From clothes and undergarments to bed linens and towels, your washer and dryer are an important part of your home and family's needs. Unfortunately, most people do not place much time or energy into maintaining these appliances. Considering that replacing a washing machine can cost between $250 and $2050, learning how to maintain and troubleshoot issues that may affect this appliance is essential. With this guide, you will have a better idea of how to correct a few common problems that can affect your top-load washing machine.
Leaking Water
Your washing machine handles a large amount of water to clean your clothes and linens properly, but this water should never affect your floors or wall. If you notice that the appliance is leaking water or that the floors and wall near the washer are wet, you have a serious leak that needs to be addressed.
If the water appears sudsy, you may have just added an excessive amount of laundry detergent. Read the owner's manual of your washing machine to learn the recommended type and amount of detergent.
If the water is clear, it is most likely a leak. Check the hoses connected to your machine. If the hose connections are loose, connect them securely. If the leak is stemming from an unknown source, consult an appliance technician.
Not Filling
Before your washer can clean your clothes, it has to fill with water. If the washer is not filling the tub with water, there may be an underlying issue.
To determine what is preventing the washer from filling with water, make sure the lid is closed first. Many top-loading washing machines will not begin a cycle if the lid is not closed properly.
If the lid is closed securely, check the water faucets. The hot and cold water faucets should both be turned on for your washing machine to fill properly.
Lastly, check the screens in the back of your appliance. Clogged screens will prevent your washer from filling with water. Shut off the water and disconnect the hoses going in to the back of your washing machine. The screens will be located where these hoses connect. Clean out any residue that has built up inside the hoses and on the screens. Then, reconnect the hoses and turn your water back on to start your cycle.
Thumping and Grinding
A loud thumping, vibrating, or grinding sound coming from your washing machine during a cycle is most always due to overloading. You may think stuffing the tub full of clothes and towels is a great way to save time, but it will actually end up costing you time and money.
Overloading your washing machine causes your appliance to work harder, placing unnecessary pressure and stress on its motor. In addition, stuffing the drum full of clothing or linens will decrease the machine's ability to clean properly, since it unbalances the garments. Clothes and linens will not be properly washed and rinsed, leading to patches of dirt and debris or spots of leftover detergent on the fabrics.
Read your washer's owner's manual for recommendations on load size. The average washer can hold between 12 and 16 pounds of laundry. If you are unsure of your load's weight, place your laundry in a mesh garment bag and weigh it on the bathroom scale. Weighing out an average load once will give you a better look at whether you are overloading your washing machine.
Ensuring your washer is in proper working condition at all times should be a priority for your home and family's needs. These troubleshooting tips and your technician's help will keep your washer working in an effective and efficient manner. Contact a company like Affordable Appliance Repair for additional information.
Share1 February 2017
After I purchased my first home, I realized that there were a few issues with my kitchen appliances. It just seemed like nothing worked like it should, and it was really frustrating. To ward off problems in the future, I started looking around for an appliances repair services business that could help. I was able to find a great company that came out, evaluated our equipment, and made the necessary changes. This blog is all about the different things to look for if your appliances start to fail. You never know, you might be able to ward off some serious expenses in the future.