In this article, we will analyze the most common faults on the most indispensable appliance used by all of us: the washing machine. We will answer the most frequently asked questions about washing machines, obviously staying in the generic and not specifying models or brands. We will learn how small attentions can save us time and money and how to resolve the most common failures by ourselves.
Warning: if you don’t know where to put your hands the most effective and safe solution is always to contact the assistance!
The washing machine does not spin
The first question to ask: are you running a centrifuge with a too low or high load of clothes? Almost all modern washing machines have balancing sensors, which interpret a low or high load as a potential risk of excessive vibrations or jolting, which would cause damage to the appliance and its components. Try again with a different load.
If the washing machine or washer-dryer does not drain the water, the centrifuge will never be performed. If there is still water in the drum, make sure there are no foreign bodies in the filter (attention to opening the filter at full load causes water to leak out. See next paragraph.). If despite the filter is clean the problem persists it is better to contact the service.
Another cause of insufficient or non-spinning can be the worn carbon brushes of the engine that need to be replaced by a technician.
The washing machine does not download
The case in which the washing machine does not drain the water is one of the most frequent faults. Usually and if you are lucky, these are foreign bodies in the drain pump. One thing you could do is to inspect the filter in the lower part of the machine: remove the power supply, tilt the machine backwards to contain the spillage of water, get a basin and unscrew the filter slowly emptying all the internal water. Take a look in the filter compartment and remove any foreign bodies. If you do not notice anything abnormal it means that the filling is internal or in the wall drain and it is better to call a technician.
Other reasons for failure to discharge may derive from faults in the electronics or the drain pump.
Does not load water
Check that the water tap is open and that there are no bottlenecks to the inlet hose. If everything is OK, it could be a fault with the solenoid valve, the board or problems with the pressure switch.
Display errors or lights on / flashing
Any initials or lights that are on or flashing are the way in which the machine communicates a specific fault or signal. They are different and specific in each brand and model. Many faults are specified in the instruction booklet and others are known from the assistance of the mark in question.
The basket does not rotate
There are various causes that can cause this problem: worn charcoals, broken or broken belt, engine or card breakdown. In these cases a diagnosis by a technician is required.
The washing machine does not heat or wash well
If you notice that the laundry is not cleaned as you would like and that the machine does not heat the water, contact the assistance: components such as resistance, temperature probe or board need to be checked.
The washing program stops
The moment in which the program is interrupted is of fundamental importance: if at first it could be problems with water loading, the pressure switch or the motor, if during the wash a heating problem, if in the end a drain problem etc. The reasons could be many and reported through error codes, only a technician can analyze and find the real defect.
The washing machine is noisy
There are generally 3 causes for this defect:
Foreign bodies in the basket: it may happen that bra straps, coins and other foreign bodies pass through the seal, ending up under the basket, scratching or bumping during rotation. Removing these objects is very complicated and a professional technician is required.
Bearings: in most cases the defect is caused by the natural wear of the bearings over the years. If you place a hand on the basket and rotate with a certain downward pressure feel a metallic noise or hear scratching the diagnosis is confirmed. In most modern front-loading washing machines the bearings are not replaceable, for more information contact the assistance.
Foreign bodies in the drain pump: check the filter.
Water losses
Water leaks are a big problem and the way to understand the cause is to verify where the leak comes from
Frontal leakage: check that the detergent dispenser or the gasket are not damaged.
Leak from underneath: it could be caused by foreign bodies in the filter, hole seal, excess detergent (many washing machines have vent tubes underneath) or damaged pipes.
With water leaks, don’t worry, contact support for a safe and permanent solution.
The washing machine jumps or moves too much
This may be due to incorrect installation of the washing machine: make sure that the machine is well leveled using the appropriate feet or, if the washing machine is new, that the basket-holding blocks have been removed.
If the machine is dated the causes could derive from wear of the shock absorbs or the springs supporting the tank.
Bad smells
This is a fairly common problem and depends on the use made of the machine and its maintenance. Most people only wash at low temperatures, which favor the accumulation of detergents and sludge on the gasket and inside the washing machine. Learning how to wash weekly (even without washing) at high temperatures and cleaning the detergent dispenser helps keep the appliance in better hygienic conditions.
Conclusions
These are the most common problems related to washing machines. Paying attention and always maintaining the appliance correctly helps to prevent any avoidable problems. Remember, for any fault you have doubts about contacting a technician is always the right and safe choice!
