There is no doubt that a washing machine is an essential appliance in most homes, and is very much one that we simply use without much thought! After all, you put the load in, add the detergent, select your washing programme and leave it to do its job. Although quite a simple appliance, a washing machine does have a number of moving parts, and also electronic and computerised systems that allow it to operate.

It also includes many perishable parts, such as seals, that will not last a lifetime. Therefore, it follows that problems and faults can occur, so we have taken a look at the most commonly reported washing machine faults, and whether you can fix them yourself or need the attention of a technician.

Washing Machine Will Not Start

You’ve put your load in the drum, pressed the buttons – and it does nothing! The first thing to do is check if there are any lights showing on the control panel. This will tell you if you have power to the machine or not. If not, check the mains connection – is it plugged in and switched on (you’d be surprised how often this is the problem)? If so, there’s clearly another fault, and the first one to check is the fuse in the plug. If you change this and it works, you still need to know why it blew, so it’s worth getting someone out to check the machine over.

If you have lights on and the machine won’t obey your command, there are a few potential causes, but the most common is that of a faulty door lock, or simply a door that is not correctly closed. The lock contains a switch that signals the ‘brain’ of the washer that the door is closed. If this does not engage – perhaps it is faulty or perhaps jammed – then the machine will not start, so this is your first check. If none of the above solve the problem, it could be that the motor is not working – or another area that really needs  technician to check it out, but it may still be repairable and a good engineer will advise you either way.

Washing Machine Starts but Won’t Fill with Water

This is one of the more common problems with washing machines, and it is also one that is usually simple to rectify. First, if you have a more modern machine, look for an error code on the display panel. This should tell you when you refer to the handbook what the problem is, and from there you will be able to deduce whether you need an technician or not.

Now, you need to check that taps at the back of the machine from where the water is taken in. Check they are turned on, and if so, disconnect the hoses and see if they are dispensing water. If they are not, you have a problem with your plumbing or your local water supply has been interrupted, so the problem is not your washing machine!

If they do flow, try cleaning the hoses and see if there is any debris in them, as this can block the flow. Have a good look at the hoses when they are in place and see if they have kinks in them – just as your garden hose will stop working if kinked, so will those on your washer. If none of these solves the problem, you may be looking at a more complex fault within the inner workings of the appliance, and you should call out an engineer from your local washing machine repair service provider.

Machine Fills, Runs, but Won’t Drain

You put a load in, leave it to run, the was cycle comes to an end and – the machine is still full of water! It should drain automatically at a number of points during the cycle, but this is also one of the more commonly reported problems. Once again, it could be down to various causes, some simple to repair and others not so.

The most common cause of machines not draining lies with a blocked filter. This is designed to catch any debris that would otherwise get into the system. You will find it behind a panel on the front of a modern washing machine, and your handbook should tell you how to clear a blockage. A word of warning – have bowls and towels ready, or quickly attach a supplementary hose, because when you clear the blockage the water is going to flow out!

On many machines you will find an emergency drain hose next to the filter which, when attached, allows for slow and mess-free drainage of the machine. if you don’t have such a machine, you may need to fix up a make-shift arrangement to drain the water, and be aware that moving a washer is a two-person job.

Should the blockage be cleared and the machine still won’t drain, you’ve done all you can as all other problems will be down to the internals of the machine, and will require an expert to repair, so get in touch with the professionals right away.

Washing Machine is Leaking

If you see a pool of water around your washing machine, you’re not the first person to do so! A leaking machine is perhaps the most common of all washing machine problems, and is usually one that can be easily fixed. However, some instances can be more technical, so it’s worth keeping  your technicians number close to hand.

The first thing to do is switch the machine off at the mains – water and electricity do not mix – after which you can start looking for the fault. The most likely culprits are the hoses, both those that bring the water in and the one that sends it out to the drain. They could have worked loose or become damaged or dislodged and, if you inspect them and this is the case, you can fix things in just a few minutes. You might need to buy and fit replacement hoses, and this is also a DIY job that won’t take long at all.

If the hoses are not the problem, then you need to check the drum; is it rusty? If so it could be time for a new machine, as a new drum is not a financially viable option. However, that’s an unlikely cause of leakage, and a more common one is damaged or cracked door seals – they will fail in time as they are rubber and therefore don’t have an infinite life. You’ll be able to see the damage, and you can either follow instructions and replace them yourself or call out the experts.

A blocked filter – as described above – may also be the cause of leakages, and if there is no obvious cause then it is always sensible to call out the experts, so you can stay on the safe side!

Washer Door Will Not Open

One of the more annoying problems encountered with washing machines is a door that will not open at the end of the cycle. Our first piece of advice is this – do not force the door, as you will end up with an expensive repair or a permanently ruined machines.

The first thing to do is check if there is still water in the machine. If there is, the door will most likely remain shut as the sensors have told the ‘brain’ not to open it – or there’ll be a massive mess! If you see water, switch the machine off at the mains and then follow the tips in the section on the machine that won’t drain, as written above. It is likely your filter is blocked, so the water remains in the machine. Clear the filter, and the water will drain away, leaving your door free to open!

If the machine is not still holding water, your door switch could be faulty. This switch tells the control panel when the door is shut, and may not be relaying the signal. Unfortunately, you will need a technician to get the door open without breaking it, so get on the phone right now and get them to visit.

Conclusion

The above are some of the more common faults, and the most easy to rectify, that you may experience with a washing machine. There are others such as a machine that will not spin – usually a major problem and one that requires an engineer – or a washer that starts making a lot of noise, which is also indicative of a more serious problem. The best course of action if you are not sure of the problem is to call out the experts, as they will be able to advise you as to whether the machine can be fixed or not, and also whether it is worth your while financially.

Finally, remember that safety comes first: in the event of any washing machine fault, ensure you switch off or unplug at the mains before you do anything else.

The above are some of the most commonly seen problems that can occur with washing machines, but it should be remembered they are not the only ones! These are machines with which, in time, there are plenty of parts to fail, and as we have already said no component will last a lifetime. If you are having problems with your washing machines it’s worth contacting an expert who will be able to advise you as to whether it is possible – or financially viable – to repair your washing machines.

With 2 hour and weekend slots available for your convenience, North London Appliance Repairs will notify you up to 30 minutes ahead of arrival to ensure that you don’t miss our visit, and our website even allows customers to track the status of their washing machines repairs online.

With a 1 year parts and labour guarantee on every job, you can be sure that you’re in good hands with North London Appliance Repairs. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today for more information or to request a quote.