Washing machine problems

Washing machine problems

Is your washing machine not taking water? Do reddish spots start appearing on your clothes? Are you having problems with your front-load washing machine? Is your washing machine at the end of its lifespan? Find out what causes the most common washing machine problems and discover their solutions. Ariel’s washing machine troubleshooting guide is here to help you find the answers you're looking for, with some advice on the proper use and maintenance of your front-load and top-load washing machines.

7 common washing machine problems and repair tips

Drain problems

The most common reason for a washing machine that won’t drain water is a clog. Here are the steps you need to follow to unclog the machine:

  • Check the troubleshooting manual

  • Remove the drain hose and run water through it

  • Unplug the machine and check the pump.

Leaking water

Water leaks are not easy to tackle, since the leak is not always in the same location where the water appears. These are the things you should check based on the water’s location:

  • Water pool in front/back of the machine – check the water supply hose

  • Rust and mineral deposit inside – check the drain hoses

  • Leak in front of the cabinet – check the seal

  • Water drips near the seal – check for moisture around the seal

  • Excess foam overflow during the wash cycle – over sudsing, choose a more effective detergent

  • Door leak – check dirt build-up around the seal

  • Leaking water at the bottom – check the water pump for holes

Water not coming into the machine

If you start the program, but no water is coming into your washer, here are the things you should check:

  • Hoses

  • Filters

  • Water inlet valve

Water is not heating up

It’s a common misbelief that if you can’t feel the hot water through the door of your washing machine, it’s certainly caused by a broken heater. If your washer doesn’t produce any error codes, you shouldn’t be worried about this.

Too much foam

If you notice that there is too much foam in your washer during your cycle, there a few reasons that could cause this:

  • You’re not using quality detergent, like Ariel

  • You’re using too much detergent

  • The water is too hard.

Door not opening

It’s extremely frustrating when your washing machine’s door won’t open when it should. There are a couple of reasons why this can happen:

  • The pressure switch is faulty

  • There’s a blockage in the pressure system

  • There’s water left in the machine

  • The door is jammed

  • Some part is broken.

Spin problem

It can be super annoying if your washer is refusing to start the spin cycle, but there can be a few things that could cause this:

  • It could be a balance issue, if it spins slowly, but not quickly

  • There’s a blockage in the drainage system, preventing the spin cycle to start

  • The motor turning your drum is faulty.

Weird noises

Sometimes your washer can produce the weirdest of noises. If you can’t immediately figure out what could have caused the noise, here are some of the most common reasons this occurs:

  • Coins, if trapped in your machine, can ruin it easily, so it’s best to get rid of them quickly

  • If you experience weird noises during the spin cycle, it might be a drum bearing failure

  • If the noises come when you turn the drum by hand, it may have split.

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FAQs on common washing machine problems

  • There can be various washing machine problems you could face, so the best you can do is to check the symptoms first, then see if you can find a solution among our guides.

  • You shouldn’t jump to conclusions as soon as you notice that something in your washer isn’t working as it’s supposed to. Just read this article first, and try to find out whether you can tackle your washing machine problem on your own. If not, call a professional, and they’ll be able to tell you when it’s time to replace your machine.

  • It’s not always easy to make a decision about repair or replacement, but most people suggest that if the repair costs less than 50% of the new washing machine, and your washer is still doing relatively well, then repairing it would be worth it.

  • There are some washers that have a reset button on them, allowing you to stop the program immediately and start something else. Machines that don’t have that button can be reset too, if you unplug it, then plug it back in.