Are you having problems with your washing machine? A broken washing machine can be quite the headache, forcing you to lug loads of laundry to your cooperative neighbors, the nearest laundromat or spend valuable time hand washing items in the sink. If your machine is broken, you may be inclined to rush out and buy a new washer. Washing machine replacement can be very expensive and when you factor in time for researching features and scheduling delivery and hookup, the cost is even greater. The option of fixing your washing machine is the best idea if you have planned to save money and time. Some repairs that your washing machine needs might be able to be take care of on your own, others might require special tools or specific training so you will have to call a professional. How can you tell which repair issues are suitable for a do-it-yourself job, and which to leave to the pros?

Before beginning, to ensure you remain safe, you should unplug your washing machine. A leaking washing machine often evokes feelings of panic. Let's take a look at some of the most frequent washer issues:

Leaks

There will always be water leaks from washing machines. It just depends on when it will happen and how much water actually spills. We always advise our customers to make sure the household and appliance water shut offs actually work, to use them regularly and if you are going to be away for a long time, to shut off the water to the washer. There are also specialty supply hoses available that have a built in shut off valve in case of a blown hose that should limit water spills. Circuit boards, soap, water and intricate electrical wiring can be a volatile combination within the washer itself. Add in the possibility of water damage to floors, rugs, walls and the surrounding surfaces, and you've got a potential recipe for a household disaster. Luckily, many of these washer leaks are simple to repair. Check the door seals and gaskets for any wear and tear, especially in front-loading machines. If you see water leaking from the front of the machine, it's a clear sign that the door gasket needs to be replaced. Most gaskets can easily be swapped out by the average homeowner; just check your washing machine repair manual for the correct part number. If you notice leaking water from underneath the machine or the door seal is in good condition, it is quite possible that the leak started at the water inlet hoses at the back of the machine. You should check to make sure there are rubber washers or seals in the ends of the hoses. If so you can tighten the connectors between the machine and the hot and cold water hookups. Your machine might be overfilling as a result of a faulty water level sensor or another hose under the basket is leaking or the waste drain pipe may have a hole in it. Electrical problems are particularly hard to diagnose and should best be fixed by a trained service professional.

Too Much Noise:

Does your washing machine rattle or thump? Does it "walk" cross your laundry room during each cycle? A drum that isn't balanced is probably the problem. Make sure that you're distributing the weight of your laundry evenly throughout the tub. It's also important to make certain your machine is level on the floor. You can level the washer yourself by simply adjusting the legs on the bottom of the machine. You will want the washer to be as near to the floor as it can be. To reduce noise and to prevent "walking", put the machine on a rubber mat or if on concrete, use some pressure treated boards. A loose drum or motor mount can also cause loud banging sounds when your washer is running. Although tightening bolts in the washer is simple, accessing them is difficult. The motor mount is usually located under the tub, and you may have to lean the machine to one side while simultaneously supporting the mount in order to access it. If getting to this area of the washer is hard, you might have to resort to a local washer/dryer repair specialist. If these minor adjustments don't resolve the issue, you may be in need of a motor replacement. Contact your local appliance repair company for more information.

Spin Failure

If your washing machine doesn't spin and is leaving your clothes really wet, there could be a number of failed parts to blame. Checking the belts behind the machine is the simplest solution, if you can see them without taking the washer apart. Your washing machine basket can be prevented from spinning in the proper way when the belt gets jammed or a pulley fails, the belts may become worn, necessitating replacement which is a simple washing machine repair that you can do on your own. If the belt is not warn and is moving freely, the lid switch may need to be replaced. The place where the lid switch is usually located is near the door hinge either in the front or top of the machine. In order to figure out if the lid switch is working right, hold the door open and depress the switch with a pen or other like object. If the machine starts spinning normally, you might need a replacement because the lid switch and plunger are making poor contact. You need to consult your appliance repair manual for the correct part numbers. Installation instructions should ensure that the repair is a relatively easy fix. A motor mounting plate that needs replacement,a worn motor coupling, or a bad clutch may also be a reason for failure of the basket to spin. A lot of work goes into tackling these problems, and a great amount of knowledge on the inner workings of the washing machine is a must. In other words, these are repair actions are best left to professionals experienced in home appliance repair.

You can save money and time with the do-it-yourself washing machine repairs, especially because you won't have to buy a new machine. There are some circumstances, however, under which you should always contact an appliance repair professional. For example, if you're in doubt as to what is causing the problem, it's best to call in the experts. Your washing machine is made of a number of intricate parts, and if you're not sure what you're doing, you run the risk of making the problem worse, or creating new problems. Washing machines that need wiring and electrical work are best repaired by trained technicians. There are a number of resources available to assist with a do-it-yourself project, including the appliance repair manual, instructional videos and diagrams on the Internet, but if you're not confident in your ability to do the job, your washing machine repair technician can make sure the repair is completed properly and safely.