Learning About Repairing Washers and Dryers

If you have an older washing machine, you may wonder if it is in danger of breaking down on you soon. If so, look for the following three signs that your washing machine is getting ready to quit on you.

Starts Walking Across the Floor

One sign that your washing machine is about to break down is that it suddenly starts walking across the floor during every load of laundry. While this movement could happen every once in a while because of an uneven or heavy load, constant shifting could indicate a problem.

If your washer seems to constantly move a few inches during the spin cycle, there could be an issue with the drum. The belt could be loose or the drum itself may be out of alignment. If either of these scenarios is the cause of the issue, the machine may be easy to fix for a repairman.

Drum Does Not Fill All the Way

Another sign that there is a problem with your machine is when water does not fill up the drum completely. One possible cause of this problem is that one of the water hoses is kinked so you may want to check them before blaming the problem on the machine itself.

However, if the hoses appear to be in good working order, the problem could like with the internal water valve or level sensor. For either of these issues, having someone replace the faulty part may fix the problem.

Agitation Is Slow or Non-Existent 

If you find that your clothes are not completely clean, check to see if the washer is fully agitating during the wash and rinse cycles. If the drum barely moves or stays stationary during these cycles, there are a couple of possible problems.

One possible cause is that the belt may have become loose or slipped off. A professional may be able to replace the belt to repair the problem.

However, if it is found that the belt is not the issue, your machine's motor may be burning out. A repairman could determine whether or not replacing the motor would be worth the cost.

If you notice any of the above signs, your washing machine may be ready to break down, leaving you without a way to wash your clothes. Before you go out and buy a new one, however, contact a home appliance repair service to have them inspect the machine and discuss with you any options for repairing the machine.