Top 5 Most Common Washing Machine Faults

 

Washing Machine FaultsLaundry is an integral part of household chores. While it’s unavoidable, it takes up most of the time. For this reason, washing machines become invaluable appliances. There are so many tips on how to best use your washing machine.

They are even more efficient when they function ideally. If your machine is giving you trouble, it can put a damper on your chores. Instead of washing your clothes at home, you have to drag your clothes to a Laundromat.

There is never a good time for your machine to act up. Yet it is unavoidable. But you can salvage the situation by immediately fixing or repairing the malfunction. Here are five common washing machine problems and some advice on how to fix them. Most of the time, you’ll need to hire a professional to help with washing machine repair.

Leaking Water

Discovering your machine has left a large puddle of water on the floor is annoying. Not only do you have to clean the water up, but you also have to identify the cause of the leak. The most common cause of a leaking machine is overfilling with clothes. This is an easy fix – take the clothes out of the machine, run the machine while it is empty, and see if it leaks. If it doesn’t leak, all you need to do is remember not to fill it as full.

Other reasons that a machine machine might be leaking include a loose hose clamp, a broken hose connector, a problem with the tub cover gasket, a defective water inlet valve, or a damaged seal. If you identify the source of the leak and think you can fix it yourself, remember this. Remove the machine from any electrical source before you begin working.

Drum Will Not Spin

For a washing machine to work, the drum needs to spin. If the machine fills with water but doesn’t enter the spin cycle, you have a problem. There are several reasons why a drum might stop spinning, including jammed clothes, a faulty electrical module, an issue with the drive motor, an issue with the drive belt, or a broken pump.

Jammed clothes are easy to fix. Check to make sure clothes haven’t wrapped around the drum. If they are, pull them out and adjust them. The majority of the other problems will need professional help to fix.

Not Filling Properly

Typically, washing machines won’t fill with water because of a clog. This is a simple problem to fix that requires only a few tools. The first thing to do is to see if something is preventing water from passing through your hose. If the hose appears kinked, straighten it back out. If it seems like there is something stuck within the hose or that there is damage, it will need replacement.

If it isn’t your hose, check your filters. The filters sit on the back of your machine, near your water inlet valve. Clean them out and then see if your machine will fill. Finally, if it isn’t your hose or your filters, check your pressure chamber. Air can become trapped in the chamber and prevent water from passing through.

Very Noisy

There are a few different sounds a washing machine will make when something isn’t quite right. Squeaking, grinding, and banging noises all show that a part within your machine is loose or broken.

Bearings, drive pulleys, motor couplings, clutches, belts, drain pumps, and shock absorbers will all make loud noises when they need fixing or replacement. If you can locate the part of the machine making the noise, there is a possibility you can fix it yourself. For example, drain pumps will only make noise when there is a clog. This requires you to remove the dirt and debris from it. If you can’t locate the noisy part, you’ll have to call in a professional.

Damaging Clothes

Washing machines can sometimes leave clothes smelling moldy or can rip clothes up. If your machine leaves your clothes smelling worse than they did before they went in, you have mold growing in your machine. You can buy a cleaning solution to help.

If your machine is ripping your clothes, there might be a broken part within your agitator. It may be catching on your clothes and causing them to snag. You can try loading your machine with fewer clothes, but you may end up needing to replace your machine.

Washer Won’t Turn On

Before you slide into panic mode when your washer doesn’t turn on, you need to inspect it. Several external and internal factors may inhibit the washer from turning on. First, you need to confirm whether your power source functions. You can use a multimeter to check the outlet voltage. You can also check the electrical panel. Verify that the circuit breakers aren’t tripped.

The washer’s motor may also be the reason. When overheated it is designed to shut down and allow for cooling. Yet, if this keeps happening then your alarm bells should go on. When the lid is open, it triggers the lid switch which shuts the washer down. This would be another reason. Always ensure to close the lid before turning the washer on.

Does Not Dispense Detergent

Automatic detergent dispensers are likely to face two major issues. The dispenser may be clogged by built-in residue. Thus, you should clean them monthly using warm distilled white vinegar. You pour the vinegar in the dispenser and run a regular cycle. After this, it will be as good as new.

Using incorrect products makes all the difference. If your manufacturer specifies on liquid detergents avoid powdered ones and vice versa. The wrong products will clog the dispenser. Refer to the manual for further directives.

Conclusion

Finding out there is a problem with your washing machine is unnerving. But once you figure out the problem, you can either decide to fix it or hire someone to do it for you. Cultivate a habit that involves frequent cleaning and maintenance of your washer. All these contribute towards a smooth use and prolonged life.

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