6 Washing Machine Repair Methods – Water Issues, Noises, Not Starting, Vibrating & More

Washer troubleshooting and repair: Here are a few tips on what could be going wrong or why your washing machine is broken and how you can fix it. All of these troubleshooting methods can be applied to washing machines made by Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung, LG, Kenmore, Bosch, GE, and more.

See below for 6 easy repair methods for all washer troubleshooting water not filling, makes noises, not starting, leaking water, moving and vibrating, and detergent not going into washer.

How To Fix Your Washing Machine – Washing Machine Repair

Repair 1: Washing Machine Is Not Running – Not Starting

If your washing machine refuses to start, it might not be properly connected to the power source. However, if it stops running in the middle of a cycle, the machines overload protector might have tripped. The easiest fix is to take out some of the load from the machine and run it again.

1. Check the power cord, the source of power and electrical supply, if your washing machine refuses to start.
2. It is also possible on some washer models with knobs, that the on and off knob might not be working.
3. Remove power, remove panel, and check wiring or burnt spots on main control assembly/knob.
4. You can purchase a new washing machine knob or main control assembly if this is your issue.

Top-Load Washer Won’t Start — Washing Machine Troubleshooting

Repair 2: Washer Is Taking Too Long To Fill Up With Water

The washtub of your washing machine should take only few minutes to completely fill up before starting the spin cycle. However sometimes you may notice that your washtub is just taking too long to fill up completely. Here’s what might be happening and how to fix it:

1. The valves that control the amount of water filling the washtub might not be completely open.
2. In this case, you can simply physically check this valve and make sure that the lever is completely turned on.
3. The hoses bringing the water into the washtub might be blocked or clogged or the hoses are damaged and need replaced.
4. In this case, you need to straighten out any kinks in the hose pipe.
5. Switch off your washing machine and remove the hose pipe from its attachment.
6. Physically straighten out any kinks you might find.
7. If the hose pipe is cracked or leaking, replace it with a new drain hose.
8. It is also possible that the hose pipe is clogged with dirt and grime.
9. Clean out the hose pipe well, removing all the clogging particles, and attach it back to your washer.
10. Low water pressure might also be a reason why your washtub is taking too long to fill up.
11. Ensure that all other water sources of your home are shut and try washing again.

Washing Machine Fills Slowly – Troubleshoot It

Repair 3: Washing Machine Is Making Grinding Noises

More often than not, overloading your washing machine with more clothes than it can handle causes this common issue. This is a pretty standard fix.

1. The drain pump on your washing machine is responsible for draining out all the water from the tub before the spin cycle begins.
2. However, if this motor starts to make a grinding noise, it might indicate that the drain pump is defective or has a restriction.
3. Remove the front panel of your washing machine and verify that the source of the noise is from the drain pump.
4. Remember that you have exposed the open parts of the washing machine.
5. Be very cautious while dealing with an open washing machine.
6. Remove the inlet hose from the drain pump, keeping a container handy to catch any excess water from the drain pump or hose.
7. Inspect the pump to see if it is turning properly without any restriction.
8. Check to see if any foreign objects are lodged in the pump.
9. Remove any foreign objects or restrictions from the drain pump, or purchase a new drain pump if required.

Washer grinding noise when agitating – Whirlpool, Maytag

Repair 4: Washing Machine Is Leaking Water

Water leaking from washer machines is most commonly caused by hoses or connections that have broken, cracked or become loose.

1. Make sure that the water leak is not occurring from a backed up standpipe or a leaking hose pipe, which drains the water from the water tub.
2. Check all the hoses and connections carefully and look for any cracks, loose ends, or breaks in these connections.
3. You could buy a hose clamp or even completely replace the hose and buy a new one.
4. If you are overusing detergent in your washing, it could be causing some leakage.
5. To fix this, you could opt for a low sudsing detergent or just put in less the next time you do your laundry.
6. A loose tub seal or gasket could also cause water leaks in your washing machine.
7. Replace the tub seal of your washing machine to fix this.

Washer Leaking water Repair & diagnostic

Repair 5: Washing Machine Is Abnormally Moving Vibrating Shaking:

Washing machines usually come with a shock absorber that dampens the movement when it is running. However, a weakened or damaged shock absorber will cause unnecessary moving and shaking of your washing machine. If this is not corrected at the earliest, it could cause a lot more damage to your washing machine.

1. The suspension and tub springs are in charge of stabilizing the tub to the base.
2. These springs also absorb the shock and reduce the movement of the washing machine while it is spinning.
3. If these springs become inelastic or damaged, it could be causing unnecessary vibrations.
4. Replace the suspension springs with new ones and your washing machine will work as good as new.
5. Many models of washers also have damper pads and snubber rings located at the bottom of the machine.
6. With normal wear and tear, these parts also loosen up, causing the washing machine to shake uncontrollably.
7. An anti-vibration damper pad and a new snubber ring is the perfect fix to this problem.

How-to Stop a Walking / Shaking / Wobbling Washing Machine

Repair 6: Washer Dispenser Is Still Full Of Detergent

First read your washing machine manual as it will give you the instructions as to whether you should use a liquid HE or a powder detergent for your washer.

1. Using the wrong kind of detergent might be the cause for a blockage occurring.
2. Your washer dispenser might simply be clogged or jammed, thus not self-cleaning.
3. In this case you will need to manually clean the dispenser.
4. Slightly heat one cup of white vinegar and pour this into the washer dispenser.
5. Run a normal spin cycle on your washing machine.
6. The vinegar should easily clean out all the cogged debris from the dispenser, making it look completely new again.
7. If you can see that your dispenser is damaged beyond salvation, it might be time to buy a new washer dispenser.

Washer Replacement Parts – Parts Info

We hope you will find all the DIY solutions to your washing machine repair needs, so you can fix it yourself without paying extra cash for new units or expensive repairmen.

Here is more help to find support or service from your washing machine manufacturer.
These links are support pages to your washer manufacturer: Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung, LG, Kenmore, Bosch, and GE

Leave a comment below of you need help or assistance with your washer repair. Please give us the model number so we can look for specific issues with your exact washer.