Houses are like people: to maintain your home, it’s important to perform check-ups on a semi-regular basis. By examining your home, you can get ahead of problems before they become too big. Some problems in your home can even be fixed by you, instead of a repairman.
If you learn some basic home maintenance, you can fix home and appliance issues yourself.
One of the things you can handle when problems arise is your washing machine. If you are aware of some common problems with a washer, you can know how to fix them. Keep reading to learn about common washing machine problems, how to fix them, and when to call a professional.
Your Washing Machine Won’t Start
If your washer won’t start, the first step is to check the power. Sometimes, the spin cycle can cause the machine to become unplugged. Also, check your circuit breaker to verify nothing has tripped it.
If the door lock on your washer is broken or doesn’t work properly, then it may need to be replaced.
If the door lock is not the problem, check the control board. If there is a problem with it, it will not provide the correct voltage to the lock. If you believe the control board is the problem, unplug your washer and call a professional to test it.
Another reason it may not start is overheating. If you have used your washer a lot in one day, it can cause it to overheat. The best thing you can do is to let it cool down.
If your washer has been overheating a lot, call a repairman to replace the thermostat.
Strange Sounds and Home Maintenance
If your washer starts making clunking or screeching sounds, it is most often an internal component. Rusty ball bearings that move the tub are the usual culprits for this. Depending on the type of washer you have, a worn-out belt can also be at fault.
Some washers also have couplers that can cause this sound when they break.
If you have tools handy, you can remove the back of your washer to inspect it for damage. If something is wrong with an internal component, a call to a repairman may be in order.
Your Washing Machine Doesn’t Drain
If it isn’t draining, check the drain pipe. If the drain hose isn’t connected to the drainpipe, all you have to do is reconnect them.
If this isn’t the issue, check to see if there are any blockages in the hose or the pipe. If you find something, remove the blockage.
Another reason for poor drainage could be excessive suds. Too much detergent can impede drainage in some models when too many suds are present.
If none of these issues is the problem, it could be the drain pump. You’ll want to call a plumber to take a look.
If you have standing water in your washer, be aware that this can lead to mold in your washing machine.
Washing Machine Leaking
If water is pooling at the front or back of your washer, check the hoses and isolator valves. If the hose is damaged, you will need to replace it. If it is the valve, release it and then tighten it.
If tightening it doesn’t fix the problem, they are cheap and easy to replace.
Once again, a clogged drain hose may be at fault. Removing the blockage should fix the issue.
If there is a leak in front of the cabinet on your washer, check the water pump. It has seals that can become damaged and break. The pump should be behind a small hatch in the front of the cabinet in the lower corner.
Lay down towels to catch any water that spills out when you unscrew the pump filter cover. Check it for damage and look for a leak where the drive shaft enters the pump casing. If the pump is damaged, speak to a repairman.
If suds are escaping from your washer, this means too much detergent is being used.
If water is coming through the door of the washer, see if the door seal is dirty. Clean the door seal at regular intervals to fix this.
Damaged or missing door seals are the biggest culprits of a leaking washer. If it’s a small tear in the seal, polyurethane sealant should be enough. However, door seals are cheap and easy to replace, so you can also go this route.
If your machine isn’t sitting level, this can also result in leaks. The problem has an easy fix; all you’ll need is a screwdriver and a level. All you need to do is adjust the feet of the machine so they are all level.
If water is pooling underneath the machine, this can be caused by many internal issues. Call a repairman to inspect your washer.
The Drum Doesn’t Spin Correctly
In many cases, the problem can be as simple as an overloaded washer. When too many clothes are present, this can prevent the drum from spinning correctly. If it stops spinning mid-cycle, try redistributing the clothes in the washer.
You should also check the lid switch to make sure it’s working.
If something is wrong with the drainpipe, it may stop spinning as part of a safety feature.
If you hear a loud noise before it stops, it could be a faulty belt or motor. When this happens, call a repairman.
Keep Up With the Trends in Life
Home maintenance can be easy when you do routine checks. You can also save money when you have appliance problems if you know how to fix basic problems. Many problems can arise with your washing machine, but understanding its parts can help you address minor issues and you can do it yourself.
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