If your washing machine has been giving you problems, you might want to do some troubleshooting before you call the repair technician. Knowing what the problem is in advance can save you time and money, especially if you can give the technician a clear idea of what the problem is. Here are four quick ways to find out what's wrong with your washer.
Washing Machine Won't Turn On
When your washing machine won't turn on, the first thing you want to do is make sure it's getting the power it needs. Check the plug to make sure it's properly secured into the outlet. Next, check the GFCI switch to make sure it didn't shut off due to a power surge. If those two issues are not the problem, you might have a problem with your lid activation probe, which is the device that activates your machine once the lid closes. You may also have a problem with the motor, especially if it overheated.
Washing Machine Won't Agitate
If you're washing machine has decided to stop agitating or spinning, you may be looking at damaged belts. The belts allow for the agitator to move freely. However, once they wear out, or break, the agitator will no longer be able to move. You can examine the belts by turning your washing machine around and looking at the motor housing. If the belts are in good condition, you'll need to have your machine looked at by a professional. There may be a problem with the drive pulley.
Washing Machine Won't Drain Properly
If your washing machine is working fine but the water won't drain from the basin, you might just have a clog in the drain line. Remove the drain pipe and flush it with water to remove the clog. If that doesn't resolve the problem, you may have a broken pump, which would prevent the water from draining properly. Notify your service technician as soon as possible. Don't use your washing machine until the drain problem is resolved. The water could back up and cause a flood.
Washing Machine Won't Switch Cycles
If your washing machine is getting stuck on one cycle, you might have a problem with the cycle timer. To work properly, each cycle on your washing machine is controlled by a timer. When the timer malfunctions, your washing machine is unable to continue through to the next cycle. Your repair technician will be able to replace the timer, so you can get back to your laundry.
You depend on your washing machine. When it breaks down, you want to get it working again as quickly as possible. The information provided above will help you identify the problem so you can notify your service technician (like those at Automatic Appliance).