Washing Machine Fault Finding: 8 Most Common Faults Fixed

If your washing machine isn’t working correctly, it can be frustrating. As appliance repair professionals, we’ve dealt with all types of faults and understand what you need to do when washing machine fault finding.

Luckily, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. Here are some of the most common faults that can occur with washing machines and how to fix them.

1. The washing machine won’t start

A washing machine that does not start at all could be due to a power issue, or it could be that the machine isn’t getting enough water.

To troubleshoot this issue, first, check that the washing machine is plugged in and has power going to the outlet.

If there is power connected and flowing, then check the water supply. Make sure the hose valves are open that feed into the washing machine, and that there is enough pressure pushing through the pipe.

It’s also a good time to check the hose to ensure it’s not old and needs replacing.

2. The washing machine is washing but not spinning

If your machine is washing but not spinning, it’s usually an indication that something is blocking the spinning mechanism.

To troubleshoot this issue, open up the washing machine and check to see if there are any objects caught in the drum. If there are, remove them and restart the cycle.

It’s also possible that the spinning mechanism itself is damaged and will need to be replaced.

Neither washing nor spinning

If your washing machine is neither washing nor spinning, there are a few potential issues that could be causing the problem.

1. One possibility is that the machine is not level. If it’s not level, the spin cycle will be thrown off, and the machine may not spin at all. Check to make sure that your washing machine is level, and adjust it if necessary.
2. Another possibility is that the door switch is broken. This switch prevents the machine from spinning when the lid is open, so if it’s broken, the machine will think that the door is always open and won’t spin. You’ll need to replace the door switch to fix this issue.
3. Finally, there may be something caught in the washing machine’s pump. This can prevent the machine from spinning properly. Remove any foreign objects from the pump and try again.

If your washing machine is still not washing – or spinning properly after trying these troubleshooting tips, you ideally need a professional to investigate it further.

Washing machine repairs can be tricky, so it’s best to call in a professional. We’re always happy to help!

3. The washing machine is leaking water

If your washing machine is leaking water, it’s most likely due to a faulty hose. There are reasons it may be leaking from the bottom.

Check all of the hoses (including the drain hose) to make sure there are no cracks or holes. If there are, then replace the hose.

It’s also possible that the problem is with the pump within the machine. If the pump is leaking, it will need to be replaced. This can be a difficult task for most homeowners. So if you find it is a pump issue, your best option is to give us a call.

4. The washing machine doesn’t fill up with water

If your washing machine isn’t filling up with water, there are a few potential issues.

First, check to make sure that the water supply to the machine is turned on. If it is, then the problem may be with the inlet valve.

This valve controls the flow of water into the machine. Over time, sediment can build up and prevent the valve from opening properly. Cleaning or replacing the valve should solve this issue.

Another potential issue is a blockage in the hose that supplies water to the machine. If this is the case, you’ll need to clear the blockage before your machine will start filling up properly.

5. Washing Machine Not Draining

Another common washing machine issue is when it doesn’t drain properly. If water is still present in the tub after a wash cycle has ended, there are a few things you can check.

First, make sure that the hose from the washing machine to the drainage pipe isn’t kinked or blocked in any way.  If it is, straighten it out or clear the blockage.

Next, check the drainage pipe itself to see if there is any blockage. If so, clear it and try again.

If your washing machine still isn’t draining properly after trying these troubleshooting tips, you ideally need a professional to investigate it further. So simply give us a quick call and we can help further.

6. Washing machine is noisy

If your washing machine seems excessively noisy, there are a few things that could be causing the issue.

First, check to see if anything is caught in the washing machine drum. If so, remove it and try again. It might be that the drum is not moving at all.

Next, check to see if the legs of the washing machine are level. If they’re not, adjusting them may help to reduce the noise.

If neither of these aspects is causing the issue, then it’s likely that there is something wrong with the washing machine itself. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional to take a look at it and see what needs to be done.

7. Washing machine not dispensing detergent

If your washing machine isn’t dispensing detergent, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the issue.

First, make sure that the detergent compartment is clean and free of any buildup. If it’s not, clean it out and try again. Next, check the amount of detergent you’re using.

8. Washing machine is shaking or vibrating

If your washing machine is shaking or vibrating, there are a few things that could be causing the issue.

1. Make sure that the feet of the washing machine are on level ground, and securely in place. If they’re not, adjust them until they are.
2. Check to see if anything is blocking the path of the washing machine’s spin cycle. If there is, remove it and try again.
3. If the issue persists, it could be a sign of a more serious problem with the washing machine itself. In this case, it’s best to call us for help.

The value of repairing vs replacing

Depending on the issue, it may be you can fix the problem. It may be that you need to call on a professional if it’s a major repair.

Depending on the age of your machine, you may need to assess whether it’s worth repairing it or putting those funds toward a new washing machine.

If unsure, check our full article on whether to repair or replace your washing machine.

Washing machine fault finding – Next steps

You can avoid the need for this decision in many cases by ensuring you have appliance cover for just these occasions.

If you’ve followed all the above steps to assess the issue you might be having with your washing machine, then there may be more serious issues occurring in your washing machine.

The next step is to obtain the help of a professional to assess further – and advise you on how to proceed. You can avoid any future issues more easily by covering your appliances against any issues that occur in the future.