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Washer Not Working/Washer Problems

We rely on our washers to work every day. If yours is not working, there are some solutions that may get it fixed quickly and easily.

The most common reason why a washer stops working is because of a disruption in the power supply. This is often traced to an issue with the circuit breaker, either being tripped or being faulty. Check the circuit breaker panel for a tripped breaker and contact an electrician if the breaker continues to trip.

White washing machine

Having a more thorough consideration of the electrical system is something that will help you to ensure that electrical problems don’t keep your washer down for the count. We will consider those, along with a number of other issues that may lead to your washer not working.

In addition, there may be some specific problems that need to be considered. These can be issues such as the washer not draining fully or perhaps the spin cycle not working. We will consider those potential problems as well.

Washer Not Working/Washer Problems

Since the electrical system is the likely culprit if your washer is not working, let’s take a more thorough look at the system. There are very few working parts to the electrical system but if any one of them is failing, then your washer will not work.

1. Circuit Breaker – The most likely problem with the electrical system is with the circuit breaker. If the machine is overloading the circuit, then it will trip the breaker.

A tripped circuit breaker is easily recognized because it will not line up with the other breakers in the panel. You may also see a red stripe on one side of the breaker which indicates that it is tripped.

To reset the circuit breaker, flip it to the off position completely. It may feel a little soft when you do so. Turn the breaker back on by flipping it over to the on position. It will now be reset.

If the circuit breaker continues to trip, make sure that you don’t have anything else plugged in and operating on the same circuit. Otherwise, you should contact an electrician to check out the issue because it may be a more serious problem.

2. Receptacle – Although receptacles are known for their long-lasting abilities, they do fail from time to time. You can test the receptacle by plugging in a lamp, hairdryer, or another appliance to see if it works.

Make sure that you are checking both sides of the receptacle because one side may fail and the other side may still be working. Also, ensure that the receptacle is not switched because someone may have accidentally turned off the switch.

If any part of the receptacle has failed, you should replace the entire receptacle. Most homeowners are able to do this on their own but make sure that the circuit breaker is off before you do so.

3. Power Cord – One other issue that should be addressed is if the power cord is damaged. Visually inspect the power cord for any signs of cuts or damage. Check the plug for burns or missing prongs.

You can test the power cord using a multi-meter if you suspect that it is the problem. A damaged power cord should always be replaced.

Aside from a malfunction in the electrical system, there are other things that may lead to a washer not functioning. Here are a few to consider:

Damaged Lid Switch – The lid switch is an often overlooked part of the washer but it is also one of the more common reasons why one stops working. It is a delicate item compared to the machine itself, which is why it is often broken.

The lid switch signals the control board that the lid is closed or opened. If the lid is open, the control board will automatically turn off the spin cycle so the user will not get injured.

If the lid switch is damaged, it will not allow the machine to operate. Lid switches are often broken because people tend to close the door to the washer hard or they drop the door from a height for a top-load machine.

You can test the lid switch for continuity using a multimeter. If it is faulty, it can be replaced easily.

Draining Problems – If the washer is not draining properly, it may shut down to protect the machine. Drain problems can be associated with clogging of the drain line. It may also be an issue with a crushed or pinched drain line.

Check the drain line for damage. It is a rigid pipe, so it is not easy to damage but it can occur. In addition, remove the drain line and run water through it using a garden hose. Check the drain line beyond the drain hose to make sure it is not clogged.

Pump Problems – If the pump is failing or has failed, the machine will not work. Typically, the pump gives us some warning that it is failing because it will not work properly or it may give a squealing or grinding noise while operating.

You can test the pump using a multimeter but you should remove the pump from the machine first. If the pump has failed, it can be replaced.

Control Board/Panel – The control board is the computer of the washing machine. Everything that operates within the machine uses the control board to guide it. If the control board is malfunctioning, the machine may not operate.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to test the control board but you can visually inspect it for damage. If you see any signs of burnt circuitry, the control board should be replaced.

Washer Not Opening

Clothes inside the washer

Is your washer not opening after the cycle is complete? It may be a problem that requires some cleaning or a replacement.

The most common reason why a washer doesn’t open is because of a faulty door lock. Those door locks automatically engage to ensure that the door does not open during the time that the machine is operating, particularly during the spin cycle. If the door lock is faulty, you may be able to open the door using a manual release.

It is important to note that the door lock is for your own safety. If you were to have access to the interior of the washer while it was spinning, it could potentially twist your arm, breaking it or even worse.

In addition, you may find that the door will open after you wait some time. The door lock does not automatically disengage when the spin cycle stops.

On most machines, there is a time-release delay to ensure that the machine has fully stopped spinning before the door is opened. This option sometimes confuses the user, thinking that the door is locked permanently.

On the other hand, if the door is locked shut and you can’t get it open, there is likely a manual release. This will differ from one machine to another but it is sometimes located in the soap dispenser.

After pressing the manual release, the door should disengage and you can open it. Visually inspect the door lock for damage or if it has become clogged with debris.

Clean the door lock or replace it if necessary.

Washer Not Washing

Frustrated Woman sitting while holding clothes

If your washing machine is no longer washing, it is typically an easy thing to fix.

The most common reason why a washing machine is no longer washing is that the lid switch is faulty. The lid switch signals the control board if the lid is closed or open. If it is faulty, the control board will think the lid is open and the safety features will keep the machine from agitating or spinning. Otherwise, it could be a problem with a belt or the motor.

The lid switch is a fairly delicate piece of equipment associated with your washer. Most people tend to break them because they either slam the front loader or they let the lid drop on a top-loading machine.

Fortunately, the lid switch is also something that is easy to fix and relatively inexpensive. If you suspect that the lid switch is to blame, you can remove it and test it for continuity.

If the lid switch is still intact and operating properly, you may have a problem with the motor. The motor may be failing or you may be plugging your washing machine in using an extension cord, which doesn’t adequately supply electricity to the pump.

You can also check the pump with a multi-meter for continuity. If the pump is grinding or making a squealing noise while it is running, it may be to blame.

One other possibility is that the belts have become stretched or are broken. Those belts move the agitator and the spin cycle, so if they are not in place, the washer will not wash.

Washer Start Button Not Working

Frustrated Woman sitting while holding clothes

Have you pushed the start button on your washer and nothing happened? There may be an easy solution.

A common reason why a washer start button stops working is that the power has been interrupted. This can be a result of the circuit breaker tripping or because the receptacle has gone bad. In either case, restoring the power will often restore the ability to start and use your machine.

Aside from the power being interrupted, there may also have been an issue with a power spike or surge. This is a more serious problem.

A power surge can damage the control board in the washer, stopping the washer from working altogether. It is something that can be replaced, but the control board is of no use if a surge has hit it.

You can inspect the control board by removing it from the washing machine and visually inspecting it for damage. If you see any burns or damaged circuitry, it’s likely to need replacing.

One other thing to check is the lid switch. If the lid switch is damaged or failing, it will not allow the washer to start for safety reasons.

Washer Not Unlocking

Woman putting clothes inside the washer

Is your washer staying closed and the door remaining locked after the cycle has completed? It may be a simple on and off solution.

If your washer remains locked after the cycle has completed it is likely a problem with the pressure switch. You can sometimes reset the switch by doing a hard reset of the washing machine. Unplug the washing machine or turn off the circuit breaker, wait five minutes, and plug the machine back in again. This will often reset things so your door will open.

You may also need to manually unlock the door. This is not a straightforward issue and not all washing machine manufacturers will give the option to do so.

More than likely, your washing machine manufacturer has a manual release for the door. This should not be used unless you are 100% positive the cycle is complete. Check your manual for the location of the release switch.

One other thing to consider is that the door will not automatically open immediately after the cycle is complete. The pressure switch is probably on a timer to ensure that enough time has passed since the end of the cycle for the door to be safely opened. If several minutes have passed, however, you will need to start considering looking for the manual override.

Washer Not Rinsing

Frustrated Woman sitting while holding clothes

If your washer is no longer rinsing it may be due to something you neglected. Fortunately, the fix is an easy one.

Typically, a washer stops rinsing because the pump filter has become clogged. Most people don’t realize that the filter needs to be cleaned every three months or so. Make it a part of your routine cleaning schedule. If the washer is not rinsing, clean the pump filter thoroughly and check for any clogs in the area.

Another reason why the machine is no longer rinsing is due to the pump failing altogether. This is a more serious problem that would require you to replace the pump.

If you have noticed that the pump was making noise while the washer was operating, such as a squealing or grinding noise, that was likely your warning that the pump was failing.

Test your pump with a multimeter and if necessary, replace it. Otherwise, a thorough cleaning is in order and regular cleaning will help to keep the problem from recurring.

Washer Keeps Filling And Draining

Woman putting clothes inside the washer

A problem with a washer continually draining and refilling is frustrating. It also is typically easy to fix.

The most common reason why a washer fills and drains continually is because of a faulty fill valve. It is either an issue with the valve itself or with the electrical circuitry that controls the valve. In either case, it is relatively easy to fix. Otherwise, it could be an issue with the water level switch.

The easiest way to test the faulty fill valve is to unplug the machine while the tub is filling. If the valve is to blame, then it will continue to fill, even while unplugged.

On the other hand, if you unplug the machine and it stops filling immediately, then you know that it is the electrical circuitry controlling the valve that is causing the issue.

In either case, you may need to replace the valve but in the case of the circuitry, you may need to replace the control board.

If the water level switch is to blame, it is easily replaced.

Washer Keeps Draining

Woman Closing the washer

If your washer just continues to drain, it is a problem that can be traced to one particular feature of the appliance.

The common reason why a washer continues to drain without let up is that the drain pump is not operating properly. It can either be failing directly or it may be getting improper signals from the control board. In either case, the pump will continue to operate and drain any water that is being pumped into the appliance.

If the control board is failing, it may be telling the drain pump to continue to operate. Control boards can be damaged due to a power surge or other, similar issues. They can also be replaced to correct the problem.

If the drain pump is failing directly, it will also need to be replaced. You can check the drain pump with a multimeter and if it is not operating properly, replacement parts should be ordered.

Finally, there is a switch that measures the level of water in the appliance. When the water reaches a certain height, it will trigger the control board to drain the water.

If the switch is malfunctioning, it may be sending that signal to drain the water inappropriately. It is a relatively easy thing to fix, as the switch is fairly inexpensive and easily accessible.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on January 19, 2022.

Washer Keeps Trying To Drain

Frustrated Woman sitting while holding clothes

When your washer continually tries to drain it will never finish the cycle. Read on to find out what you can do to correct this frustrating problem.

If the control board is sending signals to the drain pump continually, then the drain pump will constantly try to turn on. Any water that gets pumped into the washer will get pumped out immediately and if there is no water in the washer, the pump will operate and will soon overheat and burn out.

A previous power outage or power surge may have caused damage to the control board. This is an issue that can happen in any appliance or electronic device while it is plugged in.

Unfortunately, you cannot repair a control board but you can remove it and look at it carefully. Some people even find that looking through a magnifying glass helps to identify damaged areas of circuitry.

If the control board is not damaged, you can check the pump itself or the water level switch to determine if they are causing the issue.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on January 19, 2022.

When your washer is no longer washing, it is likely a problem with the power coming to the machine. Check the circuit breaker to make sure it hasn’t tripped and then verify that the machine is plugged in and the receptacle is operational.

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Washer Not Draining/Spinning

Washer Not Starting

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on January 19, 2022.

Washing Machine not Working