top of page
Writer's pictureJames Berg

Common issues with your washing machine

First let's start off with some of the issues that you could possibly be experiencing:


And now let's go one by one through the different issues and potential causes of them.


Smelly Washer


If you have a smelly washing machine, the solution is probably not to get an appliance repair technician out to your home. What the washer really need's is proper maintenance. Here are a few things you can do:

  • Make sure you are using the proper amount of detergent. Too much may leave a dirty residue on washer parts and trap some of the odors you are smelling.

  • Clean your washing machine monthly.

  • Check around your washer for mildew or mold. There may be a moisture issue, which must be corrected immediately. Not only because the smells are very unpleasant but also dangerous your health.


Leaky Washing Machine


A leaking washer doesn't always mean that it needs a repair. First you want to check for a couple things:

  • Hoses not being attached properly.

  • Hose washers being worn.

  • Washing machine isn't balanced properly.

  • Drains are clogged.

Solutions:

  • Make sure the hoses on the back of the unit are properly connected and check to see if the hose washers have cracks or other damage.

  • Make sure the washer is balanced and check to see if the washer basket is balanced.

  • Check water lines and faucets to make sure they aren't leaking.

  • Make sure the washing machine is draining properly.


Noisy Washer


Strange noises coming from your washer can be from a couple of things. It can be from objects being caught in the washer, loose parts, clogged drains or internal sensors.


Solutions:

  • A clicking sound may mean that an object is caught in the washer drain. Be sure to check your drain and remove any objects that have been caught. Make sure to always check and remove items from pockets before washing.

  • If your washer is making an unusually loud gurgling noise, this may indicate that the washer drain line is partially clogged. Check the line and remove the blockage before a real problem can occur.

  • If you hear a humming or buzzing noise, that may indicate that something has jammed the pump. Check your pump and remove any objects that do not belong. If damage has been done you may need a new pump.


Vibrating Washer


This is typically a simple fix. What you most likely have going on is:

  • An unbalanced load of laundry.

  • The washing machine is not level.

  • The washing machine's feet are not all making contact with the floor.


Detergent won't dispense


The most common issue's with the automatic dispenser not working how it's supposed to is lack of cleaning or using the wrong type of formula.


Solutions:

  • Check your washer manual to make sure you are using the right formula in designated dispensers. If your washer manual instructs you to use liquid bleach, don't use powder bleach.

  • Make sure to clean your dispensers every month. Heat a cup of distilled white vinegar and pour it into the dispenser, then run the washer on a regular cycle. The vinegar will clean away any clogs or built-up residue.


Washer won't drain or spin correctly


Most of these issues are caused by improper loading of clothes, obstructions, too much detergent or clogged hoses.


Solutions:

  • Check your pockets. Any small item like coins, pens, lighters etc can get caught in the pump or between the basket and tub and block draining. Check the pump and between the basket for any unwanted items and remove them.

  • Overloading or improper loading will cause the machine to be unbalanced and prevent the washer from spinning correctly. Make sure your loads aren't too big and that they are evenly spread out inside the machine.

  • Check the hoses. Remove the hoses if necessary to check for any clogs.

  • Check to make sure you are using the proper amount of detergent. Using too much detergent causes an overabundance of suds, which will slow the draining process and cause the washer to malfunction.


Washing machine not filling with water or running a cycle


Before you think of the worst, there are several simple things you should check first:

  • Check out the plug. I know it sounds like something obvious but you'd be surprised at how many homes I've shown up to and the issue was simply that the unit was not plugged in.

  • If it the washer is plugged in, make sure that the outlet is getting power.

  • Make sure the water supply is feeding the unit water. Check for both hoses to be connected and that there are no kinks in the hoses.

  • Check the inside lid switch. For most washers, especially washing machine nowadays, the lid switch must be engaged for the washer to operate. Sometimes lint or dirt can cause the switch to jam.



What we have provided you here are ways that you can resolve simple malfunctions on your own. No job is too big or too small for us but if there are ways you can resolve your washer problems with out spending money, we want to provide that for our clients. Now if you read through this article and still can't seem to get a resolution. Please reach out to us at the link below:


Give us a call or fill out a form here:


23 views0 comments

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page