What's Wrong With My Washer? - Kitchen Cabinets

A washer that is not working properly can be extremely frustrating. However, identifying the problem is the first step to getting your washer fixed and running smoothly again. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common washer problems, troubleshooting steps, and simple DIY repairs to get your washer back up and running.

Washing Machine Making Noise

One of the most common problems with washers is strange noises coming from the machine during the wash cycle. Here are some of the main causes of a noisy washer and how to diagnose the problem:

Washing Machine Drum Making Loud Thumping Sound

Issue: If your washer makes a loud thumping or pounding noise during the spin cycle, the main culprit is an unbalanced load. When the clothes inside the drum are unevenly distributed, it can create excessive vibrations that lead to loud thumps with each rotation.
Solutions:
Redistribute the clothes to better balance the load. Try adding more items to even it out.
Make sure you are loading the washer properly, not overloading it. Overstuffing can throw off the balance.
Check if all shipping bolts have been removed. Shipping bolts help secure the tub during transportation. If they have not been removed, it can cause loud thuds.
Inspect the drum for signs of damage or dents. If the drum is dented, replace it.

Washer Making Loud Grinding Noise

Issue: A grinding noise coming from the washer is usually due to faulty drive pulley bearings. The drive pulley connects the motor to the drive transmission. Bad bearings on the pulley can make a grinding noise as the drum spins.
Solutions:
Inspect the drive pulley to see if the bearings are worn out. Replace if needed.
Check if there is any debris stuck in the drive pulley that is causing the grinding. Remove any debris.
Ensure the drive belt is not loose and slipping. Tighten or replace belt if needed.

Knocking or Rattling Noise in Washer

Issue: If your washer is making loud knocking or rattling sounds, there could be something loose inside the machine hitting the sides of the drum.
Solutions:
Stop the washer immediately if the noise is repetitive and loud. Loose items can damage the washer drum if left unchecked.
Check inside the drum for any loose foreign objects like coins, buttons etc. and remove them.
Ensure all internal components are securely fastened in place and not loose.
Replace any faulty internal part like shock absorbers that may be causing the rattling.

High-Pitched Squeaking Noise

Issue: A loud high-pitched squeaky sound that happens when the drum is spinning could be due to worn out bearing seals. The bearing seals help hold lubrication inside the bearings. If they wear out, lubricant leaks out causing squeaking.
Solutions:
Locate the source of the squeaking and inspect the drum bearings.
Replace any worn out bearing seals to stop the squeaking.
Lubricate the bearing seals if needed to provide temporary relief before replacing seals.

Loud Humming Noise from Washer

Issue: A constant humming noise that gets louder during the spin cycle is usually caused by a bad motor bearing. This can happen when the motor bearing starts wearing out.
Solutions:
Unplug the washer and manually spin the motor pulley to check for odd noises from the bearing.
If the bearing is making noise, replace the motor. Bearings are not replaceable separately.
Check if the belt is too tight. Loosening the belt can help reduce the humming noise in some cases.

Washer Leaking Water

Water leaks are another prevalent problem with washing machines. Here are some of the most common places where your washer might leak and how to fix them.

Water Leaking from Door Seal

Issue: If water is leaking from the front door during the fill or wash cycle, the door seal (gasket) has likely come loose or become warped. This allows water to leak through the opening.
Solutions:
Inspect the gray-colored door seal for any gaps, cracks or damage.
Press the seal in place to eliminate any gaps between the seal and the metal wash tub.
If the seal is damaged, replace the door seal with a new one. Make sure the new gasket is securely inserted.

Finding Water Underneath Washer

Issue: If you find pools of water on the floor around the washer after the cycle, there could be a small undetected leak somewhere.
Solutions:
Check around the washer to find the source of the leak. Look for wet spots or drips underneath or around the back.
Make sure fill hoses are tightly secured with no leaks at the faucet or inlet valve.
Check if any small cracks have developed in the plastic wash tub allowing water to drip out underneath.
Look at the drain hose and make sure there are no cracks causing drips. Also ensure the drain hose is properly secured.
Level out the washer if uneven installation is causing water to spill out.

Washer Leaking from Bottom Front Panel

Issue: If you notice water dripping down from the bottom edge of the front panel, it could be due to a faulty door gasket or clogged drain pump filter.
Solutions:
Clear out the drain pump filter of any debris that could be preventing proper draining.
Remove the front panel to inspect the door gasket for any visible damage. Replace door gasket if damaged.
Check the drain hose to ensure there are no kinks or blockages causing water to back up.

Water Leaking from Back of Washer

Issue: Leaks coming down the back of the washer point to problems with the inlet fill hoses or possibly a leak from the water inlet valve.
Solutions:
Visually inspect inlet hoses for cracks/burst and tighten hose connections if needed.
Check for cracks in the plastic water inlet valve housing that could cause leaks. If cracked, replace valve.
Make sure rubber seal washers on the inlet valve connections are properly seated with no gaps to prevent leaks.

Finding Puddles of Water Inside Washer Drum

Issue: If you find pools of water leftover in the washer drum after a cycle, the issue could be with the drain pump not draining properly.
Solutions:
Check if the drain hose is kinked, clogged or improperly installed, causing drainage issues.
Remove the drain pump to inspect for blockages if filter is clear.
Ensure the drain pump impeller spins freely and is not jammed. Replace pump if faulty.
Check drain pump wiring harness for loose connections.

Washer Not Filling With Water

If your washing machine won’t fill with water, don’t worry. In most cases, this issue can be fixed with simple troubleshooting:

Washer Does Not Fill or Stops Mid-Cycle

Issue: If your washer is not filling at all or stops taking in water mid cycle, the water inlet valves may be faulty. These electric valve components control the hot and cold water supply into the washer.
Solutions:
Check inlet hoses for kinks that could block water flow.
Make sure water supply taps are fully turned on.
Test inlet valves separately by disconnecting hoses. Use a multimeter to check for power when activate.
If power present but valves do not open, replace faulty inlet valves.
Replace valve mesh filter screens if clogged.

Washer Water Inlet Screen Clogged

Issue: Debris getting trapped in the inlet screens on your washing machine can restrict water flow. This mesh screen is attached to the inlet valve.
Solutions:
Turn off water supply and disconnect fill hoses.
Locate and remove the inlet screen from the washing machine inlet valves.
Remove any debris trapped in screen mesh and rinse under water.
Securely reinsert inlet screens back in inlet valves.

Water Fill Pressure Too Low

Issue: If your washer is slowly filling or not filling at all, low water pressure from the house supply lines could be the issue. Most washers need at least 20-120 PSI of water pressure.
Solutions:
Check water pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to a faucet close to the washer.
If low, increase house water pressure by adjusting the main supply valve.
Make sure the supply lines are not frozen in winter. Allow to thaw.
Flush out kinks in hoses and ensure faucet supply valves are fully open.

Water Inlet Valve Solenoid Faulty

Issue: The solenoid (electromagnet) inside the inlet valve may become jammed or worn out over time. This prevents the valve from opening to allow water flow.
Solutions:
Use a multimeter to test the solenoids in the inlet valves.
If not activating, tap the valve to free a stuck solenoid. Or replace valve.
Ensure wiring harness to valves are securely plugged in.

Washer Water Level Pressure Switch Defective

Issue: The water level pressure switch senses the water level and controls the inlet valve operation. If defective, it can prevent proper water filling.
Solutions:
During a fill cycle, check the ohm reading on the pressure switch using a multimeter. You should get a different reading when pressed vs not pressed.
If readings are off, replace the faulty water level pressure switch.

Washer Not Spinning or Agitating

Problems with the spinning or agitation functions in a washer are usually motor related. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix:

Washer Drum Not Spinning

Issue: If your washing machine is not spinning or turns slowly, the main drive motor may be malfunctioning. This motor drives both the drum rotation and agitation.
Solutions:
Try manually turning the drum while powered off – it should spin freely. Stuck drums point to seized bearings that prevent spinning.
Test the motor windings for continuity using a multimeter. If broken windings found, replace motor.
Inspect motor run capacitor. Replace if bulging or damaged.
Check belt tension and adjust if loose. Worn out belts can prevent proper drum spin.

Washer Agitator Not Working

Issue: If the agitator is not moving side to side at all during the wash cycle, there could be an issue with the agitator components, including the agitator cam kit.
Solutions:
Ensure the agitator is not stripped at the splines. Replace stripped agitators.
Inspect the agitator cam and ensure it is seated properly around the transmission shaft.
Replace the agitator dogs or cam kit if worn out. Test by lifting the agitator off and engaging the dogs.
Check the agitator shaft coupling to ensure it is not broken or slipping.

Washer Making Humming Noise But Not Spinning

Issue: If you hear a constant humming sound but the drum is not spinning, this indicates an issue with the drive motor bearings. The motor may be running but the bearing damage prevents proper functioning.
Solutions:
Test the motor windings for continuity. Replace motor if windings damaged.
Try manually turning inner motor rotor. If very stiff or grinding noise heard, the bearing need replacement.
Replace the entire drive motor assembly since the bearings are not replaceable separately.

Washer Drum Spins But No Agitation

Issue: If the washer drum spins but the agitator does not move, likely broken splines are preventing the agitator from engaging the transmission shaft.
Solutions:
Pull off the agitator and inspect the splines for signs of damage or wear.
Use emery cloth to remove burrs on splines if only lightly worn. Replace if heavily damaged.
Make sure the agitator is fully seated on the splined transmission shaft.

Washer Not Draining Water

If your washing machine won’t drain and has standing water left inside after the cycle, try these troubleshooting tips:

Clogged or Kinked Drain Hose

Issue: If the drain hose is obstructed, water will not be able to exit the washer during the pump out portion of the cycle.
Solutions:
Check for kinks or crushed areas in the drain hose that limit water flow.
Disconnect drain hose from pump and inspect inside for debris clogs. Clear out any built-up lint or blockages.
Remove the drain hose from the drain point and test water flow. If water drains freely, the issue is with the drain point connection.

Faulty Drain Pump

Issue: If the drain pump is not functioning properly, the washer cannot pump out water from the internal tub. You may hear the pump running but no water draining.
Solutions:
Check the drain pump for obstructions. Remove any debris blocking the pump impeller or outlet.
Test voltage at the pump motor when activated. If no power, trace wiring back to control board.
Listen for hum or buzz from the pump motor. Replace pump assembly if motor defective.

Blocked Drain Pump Filter

Issue: The drain pump filter traps lint and debris during the wash cycle. If the filter becomes clogged, it will prevent proper water drainage.
Solutions:
Remove the drain pump filter cover and clean out any lint buildup clogging the filter mesh.
Check filter housing for cracks and replace cover if needed.
Clear any lint or obstruction from drain hose outlet and port.

Defective Water Level Pressure Switch

Issue: If the water level switch malfunctions, it may fail to deactivate the wash motor when water is drained. This can lead to continued rotation with water still present.
Solutions:
Test the pressure switch for continuity and function. Replace if defective.
Check pressure switch hose connections for blockages preventing air/water from interacting with switch diaphragm.

Drain Hose Installed Too Low

Issue: If the drain hose is positioned lower than the washer tub, gravity will have difficulty draining out the water properly.
Solutions:
Ensure drain hose is above the level of the washer tub so water flows down.
Use a stiff wire to clear any blockages in the convoluted drain hose limiting drainage.
Secure drain hose according to installation instructions to prevent it from moving to a lower position.

Washer Not Starting at All

If your washer won’t start, here are some quick troubleshooting tips:

Power Supply Check

Issue: If none of the washer components and lights are activating, there may be a problem with the power supply.
Solutions:
Confirm the washer is plugged in securely and outlet is functioning properly. Test with a multimeter or lamp.
Check the 3 or 4 prong power cord for damage. Replace cord if corroded or wires are exposed.
Inspect the terminal block on the back and ensure wire connections are secure.

Defective Start/Pause Button

Issue: If the washer won’t start after you press Start/Pause, the button itself may be faulty.
Solutions:
Press button multiple times to release stuck contacts.
Check button for cracks or damage. Replace if defective.
Disconnect power, wait 5 minutes and try again. Fault can sometimes clear on power reset.

Door Switch Not Activating

Issue: The washer door must be completely closed to engage the door switch and allow operation. If switch is faulty, it prevents the washer from starting wash cycle.
Solutions:
Listen for a click when closing the door. If no click, door switch is likely defective and not activating.
Check door alignment. The latch may not be engaging switch correctly if door installed incorrectly.
Replace faulty door switch if all connections check out okay. Match part number exactly.

Washer in Pause Mode

Issue: If your washer is not starting and the control lights are flashing, it may be stuck in pause mode from a previous wash cycle.
Solutions:
Press and hold the Start/Pause button for 2-5 seconds to clear pause mode.
Unplug washer power cord for 1 minute to clear control fault.
Allow any remaining water to drain out from a previous incomplete cycle.

Bad Control Board

Issue: If there are no lights, sounds or response from the washer control when activated, the problem may be a defective control board.
Solutions:
Check all wire harness connections to control board for moisture or loose contacts.
Unplug washer and inspect control board for burnt spots indicating short circuit.
Replace faulty control board if necessary. Transfer control panel if needed.

Washer Not Completing Cycles

Here are some quick troubleshooting tips if your washing machine is not finishing cycles:

Washer Stops Mid-Cycle

Issue: If a washer stops partway through washing, it could be related to power supply, faulty components, or incorrect installation.
Solutions:
Check power connections to ensure cord is plugged in securely.
Inspect all components like motors, timers and switches for loose connections.
Make sure washer is installed on solid level flooring and not shifting out of position.
Test individual parts like lid switch, water valves etc. to isolate the defective component.

Washer Door Opens Mid-Cycle

Issue: If the washer door

What’s Wrong With My Washer?