What Causes a Washing Machine to Stop Working?

There are many reasons why your washing machine may stop working properly. Broken down washing machines are a huge source of waste in landfills and can be costly to replace, so consider taking good care of it and hiring a specialist like Electrical Appliance Repair if you’d like us to come and take a look at it and get it back into good working order.

Here are a few tips to determine why your washing machine may not be working as intended and how to know whether it’s something you can fix yourself or if you need to contact a specialist to come and repair it.

Not Turning On

If the washing machine simply won’t turn on, there are a number of things that could be wrong. Unfortunately, although some of these fixes are relatively simple, many will require a specialised repair service in order to work again.

Before attempting any repairs yourself, always ensure that the unit is unplugged and prioritise your safety first. Proceed to check if the source of the problem is the power supply itself; circuit breakers may need to be switched off and on again. If it still isn’t working, contact a reliable repair service immediately.

Simpler fixes can include an overheated motor, unaligned lid switch, or an overly sensitive timer knob. On occasion, the washing machine’s motor will need a little more time to cool down before being operable. If this happens frequently, it may be a sign of a more serious malfunction.

Timer knobs typically need to be aligned in order for the machine to work. A quick fix could be to advance the knob timer ever so slightly and allow it to elapse. If the knob is too sensitive and won’t align properly, consider calling a repairs team to have a look at it.

Water Drainage

One of the more obvious problems of a malfunctioning washing machine is water leaking out all over the floor. This is a problem that can be fixed yourself, although the work involved may be messy and you’ll need to ensure that you’ve addressed any leakage or blockage adequately to prevent water damage to your floors, which can be a very costly repair.

Quite often, water drainage problems come from too much detergent being used. Excessive suds can create drainage difficulties and spillage onto the floor. Use the recommended amount of laundry detergent to avoid excessive suds.

Small objects left behind in pockets, such as coins, buttons, or pens can create a blockage and should be removed if found after a wash. Don’t just check the basket, however. Be sure to have a thorough look at the pump as well to see if any foreign objects are creating a blockage.

Drain hose and drain pump problems can range from relatively easy fixes to more serious problems requiring a specialist. Remove the hose and inspect it carefully for any foreign objects or accumulated debris that could be creating drainage problems. Leaks in the drain hose are a sign that the hose should be replaced.

Not Spinning or Spinning Too Loudly

If your washing machine isn’t spinning at all or is spinning too loudly, there are many possible causes for the malfunction. Some can be quickly solved yourself whilst others will require more extensive repairs, so be sure to carefully evaluate the source of the problem before calling a specialist.

Many washing machines use belts in order to generate rotation. These belts wear out over time and may need to be replaced. Damaged or worn out belts can result in shaky and noisy machines, and at worst, will prevent the machine from spinning at all. Try to move the washing machine onto a level surface and see if the shaking is significantly lower than before. If that doesn’t work, it may be a sign that your belts need replacement.

When All Else Fails

Washing machines depreciate over time and there’s no avoiding it. Proper maintenance and simple do-it-yourself fixes are great ways to extend the life of your washing machine, but there will be times when more serious repairs are required. That’s when you’ll want to have a reliable and experienced service come and investigate and get your washing machine back in working order. Contact Domestic Appliance Repair; we’d love to hear from you!

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