Many of us sometimes wonder why our washer is not draining or spinning. There are a few common causes that can explain why our washer may not be functioning correctly.
It can be because of the front panel, hose issues, clogged drains and pipes or motor problems. Whichever the case may be, it is essential to understand the cause of the problem to take action and have our washer back up and running again.
Besides checking the owner’s manual, the model number or determining whether we have a top loader or a front-load type, this guide will comprehensively help us go through the troubleshooting process step-by-step.
Keep reading to discover more helpful advice and how to examine each washing machine type.
7 Reasons Why Washer Does Not Spin or Drain Properly
If your washing machine is not draining or spinning correctly, there could be a few factors causing this problem. Here are the most common root causes:
Reason #1. Unbalanced Laundry Load
Unbalanced loads are often one of the many possible reasons our washer won’t drain or have trouble with its spin cycle. Sometimes, the machine will stop spinning, and we can hear an alarm.
We can fix this issue by simply redistributing the washing load so that it is balanced in both the tub and drum of your washer.
Reason #2. The Front Panel Is Not Closed
If your front panel is not completely closed, it won’t allow the washer to spin or drain properly. Ensure that all clips are fastened to ensure a tight and secure fit.
Reason #3. Washer Drain Hose Issues
If the hose connection to your washer is damaged, it won’t be able to spin or drain. Make sure all hoses are securely connected and tightly fastened clamps.
Reason #4. Clogged Drain and Drain Pipe
Sometimes, lint, dirt and other debris can get trapped in the pipes leading from the washer and clog up the drain system. This disrupts the drain cycle and is one of the primary reasons why our washing machine won’t drain or spin.
Reason #5. Faulty Drive Motor
If your motor is not performing as it should, then more than likely, the culprit lies in a defective motor control board. As a result, it won’t be able to spin or drain correctly.
It could be because of a broken drive belt, a problem with the extension cord, or other components in the motor that need to be repaired or replaced.
Reason #6. Damaged Pump
Another problem has plagued pumps, causing them to malfunction. Check the impeller and other parts for any damage that may prevent it from working correctly.
When we finally identify the cause of the problem, we can immediately take action to bring back our washing machine to its full working condition.
Reason #7. Defective Lid Switch or Door Lock
Lid switches and door locks are also common culprits of why our washer won’t drain or spin properly. Either the lid switch has an issue, or the door lock is broken, causing it not to detect that the lid or door is closed.
In this case, we will need to replace or repair the lid switch and door lock before we can continue using our washing machine.
Troubleshooting Tips for Top Load Washers
To troubleshoot a top-load washer, the following steps should be taken:
- Check if the lid switch is appropriately closed.
- Ensure that the drain hose is connected securely and that there are no kinks or clogs in the hose.
- Ensure the drain pump filter is not clogged and inspect for foreign objects blocking the spinning mechanism.
- Remove the pulley belt to ensure it is free of any damage or debris.
- Check if there is enough water in the washer drum before starting a cycle.
Troubleshooting Tips for Front Load Washers
To troubleshoot a front-load washer, the following steps should be taken:
- Check if the door is securely closed.
- Inspect the drain hose to ensure no kinks or clogs could prevent water from draining correctly.
- Make sure the drain pump filter is not clogged.
- Remove the belt to inspect for any damage or debris blocking the spinning mechanism.
- Check if there is enough water in the washer drum before starting a cycle, and ensure that all hoses are securely connected.
- Ensure that the drain pump is functioning correctly by testing it with a multimeter.
Why Should We Not Delay Our Appliance Repair?
Dealing with a malfunctioning washing machine is never fun. Timely action will ensure the problem doesn’t worsen and set us up for a more straightforward washer repair process.
If we don’t attend to the washing machine damage promptly, the following issues will likely arise:
Uncontainable Menace: The Dangers of Fire
A simple mechanical issue may lead to a much more serious fire if left unattended. The wiring may get damaged, and a short circuit could occur.
Water Damage
Not attending to the problem quickly can result in significant water damage to our home, as the washer leaks due to blocked hoses or faulty pumps.
Unnecessary Costs
If we don’t repair the washing machine as soon as possible, any further damage caused could add to the total repair cost. It is best to try and fix the problem while it is still manageable.
Reach out to an Expert for Assistance
If your washer needs a major repair, it is wise to involve an expert. A technician can accurately assess the issue and provide efficient solutions that will keep our washing machine back up and running again in no time.
Another way is to visit websites specialising in washing machine repair with no commitment estimates, making it easy for you to get back into action immediately.
