leak situation.

Could be the tub center seal, which is more involved than the pump (but still is easy by my standards).

Dear Dadoes,

Thank you so much for the detailed and kind reply. Unfortunately (at least for issues of home repair!), I don't have a husband available and because I currently have a broken wrist in a cast, there is not a lot I can do. The repair guy I've used (who is quite capable) in the past charged $75 an hour, so it looks like we are talking in the range of $100+. Do you think I should go ahead and fix it?