No home can survive without a dependable washer. Whether it’s brand new, three, five or even 10 years old, the washing machine is the workhorse of a household.
But every now and then, even the most dependable washers can have a bad day. Try these DIY washing machine repair tips to get your washer running again.
WASHER VIBRATION
There are a few reasons for washer vibration – an unbalanced load, un-level floor or a missing foot. If your washer is vibrating:
- First rearrange the load and try to balance your laundry equally in the bucket.
- Then check the washer feet. Are they all there? Do they all have firm contact with the floor? Level or balance the washer and tighten the jam nut so the legs and feet won’t shift.
- Finally, make sure that the floor is level. If not, add a piece of plywood or something similarly stable to level the washer.
WET CLOTHES
If your clothes are still wet after the spin cycle, the answer could be as simple as a kinked or clogged drain hose.
- Check to see if the drain hose is kinked or crushed. If your washer has been vibrating lately, the movement could have kinked the hose.
- Clean the drain hose with a thin, long-handed brush. It’s not uncommon to find clogs caused by obstructions like lint or hair.
WATER LEAKS OR PUDDLES
If there are puddles or leaking water, don’t worry quite yet. There could be a simple solution.
- Check the washer’s balance. Is it level? Is the laundry balanced in the basket? A leak can occur when the washer isn’t level or loaded properly.
- Check the hoses and make sure that they are attached tightly. Then make sure the hose washers are seated in the hose properly and in good shape without cracks.
- Verify that the water lines and aren’t leaking.
- Make sure that the washer drains properly. Also take another look at the drain hose, and double check that it’s not clogged.
- Use a high efficiency (HE) detergent if you have a front-loading machine. Soapy puddles could be the result of a high-sud detergent, not recommended for front-loading washer since they use less water.
Washer Odors
Front-load washers are most commonly associated with washer odors, but top-loaders can have just as many issues. Luckily, it’s not a difficult issue to fix.
- Use the recommended amount of detergent. Too much detergent can create excessive suds, leaving a dirty residue.
- Clean the washer monthly. Monthly cleanings, whether you think it’s needed or not, can prevent odor residue.
- Inspect the washer for mold or mildew growth. Excessive moisture can create mold, not only unpleasant, but potentially dangerous to your health.
If the problems still persist, even after trying these easy steps, it’s time to contact a trustworthy appliance service company like C&W Appliance Service, a factory certified Sub Zero Wolf brand service provider in Dallas/Fort Worth.
