The washing machine is one of the most essential appliances in the household. Whether it is a top load, front load, or a compact washer, these appliances are why we don't have to do all that hard work of scrubbing clothing to clean them. While washers have made our lives more convenient, issues with them can cause chaos in our daily routine. Imagine a loud or leaking washer when you are hurrying for a meeting.
If you want to avoid problems with your washer, this article has all the answers. We will discuss 11 common problems with washing machines along with ways to diagnose and fix them.
This article will cover the following:
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Problem 1: My Washing Machine Is So Loud!
The vibration of a working washer can be annoying, but if the sound is louder than usual, there might be a problem that needs to be immediately addressed. The most common causes are objects like coins from clothing pockets bouncing around the inner drum during a wash.
Sometimes, these objects can fall into the drum filter, which is a lot easier to remove, or they can get stuck in the inner chamber, rattling with every cycle to make a deafening noise. If the sound does not come from objects stuck in the chamber, it may be caused by severe damage to the drum or motor.
How to Fix a Noisy Washing Machine
The best way to avoid this problem is to check your clothes thoroughly for any objects before putting them in the washer. The other way to remove objects from the inner chamber is by checking the filter or hose after a cycle. If anything is stuck there, remove it before setting the machine for the next cycle.
If the object is stuck in the inner chamber, you have to wait until it falls in the filter or the cycle ends. If the sound is not caused by a trapped item, we’d recommend asking for professional help to identify if there is a faulty part in the internal components of the machine.
Problem 2: My Washing Machine Isn’t Spinning
Overloading your washing machine can often affect the spin of the drum. Sometimes, adding too much can stop the machine from spinning. The other reason can be a blockage in the outlet pipe. This can cut off water flow to and from the machine, causing the spin to stop.
If overloading or blockage is not the reason the drum does not spin, it can be a fault in the control board or motor. In his case, the next best step is to remove the panels from your washer and check for a fault with a multimeter, if you don’t know how to do it hiring a technician is recommended.
How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won’t Spin
Try removing a few clothes from your washer to see if it starts spinning again. You can check the inlet and outlet pipe for any blockage that is blocking the water supply or drainage. If both these situations are not affecting the spin, call a technician to fix or replace the motor or control board.
Problem 3: My Washing Machine Smells
Washing dirty linens can cause bacteria and grime to accumulate inside the washer, creating bad odors. This happens when cold washing is frequently used. Also, debris from your clothes might clog the filter and cause dirt build-up.
How to Fix a Smelly Washing Machine
Try hot washing occasionally to prevent bacterial growth. Check the filters after every cycle to avoid clogging. You can keep the washer door open when not in use to allow moisture to escape. Never leave the laundry inside once the cycle is complete. If these tricks fail, try running a cycle with water, baking soda, and vinegar in the highest heat setting. This is safe for your washing machine and is effective against dirt and bacteria.
Problem 4: My Washing Machine Moves Around During the Wash Cycle
Washers vibrate during a wash cycle, which is normal. If the vibration is so intense that it causes your washer to move, there can be multiple reasons. The most common is the surface level. Your washing machine may be sitting on an uneven surface and is not properly balanced. The other reason can be worn out or loose shock absorbers.
How to Fix a Moving Washing Machine
Try moving your washing machine to a place where the ground is even so it is properly balanced, and check if your washer has adjustable legs as you could easily adjust those to align with the surface. If the surface is not the reason, seek the help of a technician to fix the problem with the shock absorbers by replacing them or attaching them to the machine chassis.
Problem 5: My Washing Machine Is Leaking
This is possibly the most common problem with a washing machine. The probable reasons could be a loose water hose connection, a worn-out hose seal, or a cracked drain hose. With time and the washer’s rapid vibration with every wash cycle, these inner components wear out or loosen easily.
How to Fix a Leaking Washing Machine
To fix a water supply hose connection, increase the space between the washing machine and the wall. Now check the connection and tighten it further. If the problem persists, replace the hose seals that prevent water from seeping out of the chamber. To fix leakage from the drain hose, disconnect the power source and open the cabinet of the machine. If you find a drain hose damaged due to rust or calcium deposit, replace it immediately.
Problem 6: My Washing Machine Isn’t Filling with Water
Sometimes, washers make a humming noise but do not fill up with water. The probable reason could be a clogged water supply hose. Blockage in taps or the filter can also cause the problem.
How to Fix a Washing Machine That Isn’t Filling With Water
Simply remove the blockage in the hose to free the water supply. If that does not work, check the taps for clogging. To clean the taps, turn them off. If it is the hot tap, drain the water from the hot water tank. If the issue persists, there is something wrong with the valve connection in the filter. in case it needs to be replaced, call a technician.
Problem 7: My Washing Machine Isn’t Draining
Blame the drainage system that has been clogged with buildup from soap, threads, coins, and even tissues left in your clothes. Apart from the drainage system that includes a filter and a hose, there is usually another drainage hose at the back of the washer where most clogging occurs.
How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain
Check the filter inside the chamber to clean the deposits. If the water doesn’t drain, you may have to manually drain the water to examine the drainage hoses. Remove the washer from the wall to clean the blockage in the drainage hose. The other drainage hose is also detachable and can be easily cleaned. If the problem is not fixed, it might be serious internal damage that needs expert help.
Problem 8: My Washing Machine Door Won’t Open
The washer door might be stuck while the water fills. It might not open even after the water is completely filled in the chamber or when the wash cycle is over. The reason could be a clogged filter or the washer overheating due to running too long. There can be issues with internal components as well such as a control board or door switch.
How to Fix a Washing Machine Door That Won’t Open
Switch to a different wash cycle so your washer drains the water and lets you open the door. Check for any blockage in the filter and run it normally. Sometimes, the washer overheats due to overloading or repeated washing. During this time, it can be turned on, but the sensor will not allow the door to open. Let your washer cool down so it can function normally.
In case there is an internal issue in the switch or control board, do not attempt to fix it if you have no technical knowledge. Seek professional help to prevent further damage.
Problem 9: My Washing Machine Is Damaging My Clothes
Sometimes, your clothes might come out damaged after a wash, and you blame the washer for it. The reason could be you are overloading it or selecting the highest speed that is unsuitable for your delicate clothes. Washing heavy clothes with delicate ones can also cause damage as can excessive use of bleach or undiluted bleach.
How to Fix a Washing Machine That Is Ruining Clothes
Wash heavy clothes like jeans and jackets separately. Delicate linens like laces and silk can be easily damaged in the spin cycle if the load contains zippers, sequins, buttons, etc. Try a low-speed final spin, and never overload your washer. Ensure that bleach is diluted properly before adding to the cycle to avoid color fading, rips, or tears.
Problem 10: My Washing Machine Won’t Turn On
Don’t panic if your washing machine stops during the wash cycle or refuses to switch on. The problem may be the power source. Check the plug. If the lights are on while the machine refuses to operate, the socket might be the culprit.
How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won’t Turn On
Simply remove the plug from the power source and plug it back in to fix the loose power connection. If the problem persists, it could be a blown-out fuse that needs to be fixed by an electrician. To check if the socket is working, try running another appliance using it. If the problem continues, fix or replace the socket.
Problem 11: The Detergent Won’t Dispense in My Washing Machine
Sometimes, the detergent dispenser might be clogged, preventing it from properly functioning. The reason could be heavy build-up or using the wrong detergent.
How to Fix a Washing Machine With Dispenser Issues
Try cleaning the dispenser with vinegar. Add some distilled vinegar and run the washer on a normal spin to clean any build-up. Always use the formula recommended in the washer’s user manual. If the washer can use liquid bleach, never use a power detergent.
Common Washing Machine Problem FAQs
What causes washing machines to stop working?
Often, loose connectivity to the power source or a fault in the socket can cause the washer to abruptly stop. A blown-out fuse can also be at fault.
What's the average life of a washing machine?
A washing machine can last for up to 10 to 13 years depending on usage. Some brands offer washers with an even longer life span. But it will always depend on use and care, not being really possible to know for sure what time range to expect.
Is it worth fixing a washing machine?
Small repairs of valves, hoses, filters, dispensers, or even fixing a control board is a wise decision. However, major repairs like fixing the transmission, motor, or tub can be quite expensive so investing in a new washing machine is the best option here.
Remember to always research the price of a new machine and how much it is to fix the old one. In some cases, if the prices are too close it might be forth buying a new one for the new functionalities and warranty.
What is the most common fault in a washing machine?
Problems like loud humming, bouncing out of place, or leakage are common in most washers after a period of usage.
Final Thoughts
A washer is not an expense but an investment for a better lifestyle. It is worth every penny if you can choose one that meets your needs. If you are struggling with an old washer that frequently needs repairs, it is time to replace it with a new one with more advanced features and higher efficiency. Coast Appliances have a huge range of washer models to choose from that will also suit your budget.
