Common Washing Machine Problems and How to Fix Them

We’ve all gotten used to the convenience of being able to wash our clothes at home, so washer problems can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, homeowners can often address washer problems and fix them. The team at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical is here to talk about some of the most common washer problems and how to fix them. 

The Washing Machine Won’t Drain

If your washing machine won’t drain after the washing cycle, the drain pipe probably has some kind of blockage. Common blockages include socks, shirts, and stray objects that may have been in pants pockets. You can get rid of blockages by flushing the drum with water or straightening the hose. You may also need to replace the lint screen at the end of the drain hose. To avoid washer clogs, don’t use too much detergent. 

The Washing Machine is Leaking

Another common washer problem is leaks. Leaks might come from the underside of the machine. Leaks can be the result of several problems, like holes in drain hoses or even the door’s seal. If you cannot locate the source of the leaks, call a professional for washing machine repair. 

The Washing Machine Doesn’t Agitate

Washers agitate their drums to more fully clean clothes. If the drum isn’t agitating laundry loads, it could be because you are not loading the machine correctly. If you are loading it correctly, the problem might be the drum belt or motor instead. You’ll need to call an expert for appliance repair.  

The Washing Machine Has a Bad Smell

Washing machines that don’t drain all their water or get water trapped in the drain lines can start to produce a foul, musty odor. Excessive detergent can coat the drain lines, which traps water and facilitates mold and algae growth. 

The simplest way to get rid of bad smells from your washer is to put two cups of vinegar in the drum along with some detergent. After running that cycle, wipe down the interior of the washer drum with a mixture of vinegar or diluted bleach. 

If you notice a smell like burned rubber coming from the machine, it could mean the motor or some other electrical component has damage. 

The Washing Machine Vibrates Too Much

Your washer will vibrate a little bit when working, particularly when it’s on the spin cycle. However, it shouldn’t be making a vibrating or grinding sound when on. These vibrations can damage the motor if you run the machine too much. Excess vibrations can be a result of your unit being unlevel. Loading the machine unevenly can also cause the drum to vibrate. 

The Washing Machine Won’t Turn On

If your washing machine won’t turn on or even start, the problem is likely the electrical supply. Locate the breaker that connects to the washer outlet and flip the switch if it’s tripped. If the breaker hasn’t tripped, the problem might be the outlet. Try resetting the wall outlet using the red button. 

The washer also might not be turning on because the door switch is not fully engaged. If the door switch doesn’t press down fully, the machine doesn’t recognize the door is closed and won’t start the cycle. 

If none of these fixes work, consider calling a home appliance professional to diagnose the issue. You may have a problem with the unit’s motor or wiring, which you should not attempt to fix without experience. 

Mechanical Services in the Texas Panhandle

When you need quality appliance repair or replacement for an affordable price, choose Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical. Fill out our contact form or call us today at (806) 376-8345 to schedule an appointment and learn more about us!