Do it yourself washing machine repair

Our trouble shooting guide will help you identify and fix your washing machine. Common causes are broken belts and clogged hoses.

Photo Credit: Scott Fichter
By Heather Schulte

If your washing machine is not working properly, the most common complication is the hoses or the belts not functioning properly. You should initially check the hoses as described below. Also, check the belts to ensure they are not broken. If these steps do not solve the problem, you can follow the trouble shooting guide below to help get your washing machine back in operation.

Checking the Hoses:
Check the incoming water hoses as well as the draining hose to ensure they have not become kinked or twisted. Kinks in the hoses can lead to problems with the washer not draining or filling properly. Occasionally clothing may become stuck in the drainage hoses. If you are having trouble with the water draining from your washer, check the drainage hoses to ensure that they havenÃ¯Â¿Â½t become clogged. If you are having trouble with the washer filling check the incoming hoses to ensure they are not kinked or twisted. The incoming hoses may also have sediment build up or a clog in the hose screens. Unhook the hoses at both ends and examine the screens to ensure they are not clogged. If you do find something clogging these screens, remove the debris carefully. Do not remove the screens for any reason!

Trouble Shooting Guide:

My Washer WonÃ¯Â¿Â½t Drain!
If you have checked the hoses and belt and have not found a solution to this problem, check to see if the lid switch clicks when you close the washing machine. If not, the switch probably needs replaced. Additionally, the pump or motor may not be working properly. Check to see that all the wires leading to the pump and motor are connected and unbroken.

My Washer WonÃ¯Â¿Â½t Spin!
If you have checked the hoses and belt and have not found a solution to this problem, check to see if the lid switch clicks when you close the washing machine. If not, the switch probably needs replaced. Other possible causes are that the spin solenoid does not engage or the drive coupling is worn out.

My Washer WonÃ¯Â¿Â½t Fill or Fills Slowly!
Follow the instructions above to ensure the hoses are not kinked, twisted, or clogged. If the hoses are working properly then the valve has probably gone bad. The valve which allows water to come into the machine should be replaced.

My Washer WonÃ¯Â¿Â½t Stop Filling!
This commonly occurs when a valve is stuck open. The valve which allows water to come into the machine should be replaced.

My Washer WonÃ¯Â¿Â½t Agitate!
Broken belts are usually the cause of agitation problems. If you have checked the belts, the motor may be the cause. Check to ensure the wires leading to the motor are connected and unbroken. Also, make sure there is not clothing lodged in the drum.

Drains and Fills at the same time
If the draining hose is not installed properly siphoning can occur. This is normally the reason that a machine fills and drains at the same time. It is caused by gravity. Never have the open end of the drainage hose below water level.