Quick Fixes – Washing Machine

Problem: The washer won’t turn on.

  • Make sure the washing is plugged in.
  • Check and reset the circuit breaker.
  • Check the hot and cold water valves; make sure they are open and adjust if needed.
  • Make sure the clothes are distributed evenly and that the lid is able to close fully.

Problem: The unit won’t fill with water.

  • Check to be sure the water valves are turned on.
  • The water line may be clogged. Unscrew the hose from the back of the washer. Make sure the filter is clear; clean if needed.
  • Straighten the water supply hoses if needed.
  • Push the button that controls the water flow to make sure it’s working correctly.
  • Turn the timer knob slightly or press the buttons more firmly.
  • Close the lid tightly. Most washers will not operate unless the lid is closed.

Problem: The washer fills with water, but won’t run.

  • Make sure your load isn’t too big. Remove some of the laundry and move it around so one side isn’t overloaded. Wait 15 minutes; the washer needs time to reset itself.
  • Check the timer; replace if necessary.
  • Check the lid. Be sure it closes fully. Check the safety switch as well and replace if necessary.
  • Check the drive belt; tighten or replace as needed.

Problem: The washer is leaking water.

  • Check the hose bib connections; tighten if necessary.
  • Check for a hole in the water supply hose; replace if necessary.
  • Check these parts and replace if necessary: gasket, mixing valve, hoses, sensor, and overflow switch.

Problem: The washer vibrates excessively.

  • The laundry is unbalanced. Redistribute the load evenly.
  • The washer may not be level. Adjust the height by turning the legs clockwise to lower and counterclockwise to raise.

Problem: The washer won’t drain.

  • The washing spins and drains at the same time. Be sure the lid is closed fully so both operations can occur.
  • Straighten the drain hose, if needed.
  • The drain hose should be located no more than four feet above the floor. If you can’t move the hose on your own, contact a qualified professional for help.
  • Clean the drain hoses. To remove, unscrew from the back of the washer.

Problem: The water won’t stop running.

  • Check the overflow switch. If it isn’t working properly, replace it.
  • If the overflow switch is disconnected, replace the water hose.
  • Make sure your load isn’t too big. Remove some of the laundry and move it around so one side isn’t overloaded. Wait 15 minutes; the washer needs time to reset itself.
  • Contact a qualified service professional to handle the problem.

Problem: The water isn’t hot enough.

  • Turn up the thermostat slightly.
  • If the temperature is turned all the way up, drain the water heater and try again.

Problem: The washer isn’t cleaning clothes well enough.

Be sure the settings are correct for the load of laundry you’re washing. (For example, use NORMAL, not GENTLE, for a load of towels.)