How To Diagnose And Repair Washing Machine Problems

Tireless workers that they are, washing machines do develop issues. Unlike smaller, cheaper appliances that can be tossed and replaced, a new washing machine is a major expense. The problem must also be solved promptly if you are not to drown in dirty laundry and be left with nothing to wear. 
 
You can sometimes diagnose and repair washing machine problems without calling a technician or replacing the entire appliance. The problem might be something simple you can easily fix by yourself. 
 
Washing Machine Not Draining Or Filling
 
If your washer isn’t draining, the problem could be blocked drainage hoses. Clogging can result from clothes getting stuck in hoses or from twists and bends in the hoses themselves. If your washer is not draining properly, check the drainage hoses for obstructions. If your washer is not filling properly, examine the incoming water hose for twists and bends. 

For problems with either draining or filling, check the hoses for sediment build-up or for clogs in the hose screens. If the hose screens are clogged, remove the material that’s blocking them, but do not remove the screens themselves. If the hoses are okay, check for loose, broken or frayed belts. 
 
Filling and draining problems can result from a faulty lid switch. See if the lid switch clicks when closing the washer door. If not, the switch may be clogged with detergent and require cleaning. 
 
If the machine is neither filling nor draining, the motor may not be getting electrical current. Check to ensure that the wires to the motor and pump are connected and not damaged or frayed. 
 
Should water fill the machine slowly, or not at all, the water valve needs replacement. If the washer won’t stop filling, the water valve may be stuck in the open position, also needing replacement. When the machine fills even when it’s not plugged in, the valve definitely needs replacing. 
 
When the washer drains and fills at the same time, the drainage hose position is too low. This causes a problem called siphoning. This can be corrected by repositioning the drainage hose above the water level and making sure that the hose is not pushed too far into the standpipe. 
 
Washing Machine Won’t Spin or Agitate
 
If your washer moves about while spinning, it can become unbalanced and stop its spinning action. Outfit it with traction pads to keep it in place. If the machine still refuses to spin, make sure that the motor is receiving current. You can check this with a voltmeter. If these strategies don’t solve the problem, the spin solenoid may not be engaging, or the clutch may be worn out. 
 
When your washer refuses to agitate properly, check for clothing stuck in the drum. If the washer won’t agitate at all, drive coupling or transmission problems are probably to blame. 
 
These are some basic ways to troubleshoot washer problems before calling in a professional. With a bit of luck, you can sometimes repair washing machine problems that aren’t major all by yourself.

Disclaimer

Please note that these hints and tips are provided for your interest and ease of reference only. We cannot accept any responsibility for any advice or information contained in them. If you are in doubt about how to fix a problem with your appliance, you should always book a repair by a qualified repairer. 

Keep Reading and Check out these Articles:

1. How to Do-It-Yourself Air Conditioning Repair
2. How to Do-It-Yourself Faucet Repair
3. How to Do-It-Yourself Drywall Repair
4. How to Do-It-Yourself Drain Repair
5. Concrete Repair and Installation

3 Responses to “How To Diagnose And Repair Washing Machine Problems”

1. R. Archer says:

   December 21, 2011 at 6:40 am

   When my mom turned on the washing machine one time and it gave out this loud rumbling noise, she freaked out thinking it was going to explode. I came home from school, tried to check it out and found a penny stuck somewhere inside the drum, thus the horrible sound. Thank God for blog posts such as this, non-technical people like me become courageous enough to try fixing small machine problems on our own.

   Reply
2. Philip says:

   January 17, 2012 at 9:33 pm

   Thank you for the valuable tips. Kitchen appliances these days are made so fragile – they always break and are not that durable as they used to be made by manufacturers years ago. Repairing usually is not worth it due to the high cost, so it is good to be able to do it yourself.

   Reply
3. Janet Krakowski says:

   March 20, 2012 at 8:45 am

   Now I have an idea on how to repair my washing machine. I have problems with draining and now I’m confident that I can fix this problem on my own.

   Reply