Washing machines, like most appliances, can’t last forever. Sooner or later, they will break down and may need replacement. But before they become entirely unusable, some wear and tear are still fixable. Here are some problems that you need to look out for to know when to call washing machine repair service for your washing machine:
No Longer Spinning
A washing machine does its purpose of cleaning clothes by spinning them. If it no longer spins, you need to call for washing machine repair services immediately. If you’re not a skilled repairman, don’t attempt to fix it yourself.
Washing machines have intricate parts, and fixing the rotators may require dismantling a lot of them. If you’ve no experience, call someone who knows how to, so you don’t end up breaking it even more than it already is.
Leaks
If you notice that your machine no longer fills up or that there’s a water puddle on the floor, there could be something leaking. Leaks could happen on the hose or the door.
Leaky Hose – You can do some initial inspection to see if the leaks are caused by the hose. You can try plugging and unplugging the hose. Check if the connections are loose, and make sure that they fit snugly. If this doesn’t stop the leaking, call a repairman for closer inspection.
Leaky Door Gasket – Old models of washing machines were usually top-load. It means that you put in your laundry through the opening at the top. Now, a lot of the washing machines have front doors, and over time, the doors will experience wear and tear. It may loosen and be unable to prevent the water from leaking.
If the leaks come from the door, it may need a replacement. Replacing a door gasket is a complicated process because it involves disassembling most of the front. It’s best to let the repairman do it. Take a look at how complex it is on the video below:
Low Water Flow
If your washing machine doesn’t fill up, but there are no leaks anywhere, the problem may be on the filter or supply hose. Unclog or clean the filters or adjust the tube. If the water flows properly after that, then you’re good to go.
However, if the flow is still low, then the inlet valve or water control unit may be causing the problem. Again, if you’re not a trained repairman, don’t attempt to fix it by yourself. Hiring a repairman can be costly. Use a car title loan calculator online to see if you qualify for cash today.
Strong Shaking
New washing machines produce slight vibrations that you can hear and feel. But since washing machines usually only have a 10-year lifespan, at some point you may notice that the noise and shaking start to become stronger.
If it happens, then it could mean that there’s something wrong with the motors. There could be a loose part that needs adjustment, which may be causing the loud grinding noises. The machine may also need some recalibrating because the constant shaking and rumbling may move its calibrations and parts.
It Doesn’t Start
If your washing machine doesn’t start, the problem may not solely be because it’s broken. Check that your electricity isn’t out and that your outlets are still working fine. If they’re both fine, then the problem might be your appliance.
If you overload your washing machine and it starts to overheat, your washing machine may have an automatic shut-off feature. It’s a protective measure to make sure that the machine doesn’t break quickly. If that’s what happened, wait for a few hours for it to cool down, and it should start running again. But remember to stay within the load capacity, so it doesn’t cause another overload.
If it still doesn’t start after cooling down, then the problem may be inside the machine itself. There could be damage in the electrical wiring or the motor.
Clothes Come Out Damaged
When washing clothes, there are some guidelines to follow to make sure that the clothes come out looking the same as before you put them in the washer, such as separating whites from colored clothes.
If your clothes come out with tears or any other damages, there could be a problem inside the drum. There might be some snags sticking out where clothes get ripped. Issues with the thermostat can also cause shrinkage of delicate garments if the water overheats.
Check inside the washer if there is anything sharp that may be sticking out, but also make sure to check inside your clothes pockets for any objects that aren’t supposed to be there.
Blocked Detergent Dispenser
A lot of washing machines nowadays have automatic detergent dispensers. Some can dispense powder detergent, liquid, or both. If you have automatic dispensers, make sure to check what kind of soap you can use as using the wrong one can cause problems. If you’re meant to use only liquid, then powders can clog the machine by causing a blockage due to the residue that had built over time. Clean out the clogs regularly so the detergent can pass through without obstruction.
Suspicious Smells
Washing machines are prone to bacteria and mold growth since it’s a dark and moist area. The bacteria growth can cause unpleasant smells inside the washer. This is a problem because the scent could transfer to your clothes, and nobody wants to wear clothes that smell like you never wash them.
Make sure to clean your washing machine regularly so that bacteria doesn’t build up. You should also clean and dry the surrounding area if there are any leaks and drips, which could also cause bacteria and mold to grow, resulting in unpleasant smells within the surrounding area.
Final Thoughts
Washing machines are one of the ways technology made human lives easier by reducing the amount of time we have to spend doing the laundry. As helpful as they may be, most appliances have a limited lifespan. As soon as you notice the problems above, call a skilled repairman immediately to properly fix these issues.
