Common washing machine problems can usually be dealt with by the user rather than a repair technician. A washing machine that will not operate at all is probably disconnected in some way from its electrical power supply. Washers that fail to agitate or spin typically have a disengaged or malfunctioning safety switch. A machine that will not drain may have a kinked or clogged drain hose. Water leaks are often caused by a faulty door, tub, or water supply hose seal.
One of the most common washing machine problems is a total failure to operate. This condition is almost always caused by a disruption of the machine’s electrical supply. Vibrations or movement of the machine can sometimes cause the cord to fall out of the electrical outlet. You should first make sure that the washer is fully plugged in to the outlet. If the washing machine is indeed plugged in, check the main circuit panel for a tripped breaker or blown fuse before calling a repair technician.
Washing machine problems also occur when the safety switch is not engaged or malfunctions. This device will not allow the machine to agitate or spin until the lid or door is completely closed. If the machine is unable agitate or spin, make certain that nothing is caught in the lid or door to prevent it from fully closing. You can also check the switch for functionality by depressing it with a plastic writing pen. If the washing machine won't agitate or spin using the pen, the safety switch may need to be replaced by a repair technician.
Another of the most common washing machine problems is a lack of draining ability. Look behind the washer with a flashlight to see if the hose is kinked or pinched in any way. If unkinking it does not solve the problem, you may have a clogged drain hose. A clog can sometimes be cleared by placing your hand over the outlet end of the hose while the machine is draining. If these remedies fail to solve the problem, you might have a clogged or faulty pump that requires a visit from a service technician.
Some washing machine problems such as water leaks are typically caused by damaged seals. These seals are located at the base of the tub on top-loading washers and around the door of front-load models. They are also located on each end of the machine’s water supply hoses. The best way to deal with this problem is to determine the exact location of the leak. Supply hose and door seals are usually easy to replace, but a tub-seal replacement will probably require a service technician.