5 Common Washing Machine Issues

What are common washing machine problems—and what can you do about them? From failure to drain and overly sudsy duds to a complete breakdown, take a look at the top issues homeowners have with this appliance.

Electricity-Related Issues

Your washing machine needs electricity to work. Before you assume that the machine is damaged or broken, check the power supply. Is the cord plugged into the outlet completely? Does the outlet work properly? You may also need to check the circuit breaker or fuse box.

If the washer is plugged in, the outlet works, and you have no blown fuses or tripped breakers, the next step is to call a professional appliance repair contractor. Never attempt to repair the washing machine or your home's electrical system yourself. This could put you at risk for a serious injury or create a home fire hazard.

Overloaded Washing Machine

What happens when you overload a washing machine? The most noticeable symptoms of an overloaded washer are loud noises, shaking or vibrations, or an appliance that fails to spin.

Heavy items or items that fill the machine past its capacity can throw off the washer's balance. This can lead to drainage issues or can even stop the washer in mid-spin—especially if some of the clothing or other items lodge themselves into the washer. While removing the offending items can save the day, this simple step won't always work.

Ideally, never overload your washing machine. This preventative step can stop some potential problems before they start. But if you did accidentally overload the washer or you didn't count on a lighter item growing into a heavy problem when you added water, contact a professional. An appliance repair contractor can assess the situation, find problems (such as clothing stuck in the washer), and reset the machine.

Drain Pump Malfunction

As the name implies, the drain pump drains and pumps the water out of the washing machine. Without a working drain pump, the drum won't drain. This issue could also cause the drum to stop spinning or make it stop min-cycle.

You have a few possible causes of a washing machine drain pump malfunction. These include an object caught in the pipe (such as a coin or anything that you forgot to remove from your pockets before you put your pants or a coat into the washer), a blocked filter, pump blockages due to built-up detergent or fabric softener sludge, a broken impeller, or a blocked drain hose.

Again, washing machine problems aren't DIY fixes. If you don't know if the drain pump is the problem, which issue has affected the pump, or how to fix it like a pro, call an appliance contractor as soon as possible. 

Washing Machine Timer Malfunction

Like the drain pump, this component is exactly what the name says. The timer controls the machine's time setting. If the timer fails to advance, the machine will stay in one cycle and will not stop. Damage or wear to the timer can also prevent the washer from starting.

If your washing machine won't start or doesn't advance, and you suspect the timer is the culprit behind the problem, call the appliance contractor. The contractor can inspect the timer's contacts, look for faults, and replace the part if needed.

Oversudsing Washing Machine Issues

Oversudsing often has an easy-to-prevent cause—using too much or the wrong type of detergent. But if detergent isn't the issue at fault, the machine might have a clog, the drain pump is damaged or failing, or your home has soft water. Provided you use the right amount and type of detergent, the other possible problems will all require help from a pro to fix.



Do you need to schedule a professional washing machine service? Contact A-Appliance Experts Inc for more information.