You are doing laundry, and suddenly your washing machine starts leaking water. Washing machines are a necessity, but when they break down, it can be incredibly frustrating. They can cause a huge mess and damage to other appliances around them.
The cost of repairs for your washing machine can be expensive and time-consuming. If you have the skills to repair washers yourself, you could save money on the cost of repairs. You can fix this problem in no time at all with some simple tools that you probably already have lying around the house.
Here are seven tips on how to fix your washing machine with common household items that most people already own. These DIY tips can help you save the expenses of a repair call and eliminate some issues, so the problem is easier for the technician to solve. Read on!
Washer Won’t Spin
The lid switch detects the position of the lid and prevents the washer from spinning into the lid. A broken lid will keep the washer from spinning even if the lid is closed. Before you call in the repairman, check to see if the belt is your problem. Your plugs can get bumped loose by animals and fallen objects.
You can do this by removing the broken lid switch. But first, use a continuity tester to test the switch and if you suspect that it’s broken, replace it with a new switch before spending money on professional help.
Check the Breaker Box
Once you’ve properly plugged your washer into the electrical outlet and still won’t run, check your central home electrical box to see if your fuse has blown and the circuit breaker has tripped. Replace the fuse and turn the breaker back on. If the problem persists, call an electrician immediately.
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If the washer is plugged in, the breakers are okay, but it’s still not working; you may need a lid switch to engage for the washer to work. Today’s washer, both front, and top load models require this lid switch to work.
These switches can break and need to be replaced. They also get gunked up with lint and detergent residue. Use a cotton swab and a little bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the contact areas.
No Fill or Slow Fill
With front load washers, it will fill up to the water level you choose. The fill valve could be restricted over time because of lint and debris, so turn off the unit, unplug it and remove the hoses. After establishing electrical power, the next thing you’ll need is water.
If there’s no water entering the washing machine, ensure the water valves are open. Make sure you have two valves, a hot and a cold. They should be marked by a red and blue knob or switch. Even if you wash in cold water, some washers won’t operate unless you open both valves.
And if your machine is getting, but it fills very slowly, you may need to open the valve more. If the water valves are open and still the washer won’t fill, you may have a clog in the filter screen. In this case, unplug the machine and turn off the water valves. Use a bucket to catch the remaining water in the hoses.
There are many things that can go wrong with your washer hoses both inside and outside the cabinet. And transferring a small wire clip from the old switch to the new switch can be a real challenge. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the hose from your machine and check if there’s a clog in the filter. Clean the hoses of any water mineral build-up to reduce clogs and improve washer performance.
You can also remove the back panel of your washer to access the additional water lines inside the washer that lead to and from the pump and the drain. Use vinegar and hot water for cleaning your washer and clear your clogged and dirty hoses. Any clogs you run into along the way, apply vinegar and hot water and watch the build-up melt away. Make sure you switch the water back on when you’re done with hoses.
Level the Washer to Prevent Noises
Terrible noises happen when you incorrectly load your washer or even your laundry has shifted during the cycle. For standard top load washers, never load clothing on one side of the central agitator; make sure you distribute it evenly around the washer’s tub.
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For high-efficiency top load washers without a central agitator, the problem could be overloading while in front load models, the noise can come if your machine is underloaded. If the thumping occurs during a cycle, stop the machine and redistribute the wet clothing.
For weird noises such as humming, clicking, and gurgling, the noise can be caught by objects caught in the washer’s drum and internal mechanism. Clicking and gurgling signals an object caught in the water pump and drain line. Make sure you check the pockets before loading clothes.
If your washer is making screeching and squealing noises, then it’s mechanically challenged and requires a service call. For uneven legs, use a bubble level and a wrench to twist the feet to retract and extend them until the washer is level on top.
Washer Leaks
If you are experiencing water leaks, the first step is to determine if it’s a supply hose leak or a water valve leak. Check your washer’s hose connections to the hot and cold water valves. You can use a dry hand and a paper towel to run down the length of each hose.
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If you find any dampness, tighten immediately and if the hose has small splits, replace it immediately. A burst water hose is a huge mess and damages the walls and floors. Make sure you check and replace your washers regularly to prevent this mess.
Pay close attention to where the puddle is located, whether in front of the washer or at the back of the washer. The location will tell you what to do next. If you have a front loading machine, make sure you’re using a high-efficiency detergent to remove soapy puddles on the floor.
High-efficiency detergent is formulated to be low-sudsing and to be used in the lower levels of water in a front-loading washer. Front-loading machines have a small overflow system on the back of the machine, and if you have too many suds, then they’re escaping from there.
Clothes are Too Wet After Final Cycle
If you perfectly know how to do laundry but your clothes still come out of the washing machine still wet, it might be because the washer is not draining correctly. To test this, pour a cup of water into the washer and start a cycle. If the water doesn’t drain out, then you’ll need to clear the drain.
Your water pump may be clogged with lint or a small object. If the pump isn’t allowed to work freely and properly, it drains out too slowly, leaving your clothes wet. You can remedy this by simple cleaning.
If that’s not the case, your drain hose could be clogged with lint and hair. You can easily clean this with a thin, long-handled brush. You’ll get the brushes at pet shops to clean the aquarium tubes if you can’t find one at a hardware store.
Go Through the Manual
If you have no clue what’s wrong with your washer, your first stop should be the washer’s manual. It will provide you with diagrams and troubleshooting tips. And if you don’t have the manual, visit the manufacturer’s website or download a manual from one of these sites. This will be time-consuming but much less expensive than a repair call.
FAQs about DIY Washer Repairs
Is it worth fixing an old washer?
Yes, especially if the repair cost doesn’t exceed 50% of the cost of a new washer.
Do washers have fuses?
Yes, they have fuses that protect them from power surges. Washing machines require a lot of power to run.
Final Thought about DIY Washer Repairs
lIf you love to fix things DIY, then appliance repair at home is a great option. Don’t be scared of appliance repair with the help of this article, and go ahead and fix your washing machine without any professional help. But if you think the problem may be beyond your knowledge, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
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