How to Fix 3 Common Washing Machine Problems
A Washing machine is one of the most essential appliances in the household. Therefore, it will give you a sleepless night if something is not working correctly.
A few years ago, back in the 1980s, a washing machine was an expensive household appliance that lasted forever – or at least, it felt like it. But things have changed since then. Washers are a lot cheaper now but come with a lower quality and less longevity. Nowadays, a new-bought washing machine has a life expectancy from only eleven years on average, less than thirty years ago.
But the good news is: you can extend the life span of your washing machine by taking good care of it and fixing problems immediately after they appear. Here is a guide how you can fix three common laundry washing machine problems yourself.
But safety first! Before you get started, please make sure your washing machine is disconnected from the mains.
The Washing Machine won’t drain
One possible reason that the water won’t drain can be a clogged drain pump or hose. You can fix this yourself by removing the drain hose from the machine to clean it. Usually, the entry point is located at the back of your machine and you might need a screwdriver to get it out. To clean the clogged drain, run some hot water through it or use a stick or long object to push the blocking items out. Please ne careful so the drain hose does not get kinked or bent while doing that.
In case a clogged drain pump is not the problem, you should schedule an appointment to get professional advice.
The Washer Is too Loud
A lot of times the cause of the noise can come from objects that are trapped in between the outer seal and the inner drum. It can be a bra wire that got stuck or a small object that you forgot to take out of your pockets. First, you have to locate the object and see if you can get it out with your hands. If not you can use a flathead screwdriver, and wedge it between the inner drum and the door seal. Lever it back carefully to get more space for your hand to grab the trapped item. Once you got the item, give the drum a spin to make sure the gap between the drum and the seal is even.
The Washing Machine Moves Around
A washing machine that likes to take a walk around in the laundry room can harm itself as well as the floor. And that’s why you want avoid it. Firstly, you have to make sure that your washing machine is level, for example by using a bubble level. Secondly, you can add some non-slip pads to the bottom of your machine to give it some extra grip. That will also reduce the shake. Last but not least, make sure you balance the load when doing your laundry. Instead of putting just one bulky item in the machine, add a second one to make it even.