A washing machine is one of the kitchen appliances that’s used most days and taken for granted. When it suddenly stops working you’ll be asking what’s wrong with my washing machine? Read on to find out some possible causes of the breakdown…
Machine Won’t Spin
If the machine won’t spin at the end of the cycle this may simply be that the wash load isn’t balanced properly – small loads and heavy items often cause this to happen. You can test this by spinning the drum without a load to determine if this is an actual fault. It’s quite normal for modern machines to be unable to spin very small loads unless they’re fitted with an out of balance protection which may not be adjusted correctly, but this is rare.
If the drum isn’t turning the washing machine may fill up with water and then do nothing at all. You can check to see if the drive belt has become detached without disturbing the machine. Hand turn the drum and if it moves with little resistance and makes a different noise this may be the reason. Also if you spin the drum it may spin for a long time if it has no connection. To be accurate you’ll need to unplug the machine and remove the back panel.
Door Won’t Open
If the washing machine detects water in the drum it won’t open in case this compromises on safety and the risk of flooding. This is a normal door lock device protocol. So, if your door won’t unlock this indicates a faulty door lock mechanism. Turn off the power and unplug the machine before pulling it out. Take off the lid and reach down to the lock to gently pop open the latch. Trying to force the door open will quite possibly damage the lock and the cabinet and in the worst case scenario you may need a washing machine door replacement.
Water not draining
If the washing machine suddenly stops leaving it full of water, you’ll need to check that a fuse hasn’t blown which has triggered the trip circuit. If everything seems normal but the water just won’t pump away this may be due to a pump failure, blockage, or electrical fault. A blockage within the washing machine outlet hose such as buttons or laundry fluff can cause this fault. You can easily drain the pump filter at the front of the machine, and then remove the main drain hose to empty it into a bucket.
If you can hear the pump running you’ll need to investigate further. Once the machine is drained you can check for blockages, clean, and refit the pump. After you’ve re-checked connections you may need to use a continuity test meter to test for open circuit resistance. Then your next step would to be to replace the pump altogether.
Making a Noise
The main causes of a high noise level are something stuck in the drum, failing or failed bearings, and a blockage in the drain pump. If you can remove the drum paddles you’ll be able to get rid of any offending items, or access them through the heater hole or the sump hose hole, both of which need to be removed first. The bearings can be checked by spinning the drum by hand to see if it makes a noise, but it’s a big job to replace them and it’s worth calling in the experts here.
When You Need Help
It may be impossible to find your fault or fix it if you don’t have the right tools. Don’t despair-simply search online for a trusted appliance repair service and get a trained technician to do it for you! Remember that professionals will also help with repairs of tumble dryers, ovens, and dishwashers.
