4 Common Washing Machine Problems and How To Deal With Them

Washing machines are delicate appliances that need special care and maintenance. Since they aren’t cheap, homeowners prefer to repair washers rather than replace them. An average lifespan of a washing machine is about 14 years. However, in order for the appliance to work that long, you need to take good care of it.

The majority of washers experience at lease a few problems throughout their lifecycle. Many of them can be fixed without professional assistance. Some require the attention of the experts. In this article, we’ll talk about dealing with common washer problems to ensure the longevity of the machine and homeowners’ peace of mind.

1. You press the button, but the washer doesn’t turn on

If your washing machine doesn’t turn on when you press the button, don’t panic. Most likely, it’s something simple. Here are a few things you can check before calling repairmen.

No power supply – check if the washing machine is properly plugged. Then use a multimeter (VOM) to check if the outlet is working and providing the necessary voltage. If no electricity is supplied, you need to check the circuit breakers. Perhaps some of them have tripped. If none of the above solutions work, you need to turn the breaker off and call a professional electrician.

Overheated motor – if you’ve been using the machine several times in a row, the motor may overheat. You may need to wait an hour or so for it to cool down. After that happens, the machine will start again. However, if the motor overheats frequently, you need to call appliance technicians to identify the problem.

Open lid – most washing machines stop when the lid isn’t closed properly. There is a lid switch located under the lid that “tells” the machine when the lid is open. Check if the switch is in good order and in a proper position. A broken switch needs to be replaced.

Misaligned timer knob – some machines may not run if the timer knob isn’t lined up correctly. Move the knob to see if the washer starts or not.

2. The water doesn’t drain properly

Problems with water drainage are common and highly diverse. The cause could vary from a simple clog of the hose to a broken pump. If there is a problem with a drain, you’ll see it as either a leak on the floor or a mess inside the machine.

Clogged drain hose – a foreign object, such as a sock or large pieces of lint, could be stuck in the drain hose. Remove the hose and visually inspect it. Use a garden hose to remove the clog. You can also take advantage of a clothes hanger to do it. Also, check for bends. A twisted or bent hose may cause a drainage problem.

Damaged pump – if you can’t see any visual problems with your machine, the reason could be a broken or damaged pump. You can remove the pump on your own, but it’s better to leave the job to professionals. According to specialists at Jacksonville Appliance Repair, improper pump replacement could result in further damage to the washer. A new pump isn’t costly. Replacing it timely could save you a substantial amount of money.

Stuck items – small items, such as socks, kids’ clothing, and coins could get stuck between the basket and the tub. They won’t allow the machine to drain water properly. The washer could even stop working entirely. Open the machine and look for wedged items closely.

3. The drum doesn’t spin

Your washer may not be spinning correctly, thus failing to wring the clothing properly and interfering with the washing process. You will need to open the cabinet to find out what the problem is. In many cases, it’s easy to fix.

Overloading – if you overload the machine, it could become unbalanced and fail to spin properly. The same problem could occur if the items aren’t evenly distributed inside the drum.

Faulty lid switch – a damaged or faulty lid switch could signal that the lid is open and prevent the machine from spinning. Check the switch, which is located under the lid. Also, check the knobs. Some machines may not spin if the knob is positioned between settings.

Foreign object – a foreign object could be stuck in the drain pump. When the washer hums regularly when filled with water, remove the pump to look for the problem.

Damaged belt – washers have numerous belts inside. If one of them is damaged or broken, it could cause the machine to stop working. Check belts and replace them if necessary. Ideally, such work should be left to professional technicians.

Broken motor – the machine’s main drive motor spins the drum. If the motor is broken, you need to replace it. All motor problems should be handled by professionals. If you plan to remove the motor to check for damage, make sure the machine is unplugged.

4. The machine is leaking

If you see a leak, it doesn’t mean the machine is broken. There could be numerous simple causes, which you could fix on your own.

Problems with a drain hose – if the washer leaks while running a cycle, the likely problem is a drain hose. Check if the hose is well connected and undamaged. Also, check for clogs (as we discussed earlier).

Problems with the fill hose – check fill hoses for damage. They shouldn’t be overtightened.

Using too much detergent – if you put too much detergent in the machine, it may cause excessive foaming and result in water spilling out. If that happens, stop the machine and remove some of the water manually.

Door seal damage – if the door seal is damaged, the lid doesn’t close tightly enough, thus causing leaks. Replace seals as soon as you see any cracks.

Final Thoughts

With the right maintenance, you may not experience any of the above problems for many years. If your machine breaks down, make sure you know whom to call if your DIY repair efforts fail. Consider calling specialists if serious problems, such as a damaged motor or electricity failure occur.