How to Identify Common Problems in Washing Machines
Your first instinct when your washing machine is playing up is to start worrying about the cost of replacing it. Before you worry too much, have a look at it yourself, as there are a few common problems in washing machines that you or a local technician might be able to fix.
In this article, we’ll guide you through 4 common problems and troubleshooting tips you can do at home. DIYs can save you the cost of a replacement appliance.
1. Check your tub seal
The tub seal on your washing machine is between the transmission and the outer tub. The purpose of the tub seal is to create a watertight seal between the outer tub and the transmission shaft.
When should I replace it?
A clear indicator that it may need replacing is if you notice water leaking from your washing machine. Leaking is more likely to occur during the rinse cycle, and the leak will come from underneath the washer.
2. Check the hose clamp
The hose clamp connects the washing machine’s drain hose and the drain pipe on your washer. You should be able to see the clamp easily; however, on some models, it may be located on the inside of the hose connection.
When should I replace it?
A loose or missing hose clamp will cause water to leak from the bottom of the washer. You may also notice that the connection feels loose. Before replacing it, see if you can tighten the water hose by hand. If not, or if you find yourself tightening it often, we recommend replacing it.
3. Check for a clogged filter
The filter for your washing machine is like the lint trap in a clothes dryer. It catches loose fibres during the wash cycle, so they don’t remain on your clean clothes during the wash.
When should I replace it?
If you don’t maintain the filter by cleaning it regularly, you will notice fibres appearing on your clean clothes. Before ordering a replacement part, you may be able to give the filter a good clean, and it will begin working more efficiently again.
However, if you have neglected to clean it for a long time or the plastic has cracked, then it’s time to order a replacement part.
4. Check the water pump
The purpose of the water pump is to force water from the bottom of the appliance through the drain hose. The water pump will have two large hoses connected to it and is generally located at the bottom of your washing machine.
When should I replace it?
If you look at the water pump and it appears wobbly or clogged, it might be time to replace it. You may also hear a loud rumbling noise and see the machine shaking during the wash cycle.
What else can I try?
If you have checked over all these items and still haven’t identified the cause of your problem, you can do a couple more things to troubleshoot before calling a technician.
Sometimes you may encounter an error code on the screen of your washing machine; in this case, we recommend you try a general reset. To do this, you will need to turn the appliance off at the power point, wait a few minutes and then turn it back on.
If there is still no improvement, we suggest calling an experienced appliance repair person to come out and check over your machine. They are very familiar with the common problems that washing machines experience after a while and should be able to fix them for you. They may also undertake a master reset.
Need advice on the best replacement parts for your appliance?
At Wayne’s Wholesale Spares, we stock a massive range of branded and generic replacement washing machine parts to help you repair common washing machine problems. We also offer friendly, expert advice on all your washing machine replacement parts and maintenance needs. So, get in contact now and let us help you troubleshoot the issue, find the right part or recommend a local technician to help you.
