6 Common Washing Machine Problems

The washing machine is one of those useful appliances that significantly simplify our everyday life. You no longer have to deal with big loads of dirty clothes and wash them by hand. You can just put the clothes inside the drum, choose the program, push the ‘Start’ button and return when the washing process is complete.

It may continue until the moment when your washer breaks down. If your appliance quits working entirely you may troubleshoot the appliance by yourself or schedule an appointment with a professional appliance repair technician.

Most Common Washer Problems

Here is a list of the most common washer problems that our technicians solve on a daily basis and parts that might need to be replaced. It will help you to troubleshoot and find the reason why your washing machine is not working properly.

Benefits of choosing Denver Appliance repair service

According to the research, Americans do more than 660,000,000 loads of wash weekly so the washing machine became an essential part of our routine. When it is on the fritz, it may bring many inconveniences.

Problems your Washer Can Encounter on Various Cycles

While washing machines can differ from model to model, they all operate on similar principles. Of course, different models may have different parts or different problems, but there is still a certain amount of recurring problems which are typical for various models and producers. Here is the list of washer cycles as well as potential problems you may encounter:

Not Filling

Common problems that can occur during the fill cycle include:

• Overfilling
• Slow filling
• Not filling at all

Too little water entering the tub indicates that the water inlet valve is probably restricted, commonly caused by the build-up of hard water deposits. A restricted inlet valve will need to be replaced. Trying to clean out an old valve is not recommended due to the risk of part failure after repair. A tub that is overfilling may be an indication that the inlet valve has failed, or that there is a problem with low water pressure to the appliance. Water inlet valves need water pressure 20-120 PSI to function properly. If the pressure is too low, the water may not shut off properly, or it may trickle into the tub when the washer is not in use.

Not Dispensing Detergent

To add detergent bleach or fabric softener, the control sends voltage to the water inlet valve. The valve opens, allowing water to travel to the dispenser system, which dispenses each solution into the tub during the proper cycle. Be aware that using too much detergent can cause deposits to build up in the dispenser housing. This can restrict the flow of water through the system, and prevent the proper amount of detergent from entering the tub. If the dispenser is free of restrictions, but still fails to work, the cause could be low water pressure to the washer, a restricted fill hose, or a problem with the water inlet valve itself. Also, be aware that the system may require a higher water pressure than the 20-PSI minimum to properly flush the solutions from the dispenser.

Not Washing

The wash cycle begins when the controller sends voltage to a stator at the rear of the appliance, or a motor control board, depending on the model. The stator is energized by the voltage and becomes an electromagnet, which interacts with the rotor on the tub. The rotor has permanent magnets built into it so the two components create a magnetic field, which rotates the tub in each direction. Models with a motor control board use a drive motor, belt and pulley to rotate the tub. The motor control regulates the amount and polarity of the voltage sent to the motor, in order to affect speed and direction. Most washers operate by tumbling the clothes several rotations in one direction, stopping and then tumbling the clothes in the opposite direction. The process of tumbling the clothes back and forth throughout the cycle plunges and lifts the clothes through the water and detergent solution.

Not Draining

Once the wash cycle is complete, the water needs to be drained from the tub. The control sends voltage to a drain pump, which pumps the water out the drain hose to a washtub or drainpipe. Most washers have a trap at the pump to catch coins, lint, and other debris. This trap should be checked and cleaned periodically to protect the pump and allow the tub to drain properly.

Not Rising

The rinse cycle operates in the same manner as the wash cycle and may introduce fabric softener through the dispenser if added by the user. The laundry tumbles for a short time and then the water is drained.

Not Spinning

If the washer is unusually noisy during the spin cycle, the cause could be a failed tub bearing. If the tub doesn’t spin at all, the stator, belt or motor or other applicable drive components can be failed.

We have identified the most common problems that you may encounter with your washer, but there are a lot of other issues as well. You can find more information about them here.