After washing cycle starts, tub starts to leak. I tilted machine backwards and can see that water is from the drum itself but cannot tell if leak starts from top or not.

There is a pressure switch fitted to all washing machines.basically a tube outside the drum that has air inside it which responds to water going into the drum.as the air in the tube compresses it activates the switch to shut off the water and sends a new command to controller board to turn the drum and start washing.when it doesn't switch off tells me that the tube has too much water in it and won't shut off supply.you can locate the tube and empty it so it just has air in it reconnect and see if that fixes it.if it doesn't then next place to look is the switch itself and controller board.

You have a bad pressure switch or the small hose connecting to the pressure switch may be bad

If the washer leaks water when is filling only, check the following: 1.Fill hoses
2.The water mixing valve
3.Filling injector ( If your washer uses one )
4.Filling spout

If the washing machine leaks during the wash cycle, check the following:
1.The pump
2.The tub stem & seal
3.Tub to pump hose
4.The drain hose
5.Tub (rusted holes)
6.The drum support bolts

If the washing machine leaks during the spin cycle, check the following:
1.The drain hose
2.The tub cover seal
3.The pump
4.The pump hoses
5.The stem & seal
6.The drum support bolts

need need water values

Could you tell me what the life expectancy for this washer might be and does it have a good track record. (Mom gave me one) Whirlpool Super Capacity Plus 7-Cycle 2-speed. 3.2 cu. ft

access through the back panel to have a look at the drain pump which is likely your fault. Run a cycle and watch it when it drains you will likely see water leaking from the pump (about $25 and easy to change)

Look for loose, cracked, pinched, broken hoses to and from the water pump or leaks from the water pump itself. The outer drum could have a rust-through that leaks. This can be repaired with epoxy, but the inner drum must be removed to access it. The cabinet top is opened by using a putty knife or similar tool to push straight back under each front corner which releases a spring latch. Sometimes, the drain hose outlet is pushed from the house drain by high water flow. Tie the hose to the drain with tape or cord. Fill the tub with water, then stop the cycle and watch for leaks.

sometimes too much detergent, or extra cleaners like oxy clean) will cause lots of foam which will cause the water level sensor to misread, or foam over the top of the drum. if this is not the problem, you will have to tilt the machine on its side and look for loose or damaged hoses. the play in the tub will not cause leaking

Possibly rinsing with cold water, washing with hot.
Check inlet valves for leaks, especially cold (rinse)
Lift the top panel by inserting a flat blade approx 4" from each side at the front to release clips, then top will hinge backwards.
You can see the valves at the rear behind the drum..
You can run the machine with top lifted to see any more leaks.
Also remove front panel via 2 small screws to gain better view.

hi without further investigation its a bit hit or miss , does the whole tub tilt or is it just the inner drum ?
if its just the inner drum then it sounds like the bearings are on there way out
if its the whole tub then it could be one of the springs that it hangs from or the shock absorber underneath that may have come adrift
hope this helps
paul