Washing machines are essential appliances in most homes, used frequently to keep clothes and linens clean. However, like any appliance, washing machines can develop faults over time that require repair and maintenance. This comprehensive guide provides tips and techniques for diagnosing and fixing the most common washing machine problems.
Preventative Washing Machine Maintenance
Performing regular repair and maintenance checks can significantly extend the life of your washing machine and prevent many repairs down the road. Here are some key preventative maintenance tips:
Clean Washing Machine Components
- Clean the water inlet filters: Mineral deposits from hard water can build up on the inlet filters, reducing water flow. Check and clean these filters monthly.
- Clean the pump filter: Lint and debris can clog the pump filter, impeding drainage. Remove and clean this filter every 3 months.
- Descale the machine: Hard water mineral deposits can also accumulate inside the machine’s drum and tub. Treat the washer with a descaling product annually depending on your water hardness.
- Wipe exterior: Wipe down exterior surfaces, control panel, lid, and door with a damp cloth to prevent buildup.
- Sanitize interior tub: Run a sanitize or tub clean cycle monthly to clean the interior and prevent odors. Spray down gaskets every few weeks.
- Check hoses: Inspect fill and drain hoses annually for cracks that can lead to leaks. Proactively replace hoses every 5 years.
Inspect Key Components
- Inspect motor and pump: Check the motor and drain pump yearly. Ensure impellers turn freely and are not cracked or worn.
- Inspect agitator/drum: If your washing machine has an agitator, check it for smooth rotation and excessive wear. Check the tub for cracks or damage.
- Inspect lid switch: Clean lid switch connections yearly to prevent lid from not latching properly.
- Inspect belts: With belt-driven washing machines, check the belts every year or two for stretching, cracking, fraying or excessive wear. Consider proactive belt replacement every 3-5 years.
By routinely maintaining your washing machine using these tips, you can add years to its lifespan and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Common Washing Machine Problems
Despite regular maintenance and repair, a washing machine can still develop issues. Here are some of the most common washing machine problems, their causes, and potential solutions:
Washing Machine Won’t Start
If your washing machine fails to start, first check these basic troubleshooting steps:
Power:
- Verify machine is plugged in
- Check home circuit breaker or fuses
- Test outlet with voltmeter for power
Control panel:
- Check for error code lights indicating specific failures
- Press firmly on the touch buttons in case the sensor issue
- Unplug and replug in the washing machine to reset the controls
Lid switch:
- Inspect the lid switch and test for continuity
- Adjust lid strike if not making secure contact
Timer:
- Advancing the timer manually should start the cycle
- If the timer is advancing but the machine not starting, likely a power issue to the water valves or the motor
Water inlet valves:
- Listen for valve operation when the timer advances
- Check for blocked inlet screens or kinked hoses
- Test water inlet valve coils for continuity and replace valves if defective
Motor:
- Check motor windings, belts, pulleys and bearings
- Replace the motor start capacitor if won’t turn over
If you’ve checked all these systems thoroughly and the washing machine still won’t start, contact a technician.
Washing Machine Won’t Drain
There are several reasons why your washing machine fails to drain properly:
Kinked or clogged drain hose
- Disconnect and inspect the hose for kinks or clogs
- Flush with water if severely clogged
Clogged pump filter
- Open the filter cap and remove the debris
- Consider filter replacement if excessively dirty
Faulty drain pump
- Ensure the impeller turns freely by hand
- Listen for hum indicating a jammed impeller
- Test pump motor windings for continuity
- Replace pump or motor if defective
Clogged pressure switch tube
- Disconnect and blow out the pressure tube
- Clear vent hole on outer tub if still not draining
Defective control board
- Check for flashing error code lights related to drainage
- Replace faulty control board
Avoid overflow problems by promptly troubleshooting any drainage issues. Call a technician for help if needed.
Leaking Washing Machine
Water on the floor around your washer indicates a leak that needs to be addressed. Potential sources of leaks include:
Door seal
- Inspect the gray rubber door seal for tears or cracks
- Check that the inner seal lip fully contacts the tub
- Replace the damaged door seal
Tub boot seal
- Look for water below the rear tub boot
- Stains indicate deteriorated seal requiring replacement
Water inlet hoses
- Check for cracked or worn fill hoses
- High pressure from closed water valves can rupture hoses
Drain hose connection
- Tighten hose clamps if loose
- Examine drain outlet piping for cracks
Water inlet valve
- Calcium deposits indicate valve requiring replacement
- The valve can fail and leak even when the washing machine off
Address any leaks immediately to avoid water damage or unsafe conditions. Worn seals and hoses should be replaced preemptively.
Noisy Washing Machine
Strange sounds like grinding, squealing or loud rattling emanating from your washing machine typically signify a problem needing repair. Some key troubleshooting tips:
Grinding noise
- Stuck motor bearings
- Bad clutch assembly if intermittent
- Broken trunnion pins/cam bearings
Squealing noise
- Misaligned or broken belt in belt drive models
- Bad motor bearings
- Defective motor coupler
Loud rattling noise
- A foreign object stuck in the pump impeller
- Drum supports broken or out of alignment
- Agitator dogs are worn out or broken
Banging noise
- Failed shock absorbers causing tub to drop
- Tub hitting inner cabinet wall
- Bad bearing causing drum scraping
Unusual noises often get worse over time, so have your washer inspected promptly. Attempting to run a severely damaged component can lead to other failures.
Burning Smell from Washing Machine
If you detect a hot or burning smell coming from your washing machine, there could be a serious issue. Potential causes include:
| Key Component | Potential Issue |
| Motor | – Seized bearing- Overheated windings- Burnt insulation |
| Water pump | – Jammed impeller- Worn bearing- Overheated |
| Control board | – Failed controller module- Bad relay |
| Transmission | – Low oil level- Worn clutch plate |
A burning electrical smell could indicate faulty wiring, a shorted component, or failing control board. Turn the power off immediately and contact a service technician. Avoid running further cycles until the issue has been diagnosed and repaired.
Unbalanced Loads and Excessive Vibration
If your washing machine vibrates violently during spin cycles, an unbalanced load is likely the cause. Try these troubleshooting tips:
Redistribute wash load
- Manually redistribute load evenly in the drum
- Check to make sure single heavy items are not off-center
Level washing machine
- Use carpenter’s level on machine frame to identify issue
- Adjust leveling feet as needed
Isolate machine
- Check the shock absorbers to see if they’re intact
- Add rubber washer pads underneath the machine
Check components
- Worn drum supports can cause imbalance
- Damaged basket spiders will also create vibration
Excess vibration can damage suspension rods, tubs, cabinets and create noise issues over time. Have the machine diagnosed by a technician if basic troubleshooting does not resolve the problem.
Washer Water Not Hot Enough
If your washing machine fails to get hot enough to properly clean laundry, first check these areas:
Water heater setting
- Verify that the water heater is outputting 125°F/50°C or hotter
- Check mixer valves aren’t reducing temperature
Water inlet hoses
- Rule out reversed hot/cold hose connections
- Confirm both hot and cold water flowing
Heating element
- Use a multimeter to check the heating element for resistance
- Replace the element if defective
Water temperature sensor
- Use a thermometer to test the water temperature
- Replace the sensor if it gives inaccurate readings
Insufficient hot water will lead to poor soil removal and odors. Call for service if water won’t get hotter than 100°F/40°C after checking previous steps.
DIY Washing Machine Repair
Many common failures can be repaired yourself without calling a technician. However, never attempt electrical repairs without proper training and equipment. Focus DIY repairs on mechanical components.
How to Replace Washing Machine Door Seal
- Unplug the washing machine and ensure the water supply hoses are off.
- Insert flat head screwdriver under rubber lip to separate seal from the tub.
- Find retaining spring clips and stretch out gently to release.
- Remove the rest of the seal from the front edges and extract it fully from the machine.
- Clean the tub rim thoroughly and ensure no rust or residue.
- Position the new gasket seal on the tub rim and reconnect the spring clips securely.
- Run a short test cycle and verify no leaks around the opening perimeter.
Replace the door seal promptly to prevent leaks or damage to flooring.
How to Replace Belt-Drive Motor Pulley
- Unplug the washing machine and ensure the water supply is disconnected.
- Remove the cabinet back panel to access the motor and belt assembly.
- Loosen the pulley set-screw and slide the pulley off the motor shaft.
- Remove the belt from both pulleys.
- Install new pulley on shaft and align with tub pulley.
- Reinstall belt verifying no twisting and tension as specified.
- Tighten pulley set-screws securely to the shaft.
- Reinstall cabinet panels and test machine thoroughly.
Worn pulleys lead to belt slippage and burning smells. Replace proactively every 5 years if belt-driven.
Also Read: How To Test A Washing Machine Motor
How to Replace Washing Machine Hoses
- Turn supply valves off and unplug washing machine.
- Use a bucket to catch any water and disconnect old hoses.
- Install new stainless steel braided hoses, using pipe tape if threaded fittings.
- Attach hot water hose to hot port and cold to cold.
- Turn on both water valves slowly and verify no leaks.
- Plug in machine and do short test cycle.
Proactive hose replacement prevents ruptures and water damage from leaks.
How to Unclog Washing Machine Drain Pump
- Unplug washing machine and locate small drain pump access panel.
- Place towel underneath to catch water then unscrew filter cap.
- Reach into opening and remove all debris from pump impeller chamber.
- If severely blocked, disconnect inlet and outlet hoses and remove entire pump to extract debris.
- Reinstall the pump assembly ensuring the impeller turns freely.
- Replace filter cap securely over opening.
- Run short test cycle to verify proper drainage.
Clear pump promptly to restore drainage and prevent overflow issues.
Troubleshooting Guide by Washer Type
Washing machine designs vary by type and brand. Here are the most common machine configurations and potential failures to check.
Top-Load Agitator Washer Troubleshooting
| Key Component | Potential Issue |
| Drive System | – Worn agitator gear box- Broken splines in clutch- Agitator dogs chipped or missing |
| Transmission | – Leaking seals- Worn shifter fork- Grinding gears |
| Water Pump | – Leaking pump shaft seal- Jammed/overloaded impeller |
| Cabinet Suspension | – Compressed/broken shock absorbers- Bent dampening springs- Elongated suspension frame holes |
Focus troubleshooting on the unique drive system, transmission, agitator and suspension design in these machines.
Front-Load Washer Troubleshooting
| Key Component | Potential Issue |
| Door Latch | – Broken/sticking latch – Misaligned strike plate – Faulty latch relay on the control board |
| Spider Arm Assembly | – Cracked arms – Detached from shaft – Unbalanced loads cause wobble/failure |
| Shock Absorbers | – Leaking/fatigued shocks – Tub makes loud banging |
| Bearings | – Leaky grease seals – Worn bearing race/balls – Grinding/squealing noises |
Pay particular attention to the specialized spider arm and bearing systems in front-load washers during diagnostics.
Commercial Top-Load Washer Troubleshooting
| Key Component | Potential Issue |
| Drive Bearings | – Contaminated grease – Damaged races/balls – Excessive runout |
| Transmission | – Stripped gears – Sync failure – Loose mounting plate |
| Cabinet | – Worn out vibration pads – Bent/loosened mount rods – Abnormally strong shaking/movement |
| Computer Logic | – Faulty sensor readings – Bad wiring connections – Program sequence issues |
Commercial machines have heavy-duty components to withstand rigorous use, but still require proper maintenance.
When to Call a Professional for Service
While a DIY repair can fix some basic issues on your washing machine, it is best to call an appliance service technician for more complex problems or safety concerns including:
- The machine displays an error code needing a diagnosis
- Electrical failures – burning smell, short circuit, or power spikes
- Major component failure – transmission, motor, or control board
- Excessive shaking/vibration despite troubleshooting
- Significant water leakage requiring disassembly to trace
- No hot water even with the new heating element
Preventative Maintenance Checklist
Use this checklist to keep your washing machine operating reliably.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency |
| Check/clean water inlet filters | Monthly |
| Check/clean drain pump filter | Every 3 months |
| Descale interior | Annually |
| Wipe down exterior | As needed |
| Run clean/sanitize cycle | Monthly |
| Inspect hoses and seals | Annually |
| Inspect motor and pump | Annually |
| Inspect agitator/drum | Annually |
| Inspect lid switch | Annually |
| Inspect belts | Every 1-2 years |
Safety Warning: Always unplug the washing machine before attempting maintenance or repair!
Keeping Your Washer Running Smoothly
By understanding common washing machine faults, you can quickly diagnose and repair basic issues that arise. Performing preventative maintenance is also key to maximize appliance lifespan. However, some complex failures do require calling an experienced washing machine service professional to avoid injury or further machine damage. Use the information in this guide to keep your washer operating safely and efficiently for years to come.