Schedule Your Washer Repair

CLOTHES WASHERS ARE VERY RELIABLE APPLIANCES. STORIES ABOUND OF MACHINES THAT RUN for 20, 30, or even 40 years without any problems at all. This is good, because when they do break down, major repairs are usually so complicated that they’re best left to a professional. Unlike clothes dryers, which are largely the same machines no matter who builds them, washers have a great deal of variation among manufacturers. Differences can be in the type of agitator used, where the door is located, how much water and power they consume, or one of many other variables. These differences are reflected in the problems your specific machine might develop and in how it is repaired. 

Not Draining 

Finding your washing machine has stopped mid cycle and full of water can be very frustrating.  In many cases your clothes will be soaking wet and locked inside the unit. If your washing machine cannot pump the water out, the cycle will not advance and the unit will eventually shut down with a tub full of water. In most cases, a small item can be removed from the pump impeller or a blockage can be cleared from the drain hose. However, there are many occasions where the impeller on the drain pump will fail, requiring a pump replacement.  

Not Spinning or Off Balanced Load

There are a multitude of reasons why a washing machine may not be spinning. Sometimes a washer may not reach the intended spin speed or may not even spin at all. One possible cause for this, is an off balance load. Off balanced loads often occur when the unit is not loaded properly. It is always best to wash bulky items, such as sheets and towels, separately from smaller articles, such as socks and underwear.  However, if you are experiencing frequent and unavoidable off balanced loads than your washer may be in need of new suspension springs or shock absorbers. 

Smells

It is very common a washing machine to smell, especially if  haven’t been used in a while. There will always be a small amount of water left inside the washer, that you cannot see, after each load has ended. As that water sits, it begins to smell, and become worse over time. Too much detergent can contribute to this problem as it can cause excess suds, or soap bubble, which cannot be pumped out. This will result in more water left in your machine and more smells. Make sure you do not use more than the recommended amount of detergent in washing machine, but also make sure you used the proper detergent for your model. Front load washing machines require a detergent marked (he) for high efficiency. 

Overtime the inside of your washing machine collects a large amount of dirt and scum. It usually builds up primarily around the inside of the outer tub, which can also contribute to smells. To fully clean this by hand, would require a significant amount labor. However, there are many cleaners that can help breakdown this build-up with limited effort.

Lights Flashing

Unusual flashing lights or buttons most likely indicate that your washer is malfunctioning and that it is in need of service. Most new washers are equipped electronic circuitry that can detect malfunctions and communicate or display them to the user. If the unit has a display screen it may flash an E or F followed by a number. If it does not have a display, many washers communicate error codes through flashing indicator lights.