6 Common Washing Machine Problems & How to Troubleshoot Them

Which household appliance do you value the most in your home?

Most people would say the refrigerator, and some might say the stove, but the one we overlook is the washing machine.

We never think about the washer until something goes wrong.

When the washer breaks, you’re stuck. There’s no alternative other than the laundromat (who has the time?) or laborious handwashing. Your microwave or an air fryer can replace the oven, but there’s no replacement for the washer other than beating a metaphorical rock in the tub.

If you have a large family, and especially a baby, the washer can’t wait. You’ll need an immediate repair.

But before you call West Coast Chief, try these DIY diagnostics and fixes.

1. You press the button, but the washer doesn’t respond.

• Your washing machine is unplugged. Duh! This should always be the first thing you check. A washer won’t run unless you plug it into a power outlet.
• The outlet no longer receives power. If the outlet has two plugs, try the other one and see if the machine operates, or test the outlet with a small appliance like a hair dryer.
• The washer’s motor may have overheated. Many washers have a safety feature that shuts off the motor in case of overheating. Overloading the washer, using too much detergent, or running an extended cycle can stress the motor.
• The circuit breaker has tripped. Check your electrical panel for any tripped breakers and reset them if necessary.
• The door switch is malfunctioning. Most modern washers have a sensor that detects whether the door is closed. A defective sensor will prevent the washer from starting.
• The water level is too low. Some models won’t work until the water reaches a certain level. Ensure that the water level is high enough and adjust it if necessary.
• The washer is on pause. Most models have a pause feature that allows you to interrupt the cycle. Verify that the washer is on an active cycle and press the start button again.

2. Water doesn’t drain from the machine.

• The drain hose is kinked or clogged. Check the drain hose for any kinks or obstructions that may prevent water from flowing through it.
• The pump filter is blocked. Refer to your owner’s manual to locate and clean the pump filter, which can clog with debris.
• The drain pump is faulty. If you’ve ruled out other potential causes, you may need to replace the drain pump.

3: The washer leaks water.

• The door seal/gasket is damaged. Inspect the rubber seal around the door for any tears or cracks.
• The hoses are loose or worn. Tighten all connections between the washer and water supply. Fixtures and hoses should be damage-free; otherwise, replace them.
• The drain hose is improperly installed. Ensure that the drain hose is secure and correctly positioned.
• Internal hoses or connections are leaking. Within the machine, various hoses transport water to different components. These can wear out or loosen, leading to internal leaks.
• The tub or drum has a hole or crack. This will require professional repair, since it involves replacing the washing machine’s tub or drum.
• The detergent drawer is blocked. Crud can build up in the drawer, causing blockages and spillage leaks. Clean the drawer thoroughly.

4. The washer fills with water but doesn’t agitate or spin.

• Check the lid switch. A faulty lid switch can prevent the washer from agitating or spinning. You can test this by gently lifting and lowering the lid; you should hear a clicking sound when you close it.
• Check for obstructions. Sometimes, small items like coins or buttons can get caught in the drum or pump, preventing it from spinning. Carefully remove any foreign objects.
• Inspect the drive belt. The drive belt spins the drum. If it’s broken or has slipped off, the washer won’t agitate or spin. Refer to your owner’s manual to check and replace the belt.
• Check the motor coupler. A washing machine has a motor coupler, just like your car. When it breaks, the transmission that connects to the agitator no longer moves. Call a pro for this repair.
• Examine the control board. A faulty or damaged control board can prevent the machine from advancing to the agitate or spin cycle. This issue requires professional diagnostics and repair.
• Look at the transmission. The transmission converts the motor’s power into the movements of a wash cycle. If the transmission is kaput, the washer might fill with water but not agitate. Again, this calls for a professional repair.

5. The washer is too noisy during operation.

Unusual noises coming from your washing machine are never a good sign. However, they don’t always indicate a significant problem. Noise sources include:

• Unbalanced load. Evenly distribute your laundry in the drum to prevent loud banging noises.
• Loose parts or components. Rattling or clanking noises may be due to loose parts and connections. Tighten any loose bolts or hinges.
• Worn out bearings. Scraping or grinding noises during the spin cycle are likely caused by worn-out bearings and will require professional repair.
• Defective drive pulley or motor coupling. Loud squealing noises may come from a faulty drive pulley or motor coupling. This will need a professional repair.
• Suspension rods are damaged. Top-loading washers use suspension rods to support the drum during operation. You may hear loud noises during the spin cycle if these rods become damaged or work their way loose.

6: The washer doesn’t drain.

• Check all hoses and connections for blockage or damage. Make sure that the drain hose isn’t kinked or clogged. Inspect all other hoses, connections, and fixtures.
• Clean the pump filter. Refer to your owner’s manual to locate and clean the pump filter, which can clog with debris.
• Verify that the drain pump is working correctly. If you’ve eliminated other possible causes, the issue may lie with a faulty drain pump that must be replaced.
• Examine the lid switch. A malfunctioning lid switch can prevent proper drainage. Test it by gently lifting and lowering the lid; you should hear a clicking sound when you close it.
• Inspect the drain pump belt. If the belt is worn or broken, it may prevent the drain pump from functioning correctly. Refer to your owner’s manual to check and replace the drive belt.

Before You Attempt a DIY Fix

Before you attempt any fixes on your machine, ALWAYS turn off the power. If you’re removing parts, label them with masking tape and note the order in which you removed them to make the reassembly easier.

Not Ready for DIY? Call West Coast Chief

Not quite confident in your DIY abilities? Call West Coast Chief for fast and affordable repair. We service all major appliance brands and hire only licensed and experienced technicians.

Our service area includes metro Los Angeles, Orange County, and Southern Ventura County.

Call us today for fully guaranteed and warranted repair of your appliance, heater, or air conditioner.

Contact Us for Service

FAQs: Troubleshooting Washing Machine Problems

Q: Can I fix my washer myself?

That depends on the issue and your DIY skills. Most homeowners can manage simple fixes like unclogging a drain hose or cleaning a pump filter. However, if you’re not confident in your abilities or the problem is more complex, it’s best to call a professional repair service.

Q: How often should I have my washer serviced?

We recommend servicing your washing machine every 1–2 years, depending on how often you use it. Regular maintenance can prevent significant issues and prolong the life of your appliance.

Q: What brands do you service?

We service all major appliance brands, including Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, and more. Contact us for a complete list or any questions about a specific brand.

Q: Why is my washer shaking or moving during the spin cycle?

This could be due to an unbalanced load, with one side heavier than the other. Ensure that your laundry is evenly distributed in the drum. Additionally, check if the washer is level and adjust the feet if necessary.

Q: What does it mean if my washer has a foul odor?

A foul odor in your washer can emanate from detergent and fabric softener residue building up in the drum, causing mold and mildew growth. Run a cleaning cycle with white vinegar or a commercial washing machine cleaner to eliminate the odor. Also, leave the washer door open after use to allow air circulation.

Q: Why is my washer leaking during operation?

Washer leaks can originate from several sources. Inspect the door seal for damage or debris. Ensure that all hoses are tightly connected and not damaged. Also, verify that the detergent drawer is not blocked, which can make water overflow.

Q: How can I prevent common washing machine problems?

Perform regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the detergent drawer and drum, checking hoses for blockages or damage, not overloading the washer, and ensuring the machine is level. Run an empty cycle with a washer cleaner regularly to prevent mold and mildew buildup, and have the washer serviced every 1–2 years.

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