Common Problems That May Cause Your Washing Machine To Malfunction

Over time, the inner workings of a washing machine can break or malfunction and will need to be replaced. Here are some common issues we have seen with washing machines and a few suggestions. We want to help save you some money and get you back in those fresh jeans. 

Washing machine overflows

If your washing machine has started to overflow, there are many things that could be wrong with it. Most of the repairs can be done within the course of just a few hours if you are handy or faster if you can wait and hire a professional to do the job for you. Here are a few reasons why your washing machine may overflow.

• Low Water Pressure

There is a water pressure valve inside of the washing machine that allows water to come into the machine. When the water pressure coming from your home into the machine is too low, the valve does not register that water is coming through it and the water may keep coming into your machine, even after the machine has turned off because the door to the valve has not closed all the way. The water pressure coming into the washing machine can be increased manually by changing the pressure on the pressure regulator to the home. If you have never done this before, allow a repair person to do it to ensure that the pressure is set at the proper level for your needs.

• Clog in the air tube

There is a small tube built into the bottom of the washer where the water flows out of the washer when you are done with a rinse cycle. From time to time, this tube can become clogged and doesn’t allow water to exit the washer. When this happens, a repair person will have to remove the inner tub of the washing machine to reach the tube and then clean it out to remove any clogs. Once the blockage is removed, the washer should drain properly and stop overflowing.

• Malfunctioning pressure switch

Inside of the washing machine is a pressure switch that identifies when the water level is appropriate for the settings you chose for the wash. If the pressure switch is not working properly, the washer will continuously fill with water and eventually overflow.  A repair person can replace a pressure switch very easily if needed.

The best thing to do if your washer is overflowing is to cut off the water supply to the washing machine and search your model number and the actual issue. If you believe you can fix the issue yourself, All Appliance Parts of Sarasota and Brandeton can get you the right part to complete the job. You need to get the repair done as soon as possible so that the water will not overflow into your laundry room because it could be causing damage to the flooring of your home. As always if you have any questions, give us a call and we can point you in the right direction. 

My washer won’t drain! What do I do?

A washing machine not draining is one of the more common problems we hear about. It can be caused by the drain hose or pump getting clogged by a small item of clothing or residual debris. It can also occur when the washer malfunctions and is not engaging the drain/spin cycle properly. It may present with an error code – check with your product manual or give the manufacturer a call to clarify what this refers to. The drain pump can also fail and the washer might make an unpleasant sound and/or start leaking.

• Resetting your washing machine

First, you should perform a general reset of the machine. Turn the machine off at the powerpoint, wait for one minute, and then turn it back on. If you see no change, you can try a Master Reset. This will reset all of the onboard componentry and is often successfully used by appliance technicians. Open and close the door of the washing machine 6 times within 12 seconds. Then, run the rinse/spin cycle without clothing to see if your problems are resolved. If it drains, problem solved! If not, let’s move onto the unclogging!

• Unclogging the drain hose

Turn the machine off at the powerpoint. You should always do this before moving the machine or making any adjustments. Check that the drain hose is not kinked or bent. This can affect the washer’s draining and may be causing the error.

Now, remove the drain hose from the back of the machine. This is usually attached with a couple of simple screws. You may need a hand to pull the washer from its spot to access the hose entry point.Run some water through the hose to force the clog out. An outdoor hose connection works well. You can also use a plumbing snake, stick or long object to push the clog or item out.

If you aren’t able to easily remove the drain hose, run the hottest cycle on your machine without clothing, as this may loosen up the blockage and push it through. Once water is steadily running through the washer drain hose, re-attach it to your machine. To ensure your machine drains efficiently, make sure that the end of the hose is not more than 12cm into the drain hole, and that it’s not kinked or bent.

If none of the above fixes your washer, your best bet is to contact the manufacturer about a service call.

The washer door won’t unlock!

This is a problem most commonly found in front loaders, as top loaders don’t need to lock their doors to keep water inside.Front loaders need to stay tightly sealed during operation. It’s not until the end of the wash cycle that the machine will unlock automatically. However, sometimes a front loader will malfunction and remain locked, trapping clothes and water in the machine. Some reasons this might occur could include, the locking mechanism getting jammed (maybe some clothes have gotten in the way), there could be a glitch in the washer’s computer or the washing machine may not be draining properly, leaving the washer door locked and the drum filled with water.

• Restart it

Restart it If you think it might be a digital problem, try the old turn it off and turn it back on, even unplugging the machine and plugging it back in. Turn the washing machine off at the powerpoint for at least 60 seconds, and then turn it back on. With a little luck, the master reset should restart the wash programs.

• Check the drainage hose

• If the machine isn’t draining, it may be time to inspect the drainage hose for clogs. A kinked drain hose can also affect wash cycles.
• Run a short cycle

If you think the problem is your clothes physically jamming the lock, you can set the washer to run another short cycle. This should get the clothes moving and hopefully unjam the lock. Sure, your clothes will get washed twice, but it saves 

• Contact the manufacturer

If all else fails, contact the manufacturer – they can provide you with advice, and if your machine is under warranty, arrange for a professional repairer to drop by for a visit.

Note that while there are solutions that involve taking the machine apart, attempting this can void the warranty or limit your ability to have the machine repaired by a service technician in future. If you have a new machine it might be under warranty so contacting the manufacturer might be the best choice but often older machines that are out of warranty might call for a D.I.Y. As always All Appliance Parts can help you find the right part for the job. Give us a call and we would be happy to help you find the part you need.