A
washing machine is basically a big tub that repeatedly fills with water
and then drains, spins to wring clothes dry, and has a device for
stirring things up-- either an agitator in the middle of a top-load machine or a rolling drum in the case of a front-loader.
The
four cycles that every washer performs are fill, wash, drain, and spin.
Though these functions are pretty basic, a number of things can go
wrong with them.
There are a number of problems that you can fix quite simply; some issues, however, are better left in the hands of an
appliance repairperson.Problems that commonly occur with a clothes washer are discussed in depth below.If
your washer doesn't run, be sure it's plugged in and that the
receptacle works (the circuit hasn't overloaded). Before working on the
washing machine, be sure to unplug it.
To prevent
problems, follow good maintenance procedures. Use the right amount of
detergent for your washer and your water hardness, make sure the machine
is level, and don't overload it for the cycle chosen. Washing Machine Does Not FillIf
the washer doesn't fill, the water inlet screens may be blocked. Clean
or replace them. (Check your owner's manual for the location of the
screens; they're often located at one end of the supply hoses, or you
may have to remove a panel to access them.) Other reasons for not
filling may be that either the timer or temperature selector is
broken--both of these are repairs for an
appliance repairperson.
Washer Does Not SpinIf
your washer doesn't spin, check to see if the clothes have jammed or
are unbalanced in the drum before calling a repairperson. Unbalanced
clothes will also cause a w
asher
to shudder or "walk." If straightening out the load doesn't stop the
washer from shaking, look at the feet underneath and be sure they are
properly adjusted to keep the washer sitting level on the floor (you
just turn them to move them up or down).
Clothes Are Wet After Spin CycleIf your clothes remain wet after your washer's spin cycle, perform the following diagnostics:
1)
Lift the lid during the spin cycle. If the tub is not spinning, you
may have a damaged motor coupler. Call a repairperson to replace this
part.
2) If the tub is
spinning, recheck the load to make sure it is balanced. If you are
certain the load is balanced but your clothes are still wet, you may
need to call a repairperson to replace a damaged motor pulley, tub
bearing, belt, or clutch.
3)
You can also follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in "Washing
Machine Doesn't Drain." You may have a problem with your
drain hose or pump.
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