It can be very frustrating when your washing machine starts to have problems or completely quits altogether.  While there are many different styles of washing machines, there are some simple washing machine repair troubleshooting steps you can try. See also dryer repair troubleshooting.

WARNING!  Remember you are working with an appliance that runs on electricity.  Take extra precaution when working around electricity.

Washing Machine Repair Tip #1 – Washing Machine does not Work at all

Check to see if the outlet works.  Do this by plugging in something else to see if it works.  If not, check your circuit or fuse box.  If you have blown a fuse, then replace it.  If the next one blows, then contact a professional.

If power is definitely getting to the machine, you will need to take off the lid and look for wires that are off.  It could be the on/off switch or the door timer.  

Washing Machine Repair Tip #2 – Washing Machine fills and Drains, but the Drum is not Turning

Make sure the machine is disconnected.  Determine if the motor is turning or not.  If you hear the motor is turning, the belt could be the culprit.   The belt could have snapped.  Check to see if the drum is free to turn by hand.  If the belt is not snapped, but has just fallen off, check to see that the large drum pulley has not become loose and that there is tension.  

The drum could be stuck due to a bearing failure or something has made its way between the inner and outer drums.  Drum bearings could have worn, which can cause the pulley to spin out of line.

If the motor is not running, the problem could be electrical.  First check the plug to the motor.  Are there any loose or broken wires?  Determine if you have a carbon brush type motor.  Most modern machines will have a carbon brush.  These carbon brushes can wear out and cause problems.

The carbon brush will generally be near the rear frame.  Depending on your washing machine, they can be secured in different ways.  Some are simply a slot in and out motion after releasing a locking bar.  Others can be secured by screws.  There will be a connecting wire that will need to be detached and fitted to the new set.  Clean out the old carbon dust with dry paint brush before installing new ones.  Also, check the condition of the commutator, which is the revolving part of the motor that the brushes rest against.  This point provides and electrical connection.  If there are any burnt spots or one of the segments is missing, the motor itself will need to be replaced.  

Your motor should be checked for poor insulation by an electrician.  Do not attempt to do this alone.  Induction type motors will have a capacitor that can store up electricity and shock you.  

Washing Machine Repair Tip #3 – Washer Starts, but will not Advance

Make sure machine is disconnected.  This is where people will blame the timer.  It stops at a given point and then it is assumed there is something wrong with the timer.  This is generally not the case.  You need to determine at what point it stops and check the components associated with that function.  For example, a washing machine could fill up and then stop before it begins to spin.  It would appear this is the malfunction of the timer, but in reality, the lid only needed tightened.  The connection wasn’t there because the lid was too loose.

Washing Machine Repair Tip #4 – Washing Machine Leaks and Floods

Be sure machine is disconnected. Leaks can cause all sorts of problems in the electrical components and are a serious safety hazard.  If there are holes in the door seals and hoses, they can be easily spotted and replaced.  Other areas to look for a leak:

• Pump seals – look in and under the pumps for holes
• Dispenser jets – likely just need cleaning
• Cracked or rusted outer tubs  
• Bearing faults

Floods can be caused by the machine overfilling.  The pressure switch is a round device with several wires and a thin tube that joins the tub.  It can go straight into the tub or join onto another hose under the tub.  Check to be sure the connection is not blocked because this will interfere with water level detection.

If the washing machine floods when it is not being used, a water valve could be malfunctioned.  Water valves let water into the machine.  These can be found where the hoses screw on.  Replace the water valves.

Washing Machine Repair Tip #5 – Washing Machine is not Spinning or Draining

Be sure machine is disconnected.  Make sure the water is actually being pumped out efficiently.  Most machines will have a user cleanable filter and will be behind a flap or removable kick plate at the bottom front panel.  Do not remove if the water is still in the machine.  It can cause a huge mess.  Manually empty the machine by placing the free end of the drain hose in a low bowl on the floor.  the hose end needs to be lower than the water in the drum.  When your bowl gets full, just lift up the hose to a higher level to stop the flow.  If the drain how is located on the top, this method will not work.  

If the machine is draining but not spinning, make sure the motor is running.  If the drum is not turning, see Washing Machine Repair Tip #2.  If the pressure switch hose is not blocked, go to Washing Machine Repair Tip #4.  

If you are ever unsure about the safety of what you are doing, call a professional.

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