How to fix or Repair a Clothes Washer

Many washing machine repairs can be done by the average homeowner.

The washing machine is one of those modern miracles that people born after the 1950s will probably never fully appreciate. Appreciation for the clothes washer usually appears only when this durable appliance starts to break down. Always be sure to turn off the water and the electricity when conducting any repairs on a washing machine.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Continuity tester
• Replacement valve

Instructions

1. Ensure that the washing machine's sometimes volatile agitation has not caused the vibrations of the appliance to pull the plug out from the wall outlet. If the plug is still attached to the wall, check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.

2. Make sure that the lid is closed tightly enough for the switch to kick on the washing machine. Turn the dial of your washer to a different cycle. If this action starts the machine, the cause is likely a faulty timer that will need to be replaced.

3. Inspect a faulty agitator by pulling the agitator's shaft upward so that it slides off. Remove the plastic cap holding the agitator down on some models. Look for cracking or breakage in the fins of the agitator. Look at the teeth located inside the agitator column for any signs of wear. You will always have to replace with a new agitator if the teeth of the old agitator are completely worn down.

4. Test the water mixing valve with a continuity tester set at RX1. Make sure that the unit has been unplugged and then remove the top panel so that the wires attached to the valve terminals can be unhooked. Test both pairs of terminals and replace the valve if the test shows no continuity. Remove the hoses from the valve inlets and then remove the hose from valve outlet located inside the washing machine.

5. Check for clogs in the hose filter when the tub of the washing machine won't fill. Straighten out any kinks that are found in the inlet hose. If clogging or kinking is not the cause, you should make sure that the washer is actually turned on by rotating the timer button just slightly.

6. Tighten the drive belt of a washing machine that does not spin the basket. If the belt shows serious signs of wear, replace it immediately before it has a chance to break. An easy repair of a machine where the basket doesn't spin is to make sure that the load of clothing inside is evenly distributed.

7. Turn off and unplug the washing machine to test for a defective inlet valve if the water does not shut off automatically. Turn off the water supply bibb valves and manually empty the tub. Replace the bibb inlet valve by disconnecting the inlet hoses and removing the screws that hold the valve tight. Loosen the clamp that connects the nozzle with the valve outlet and remove the hose. Make sure to mark the wires before disconnecting them from the valve solenoid terminals. Reverse the procedure when putting the new valve in place.

References

• Repairclinic.com: Washing Machine Troubleshooting
• Repair2000.com: Washer Repair
• "Time-Life Home Repair and Improvement: Repairing Appliances;" George Constable, Ed.; 1981