1. Excessive Noise
A washing machine can vibrate and this may lead to excessive noise which is particularly noticeable during a spin cycle. The source of the noise may mean that a loose item, such as a coin, is bouncing in the drum. Most items can survive a wash cycle with no problems and they may cause no damage to the appliance itself. But, if an item becomes lodged in the inner drum, then it can enter the filter or sump hose. From here, it can be pretty easy to remove or it can become trapped in the drum where it can bounce around during every cycle until steps are taken to remove them.
The Solution: To remove a smaller item, turn the drum slowly until you hear the object drop into the filter or hose. This can take a while, but with patience it may be possible to remove the noisy obstruction. If the drum has been damaged or the motor is faulty, you will need to contact an appliance technician to fix the problem for you.
2. Water Leaks
If you notice water on the floor under your washing machine, it’s easy to panic, but it’s important to understand that there are a few possible causes and some are an easy fix. A common issue is a water hose connection that’s worked loose or failed.
When the washing machine vibrates during a cycle, it can affect the connected hoses and even the power supply. Another common cause is seals or washers in the appliance that have become worn and prone to leaking. The water fill hose can distort over time and instead of preventing a leak, they can cause one. The final problem could be a drain hose that’s cracked and releasing water on the floor.
The Solutions: If the source of the water leak is a failed washer or seal you can change it or contact an appliance technician to do it for you. If an external rubber hose is loose, simply tighten it and this may solve the problem. Most modern hoses are designed to last for around five years before you should consider a replacement. This period can be extended significantly if you invest in new steel braided hoses that are more resistant to damage.
It’s easy to check an internal washing machine hose, remove the power source and gain access via the rear access panel or cabinet. In the washer you can see a number of internal hoses that can be examined for signs of wear and tear.
In some cases, an internal leak may be obvious, there could be corrosion under the leak if it’s been leaking for a while. Replacement is relatively simple, but if you lack confidence get some professional help.
3. The Washing Machine is Not Spinning
The most common reason for this problem is that the machine is unbalanced and overloaded with heavy wet items. Another cause could be a blocked drain pump which is preventing the flow or water to and from the washing machine. There could be a failed internal component such as the control board or motor.
The Solutions: If the washing machine is overloaded, you may need to remove a few wet items to lighten the load and complete the spin cycle. In the future, paying closer attention to the weight of the laundry load can prevent a recurrence.
If the issue lies in a blocked drain pump, check the drain line for kinks or restrictions and make sure it’s connected. If the problem persists, disconnect the drain hose and physically check for debris and blockages to remove. Any debris can be cleaned away with a cloth of soft bristle brush.
If the problem is an internal component, contact an appliance technician and ask about a washing machine repair.
4. The Washing Machine Will Not Fill
If the drum won’t fill with water, the fix may be relatively simple and it’s important to stay calm. A machine that’s humming and not filling could indicate that it’s trying to fill, but it cannot. This could be a partially closed tap or some dirt and debris in the hose. If the water is definitely flowing, but the washing machine won’t fill, there could be a water valve issue.
The Solutions: Check the water supply hose for kinks and obstructions that could be preventing water from reaching the drum. If the hose is blocked, you should remove and clean it to get the water flowing again.
If the problem lies in the taps, make sure they are fully open and clean them if they’re dirty. If the water valve is the source of the problem, clean the filter to see if this restores normal filling. If this doesn’t fix the problem, contact an appliance technician to check it and replace it.
5. The Washer Door Won’t Open
The washer door is designed to stay closed when the drum fills with water as a safety feature. But, if it won’t open after filling or the completion of a cycle, it can present a number of problems. The machine may have overheated, although power may still be available the sensor could have tripped and this keeps the door closed. The final cause could be a faulty door or a component failure on the control board.
The Solutions: If the washing machine has overheated, it may return to normal after the appliance has been given some time to cool down. At this point, the sensor should reset automatically and you should be able to open the door.
If the washing machine won’t open after filling, it may be possible to fix the problem with a switch to a new cycle. This should drain the water from the drum and give you the opportunity to open the door. At this stage, it’s a great idea to check the drain and filter for a blockage that could be interfering with draining.
If the cause is a broken door or faulty component, you should contact an appliance technician for expert help and advice.
6. The Washing Machine Will Not Turn On
There may be times when a washing machine will not turn on or it may even stop mid-cycle. The usual source is a lack of power or a power interruption during the wash cycle. This may seem like a major problem, but there are a couple of simple fixes to try before you contact an electrician or an appliance technician.
The Solutions: When an appliance cannot turn on, the problem may be in the circuit breaker that may require a reset. But, if the breaker cannot be reset and it continually trips, this indicates that there’s an underlying issue to fix. To confirm this, unplug the washing machine and try a different appliance in the power socket with the circuit breaker.
If that appliance works, you know that the problem lies in the washing machine and not the power socket. If the cause is the washing machine, contact an appliance technician and it’s your power socket, ask a local electrician to take a look at it.
7. The Washing Machine Won’t Drain
This could be caused by a blockage in the draining system, such as coins, tissues, dryer lint, soap residue and more. The filter may be clogged and/or the drain may even be obstructed. This may be fixed with some manual debris removal and checking the hoses.
The Solutions: The filter is typical on the front of the machine and it can be twisted out for cleaning. If you find any blockages, remove them and rinse the filter under hot water to clean it thoroughly. Next, check the hoses, manually drain the machine, pull it away from the wall and disconnect the hoses and power supply. The drain hose is located on the back of the machine and look for an extra drain hose to detach. This is the hose that’s more likely to become clogged because it’s the connection to the plumbing system. The drain hose can be snaked like any drain to break apart stubborn clogs. When you’re confident that any obstructions have been removed, run a short wash/rinse cycle. The water should drain away easily and it doesn’t it’s time to contact an appliance specialist.
In Conclusion
Many washing machine issues can be fixed without any specialized skills, tools and experience. But, there are problems that are too complex to fix for most of us. If you need to get your washing machine fixed, contact a home appliance repair technician.
