29 Oct Most Common Washer Problems You May Be Experiencing

Our washers are some of the most heavily used appliances in our homes, which can make it a huge pain when they start to malfunction or aren’t working like they used too. Luckily for you, our appliance repair experts at Complete Appliance Repair, are here to help you! In this blog post, we will be discussing some of the top common problems for household washers and how you may be able to fix them. Keep reading to learn more! 

It Won’t Turn On

If your washing machine isn’t responding when you turn it on, it may be for a variety of reasons. While these reasons can be easy to fix, some of them may call for a more serious repair. Starting off, make sure that your washer is getting power. Sometimes, especially if it wasn’t placed properly or it gets bumped frequently, your washer may not be receiving power. You can use a multimeter to check the outlet voltage. You’ll also want to make sure that the household electricity supply is working properly. Check your home’s electrical panel to see if any of the circuit breakers have been tripped. If everything seems to be working fine, it may not be the washer. We recommend that you contact a qualified electrician to help replace the outlet. 

It may also not be turning on due to the motor overheating. If it’s overheated, most washers will turn themselves off to allow the machine to cool down before it will start again. This may not be an issue if it’s only happened a few times, but if you’re finding that during every wash cycle the motor is shutting off, you may need to replace the machine. Our repair experts can help figure out the most efficient way to either fix or replace your machine. 

It Won’t Drain

Drain problems can range from a simple clog to the drain hose needing to be replaced. Most of the time, your drain hose may be clogged and is the reason that the washer isn’t draining properly. You can remove the hose and visually inspect it for clogs. You will also want to check the drain hose for any kinks or lint filters. Your drain pump may also be jammed or having other issues. Another possibility is that the bearings have seized on the pump or they have become jammed by a foreign object. Many of us tend to keep things in our pockets that we may neglect to take out before washing, like pens, coins, and other small objects. Even a small sock can cause a jam. It may also be due to the impeller blades. Usually a new pump will help fix most drainage problems, but always contact your local repairman to be sure! 

The Spin Cycle Isn’t Working

First, make sure that your washer isn’t in the “soak” cycle. This may seem like a no brainer, but most of us just turn our washer on without checking the settings, so if someone before you put it on a different cycle, make sure it’s set to how you want. Make sure that your washer isn’t being overloaded with clothes either. If it is too large of a load, the washing machine will become unbalanced and won’t properly spin. Remember to look for any foreign objects lodged in the drain pump. Sometimes you’ll be able to hear a humming sound when the washer is full of water, and this is the problem. The belts in your machine may also be either broken or showing signs of wear. 

It’s Leaking Water

This can be a real mess and may mean that your washer needs to be fully replaced, but it can also be a simple fix too! Check the drain hose if your washer is leaking only during the spin cycle. Make sure the condition of the hose is secure and that the hose is free of any kinks, cracks, or damage. Check your water-inlet valve for leaks. Rust and other mineral deposits within the valve may be happening, or it may just be old and need replacements. You may also be using too much detergent. Too much detergent will lead to suds spilling over, making it look like you have a leak when you really just have a heavy hand pour. 

If you have a washer that has a front door, any leaks could be due to the seal. Front-load washers tend to develop leaks around the door seal since it’s a common place for debris to build up. If the debris has built up, it may reach a level where the door is unable to properly seal itself and excess water may be leaking out. 

If you’re experiencing any of the following problems, or even something different, connect with us today. Complete Appliance Repair is here to help you keep your large home appliances running smoothly.