Washer Problems You Can Fix

Washer problems you can correct before you call the repairman.
Washer won’t run
Is it plugged in? Countless repairman have found the washer was not plugged in and all it took was to re-seat the plug into the electrical socket.
Washer won’t run and it’s plugged in
Has a fuse or circuit breaker blown?  Check the electrical box. If needed, replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker.  If it continues to blow fuses or circuit breakers, call an electrician immediately. Be safe.
Washer will not fill with water
Check both the hot and cold water supply lines to ensure both are open.  Some washers will not run unless both are open, even if you only use cold water. If the machine fills with water very slowly, one or both values may be partially open, open them all the way.
Water valves are open and the washer will not fill
If the supply valves are open, and the washer will not fill, a water filter may be clogged.  (1) Unplug the machine. (2) Turn the water valves to the closed position. (3) Find a bucket to catch the water remaining in the hoses. (4) One at a time, unscrew the hoses from the machine, emptying the bucket after each one as needed. (5) Check the filter for clogs and remove the clogs as needed. If you can only partially clean the filter, plan to purchase and install a replacement. (6) Reconnect the hoses, slowly open the water supply valves, and check to make sure there are no leaks.
Washer is making a terrible thumping noise
This is often the result of the contents of the wash unevenly distributed around the agitator, creating an out of balance condition.  It could be from uneven loading or from the contents shifting during the wash.  Always attempt to load the washer evenly at the start of a load of laundry.  If thumping occurs during a washing cycle, just stop the machine, redistribute the clothing and restart the machine.
Water puddles on the floor
Check the connection of the water supply hoses to the values. Tighten the connections if you find any dampness. Look at the hoses, if you find small splits, replace immediately (probably both hot and cold at the same time for peace of mind). Take the hose in your hand and squeeze. If it feels soft or soft in some areas and not in others, replace immediately. Burst hoses can create expense clean-up depending on what is near your washer. Water supply hoses should be checked regularly and replaced as needed to prevent bursting.
Soapy puddles on the floor
Front loading machines are designed to use a low suds detergent, sometimes called a high efficiency (HE) detergent.  Check the detergent you are using and switch if needed.
Front loading machines also have an overflow system, typically on the back of the machine. Excess suds could be escaping thru the overflow system.
Clothes are still wet after spin cycle
If your clothing is sopping wet after the spin cycle, the water is not exiting the machine as intended.  First check the water exhaust hose for bends or kinks that could prevent the water from exiting.  If your machine moves around during the spin cycle, it could have kinked the hose.
Second, if the exhaust hose has a lint trap, check to see it is clogged.  If it is clogged, clean or replace the lint trap.
Third, the exhaust hose could be clogged with lint or hair. The hose can be cleaned with a long flexible brush. If you cannot find one at the hardware store, check the pet shop for one used to clean aquarium tubes.
No clue what’s wrong
When all else fails, read the instructions in the operating manual. Find it and read it. It could have something specific to your model of machine that is not covered in these guidelines. If you can’t find it, check the manufacturer’s website.
Still no clue
One last thing to do before calling a repairman is to visit on line appliance repair sites.