How to Troubleshoot Washing Machines

Major appliances such as washers and dryers are generally reliable, but they can suddenly stop working. If an appliance balks on you, follow these steps to fix it before calling a repair professional.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check that the power cord isn't faulty and that it's firmly plugged into an electrical outlet if the washer does not start. Check that the hot and cold faucets to the washer are turned on. Be sure that the lid is closed and that the controls are set to the "ON" position.

2. Check that the hoses aren't kinked if the tub doesn't fill with water. Clean or replace filter screens if necessary.

3. Set the temperature selector switches correctly so that the machine is operating at the correct temperature. Check the household water heater to be sure it is delivering the correct temperature.

4. Unplug the washer immediately if it doesn't stop filling. The problem could be a faulty inlet valve or timer. If the water doesn't agitate, the problem could be a faulty water level switch, timer, drive belt or motor. In these cases, call for professional service.

5. Examine the drain hose for kinks if the washer doesn't drain properly. If the drain is blocked, call for service. If the washer doesn't spin, the problem could be a lid switch or timer. A clogged filter or a loose or cracked hose can cause leaks. If cleaning the filter and tightening or replacing the hose don't solve the problem, it could be a leaking pump or faulty transmission. You must schedule professional service for these problems.

6. Stop the washer and redistribute the load if the appliance is making an unusual amount of noise. The load could be unbalanced. The problem could be as simple as a heavy item or two, like a pair of sneakers.

7. Sort clothes carefully by putting such fabrics as terry cloth in loads separate from the other items to prevent lint or residue from attaching to the clothes. Powdery residue from granular detergent may appear to be lint or residue. Dissolve detergent in hot water before putting in clothes. Consider switching to liquid detergent.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid overloading the washer or washing too long.
• Keep garments, bed linen and other items from becoming "yellow." Insufficient detergent can result in incomplete removal of body soil, resulting in yellowing. Chlorine bleach can also cause yellowing of some fabrics; try oxygen bleach instead.
• Prevent garments from becoming "gray." The cause could be not enough detergent, oily soil or excessively hard water. Check that water is hot enough for the load; avoid washing in hot water when other hot water demands – such as dish washing and showering – occur in the household.
• Prevent damage to garments. Holes, snags and rips can be caused by zippers, buttons, sharp objects in pockets, chlorine bleach coming in direct contact with clothes, weakening of fibers or loads that are too large or use too little water.