One of the most commonly asked questions about washing machines is, “Why is my washer not draining or spinning?” Here’s everything you need to know to try and fix yours.
RELATED: How To Repair Leaky Single And Double Handle Faucet Cartridges
Why Is My Washer Not Draining or Spinning? | What You Need to Know
1. Check Your Machine’s Power Supply
Perhaps one of the easiest answers to the question, “Why is my washer not draining or spinning?” is in its power source. If something is wrong with your machine’s power source, it might not even start at all.
Start by checking on your power cord and making sure it’s plugged. The machine’s vigorous movements – which happen more commonly when the load is left unbalanced – may accidentally unplug its power cord.
If your cord is tied, you should also untie it to give it better flexibility. If your machine is plugged and it still doesn’t work, try resetting your circuit breaker.
Look for the circuit breaker and check to see if it’s turned on. If it is, switch it off, wait for five seconds, then switch it back on.
2. Reset Your Machine
If your machine has this function, try performing a master reset on it. Do this by unplugging the washer for a minute before plugging it back in.
Next, open and close its door continuously for about 12 seconds. This should signal to the machine that it should reset everything.
If your machine has this feature, this is a quick and convenient fix you can easily try.
3. Check the Machine’s Position on the Floor
Make sure the machine is set flat on the floor. Machines that are inclined or unbalanced are often programmed to stop functioning automatically to prevent them from falling over.
Check whether the machine is level with the floor or not. If it’s not, you might want to adjust its legs and make sure it’s secured in place.
4. Rebalance the Washer’s Load
Additionally, improperly distributed clothes inside the washing machine can also cause it to stop functioning properly. While most washers will automatically try to balance the clothes inside them, some may not be so successful if the clothes are too heavy.
Having high-absorption materials in your washer such as sheets, towels, jeans, and other thick clothing are common causes of imbalances in load.
Try redistributing the clothes and making sure they’re not all stuck on one side. Once balanced, close the lid and check if the machine starts working again. If load distribution is done properly, it should make your washer work again.
5. Inspect the Lid Switch
“Why is my washer not draining or spinning?” Well, the answer might be in the lid.
Most washers, especially the top-loading ones, only start spinning or draining if the lid is closed securely. Faulty lid switch assemblies may be the cause of your problems.
This area of your washer’s door often has sensors that signal to the machine that the door is closed and it can start working properly. In fact, some machines stop automatically if you try opening the door while it’s running.
Check if this is the problem by closing the lid and watching how the part on the machine connects with its matching component on the washer’s door. The one on the door should sit firmly on the part connected to the machine.
You can also try manually pressing the lid switch with the blunt end of a pencil or pen. If it triggers the washer to start, then you might have to simply extend the stem connected to the lid. Otherwise, it might be time for a lid switch replacement.
RELATED: AC Repair: 9 Common Problems And How To Fix Them To Beat The Summer Heat
6. Check Your Washer’s Water Level Control
A faulty water level control may be the reason behind your machine not draining or spinning as necessary. Fix this by opening the control panel of your machine and checking for a plastic tube connected to the water level valve.
If you see that it’s clogged, use vinegar to clear the clog. If a corroded valve is the problem, it might have to be replaced.
7. Check for Bent Drain Hoses
Another quick fix to the question “Why is my washer not draining or spinning?” Your hose might be kinked.
Check behind your washer and make sure it’s not. Kinked hoses prevent the water from draining through it easily. Straighten your hose and see if that does the trick.
8. Check for Clogs in the Pump or Drain Hose
Socks and other small pieces of clothing can often make their way into the drain system and clog the pump or hose. When this happens, you might open the lid of your washer and find a bunch of clothes floating in a tub of murky water.
If this happens, start by removing the water using a cup and unplugging the machine. Next, remove your washer’s front panel to check whether there are obstructions blocking the drainage.
If you do see something, remove it and the water will most likely be able to drain already. Do remember that removing the hose may cause the water to pour out. Avoid having to clean up afterwards by scooping out as much water from the tub as possible prior to disconnecting the hose.
Additionally, if the clog is actually in the corrugated tube leading up to the pump, then start by unclamping the machine’s tube. Keep a bin or bucket ready nearby since the tube will most likely be filled with water.
Drain the water and check the end of the hose for the clog. If it’s there, you can easily pull it out with your hands or with a pair of pliers.
9. Clean out the Coin Trap
Washers with built-in coin traps are designed to catch any foreign objects before they flow out of the drain. Often, these traps have easy-access panels that you can check and clean out if there is a problem with draining.
10. Have Your Washing Machine Checked by a Professional
If none of the above troubleshooting tips fixed the problem, then it may be best to have your washing machine checked and repaired by a licensed technician. They can easily diagnose the problem and restore your machine to working order.
In addition to, “Why is my washer not draining or spinning?” people also often ask, “Why is my washer not starting?” RepairClinic.com has the answer to that below:
“Why is my washer not draining or spinning?” is one of the most commonly asked questions people ask about their machines. Try the 10 troubleshooting tips we gave above. If none of those work, then it might be time to go to the nearest appliance center and buy yourself a new one.
Aside from the question, “Why is my washer not draining or spinning?” are there other concerns you need help with? Ask us in the comments section below!
UP NEXT:
- Easy DIY Home Automation Ideas For Beginners
- How To Make A DIY Humidifier To Improve Air Quality In Your Home
- 20 Clever Car Hacks To Help Keep Your Car Clean
Calling all crafting DIYhards, DIY Projects needs YOU! Click here if you want to contribute for us.
Don’t forget to stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
The post Why Is My Washer Not Draining or Spinning? | Washer Repair Guide appeared first on DIY Projects Craft Ideas & How To’s for Home Decor with Videos.
