Hello World! Welcome Friends! Of all the larger household appliances, the washing machine is often the one we use the most. Anyone who has, or ever has had, a young family knows that the household washing machine is frequently in daily usage, and sometimes even as much as two or three times per day.
While modern, well-built washing machines are designed to withstand a lot of use, sometimes lasting for a number of years before they have any problems, it is inevitable that they will break down at some point.
If you have had your washing machine for a few years, often the first reaction is that it has finally broken down and it is time to buy a replacement. This, however, is often not the case. While there are certainly times where the best option will be to buy a new washing machine, many of the most common issues can be fixed quickly and easily at surprisingly little cost.
Even if you are handy around the home, professional washing machine repairs in the UK can be the quickest and most convenient option. An experienced washing machine repairman with full knowledge of your make and model with all the right spare parts and tools can be at your house within just a few hours.
It can, however, make the job quicker and cheaper if you can identify the problem that caused the washing machine to break down in the first place, even before calling a repairman. As mentioned, these issues can often be quite simple and cost effective to repair.
While different types of washing machines can encounter different issues, many of them are common to both front and top loaders. If you want to diagnose the issue with your washing machine, here are five of the most common problems to look out for:
Broken Door Latches or Sensors – Modern washing machines are made to strict safety standards, which, of course, is a good thing. On both top and front loading washing machines sensors or switches tell the washing machine that the door is fully closed and it is safe to begin or continue with the cycle. This is for good reason. A spinning top loader could cause serious injury without a fully secure door locking system, while front loaders could cause expensive water damage if the door is not properly closed before the cycle starts. If the door is not latching properly or the sensor or switch ‘thinks’ it isn’t, your washing machine will refuse to begin its cycle or even stop mid-cycle. This is one of the most common issues with washing machines and can be quickly and easily repaired without major expense.
Clogged Filters and Pumps – Another common problem and another relatively simple fix: If your washing machine isn’t filling or draining properly there is a good chance you have a clogged filter or pump. Filters, especially, are an easy fix that you may be comfortable with tackling yourself. Turn off the water supply to the washing machine, remove the hoses and clear the filters of any build-up of debris. Pumps, on the other hand, are often clogged by loose buttons, coins or hairpins. While you may want to leave this to a professional, it should be easy and relatively inexpensive to clear the blockage.
Worn Belts – If your washing machine drum struggles to turn during the washing cycle or is not spinning your clothes properly, then the problem may be the belt. Like cars, washing machine belts degrade over time and need to be replaced. If you hear a shrill, loud noise when your washing machine is running, then the problem is almost certainly the belt. While replacing a washing machine belt can be a tricky job to take on yourself, it will be a cinch for a trained professional and far more cost effective than forking out for a new washing machine.
Seals and Gaskets – Seals and gaskets are other vital components of your washing machine that will degrade over time. While seals on water hoses can be quickly and easily replaced at home, door seals are probably best left to a professional. Seals are especially important on front loading models, where a leak can lead to significant water damage. Vigilance is key when it comes to washing machine seals and gaskets. If you spot even the smallest leak, it is best to get the problem looked at immediately.
Broken Agitators – If you feel your top loading washing machine is not delivering the wash it used to, it may be because of a broken agitator. While the reduced quality of the wash could be due to a worn belt or even a failing motor, it can often be because the agitator is broken, as they are actually designed to break under heavy pressure as a safety feature. As they weaken naturally over time, they have a tendency to break even under a normal load. Replacing an agitator can also be relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to purchasing a new machine.
While many washing machine problems are easy to repair without breaking the bank, there will be a time when the best option is to invest in a new one. For example, if the motor, an often expensive component, fails on your 20-year-old model, then it is probably time to start searching for a new washing machine that suits your needs. We do encourage you, however, to look at all the options. If your machine is just a few years old, the problem may very well be a minor one where a cheap fix will get it back to perfect working order.
As with many household appliances, the proper care and maintenance of your washing machine, whether old or new, will help ensure it lasts you and your family for years to come.
Today is Day 3 of our Spring Tour. Click here to pick up the schedule and then off you go to get some Spring inspiration!
Have a gorgeous day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
Between Naps on the Porch, Stone Gable, Home Stories A to Z, Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern Style, Just a Girl and Her Blog, DIY by Design, No Minimalist Here, From my Front Porch to Yours, Christman’s Creations, The Charm of Home, French Country Cottage, DesignThusiasm, Bygone Vintage, Bluesky Kitchen, Poofing the Pillows, Celebrate & Decorate, LouLou Girls, My Thrift Store Addiction, Remodelaholic, Suburban Simplicity, The Chronicles of Home, 21 Rosemary Lane, Noting Grace, Peonies & Orange Blossoms.
Not to mention that is a green thing to do. Most appliances if they don’t have a computer in them, are basic parts. Here in the US we have always bought from a reliable department store with quality service, and use a combined appliance service package. This has paid off and we keep our appliances for a long time and out of the land-fills that way, Sandi
Thank you so much for linking this post up for #iDIYedThat!
Thanks for stopping by, Susanna! Have a lovely week!