If the malfunctions of washing machines are better to be fixed by competent professionals, then diagnostics (at least basic) can be done independently. In addition, many modern models support intelligent functions, such as Smart Diagnosis from LG or remote service via Home Connect from Bosch.

First, let's analyze the most typical malfunctions, their possible causes and preventive measures that will help, if not to avoid problems at all, then at least reduce such risks for the user.

Washing machine does not drain water

Sometimes it happens that after the cycle is completed, the washing machine does not drain the water from the drum. If this problem occurs only once, it may be caused by a power outage or other programme failure. Usually it is enough to restart the appliance or force a spin cycle (before this cycle, the drain is performed).

With frequent repetitions of this situation, one can suspect malfunctions of the drain system, which includes the pump, hose and filter. First, you should check the last one, because it needs to be cleaned periodically (even more often than the input one). Small objects (such as buttons), fluff, lint and other pieces of fabric can remain here. In most washing machines, the filter is located at the bottom front and provides a simple maintenance procedure. Before unscrewing it, it is better to spread a rag or towel so that water does not spread on the floor.

A mandatory step in the maintenance of the washing machine is cleaning the drain filter.

The next step in checking the drain system is to assess the patency of the hose. It can get clogged too. But if you got it out of the sewer, hung it in the sink and the water from the washer went fine, then you need to clean the siphon.

If there are no mechanical barriers to the outflow of water into the drain, then the pump has probably outlived its usefulness. If, when draining, there are no sounds of its work or, conversely, an uncharacteristic noise appears, then this part needs to be replaced.

Washing machine does not heat water

Such a breakdown is very insidious and may not be noticed immediately. Indirect confirmation of the lack of heating is the deterioration of the quality of washing. You can make sure that the water in the drum is cold: select a mode with high heating (say, up to 60 °C), and during the wash cycle, when there is water in the drum, touch the hatch glass. If it is not warm, then heating did not occur.

Why does water stay cold? In the vast majority of cases, the case is in a heating element, although there is a small chance that the reason lies in wiring violations, a breakdown of the heating sensor (it does not send a command to the control module to turn on the heater) or other software failures.

The lack of water heating is most often caused by deposits on the heating element.

The heating element can fail as a result of natural wear or power surges, but more often it is “killed” by hard water, due to which the part is covered with scale. It reduces the conductivity of heat and gradually destroys the heating element itself.

If the washing machine does not heat the water, then you need to change the heating element to a new one. The following factors will prevent such a breakdown or recurrence of the problem::

  • water softening. You can install special filter systems, apply descaling agents, or simply add soda ash to the powder tray;
  • choosing a washing machine with a protected heating element, such as nickel-plated, but such models are more expensive than appliances with standard heating elements.
Washing Machines with Nickel-Plated Heating Element

Washer does not draw water

Detecting this breakdown is usually not difficult – you load the laundry, start the cycle, and then nothing happens. The first step is to exclude a factor that does not depend on the washing machine, namely, turning off the water in the house or its very weak pressure. In addition, it is worth checking whether the supply hose is squashed and whether the hatch is tightly closed (if the lock is faulty, then the system considers that the drum is open).

If the factors described above are excluded, then the reasons for the lack of water in the drum may be the following:

  • clogging of the mesh (inlet) filter;
Deposits on the inlet filter can prevent the intake of water.
  • failure of the water sensor;
  • failure of the programmer, the so-called "brain" of the device;
  • clogging of the outlet (drain) filter, if the control system “determines” that it cannot drain the water, then it may not start its intake.

The problem caused by the failure of the software is solved by calling the serviceman. But the first step is to check the inlet filter, which should ideally be cleaned once or twice a year. To access it, turn off the water supply and disconnect the inlet hose (it is located at the top at the back), before it place a container to collect the remaining liquid. Then remove the mesh filter, which is easy to do with pliers. Then it can be washed under running water or left for some time in a solution with citric acid, which will eliminate deposits, and then returned to its place.

The problem can be prevented by softening the water, so that the filter will not actively clog and interfere with the flow of water into the drum.

Washing machine does not spin

One of the reasons for this may be a problem with draining water, as mentioned above. Until it leaves the drum, the spin does not start. If the drain system worked normally, and the laundry remains too wet after finishing work, then the following may be the cause:

  • selection of low speeds or the absence of a spin phase in a specific program (this is not a breakdown, you must additionally set the appropriate cycle);
  • overload of the drum or triggering of the unbalance control sensor. This is also not a failure, but a preventive measure that requires manual redistribution of the laundry inside the washing machine;
  • breakdown of the tachometer – a part that controls the speed, taking into account the weight of the laundry and the programme specified by the user;
  • malfunction of the control module or motor. The last problem is more typical for the so-called "brush" motors.

Spinning problems can be prevented by maintaining the drain filter and loading the drum correctly (in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for specific programmes). The latter factor protects from imbalance and uneven distribution of laundry, reduces wear on the tachometer and other components. The purchase of a machine with a more reliable inverter motor that does not have "brushes" often allows you to avoid malfunctions in the operation of the motor.

Washing Machines with Inverter Motor

The washing machine vibrates strongly, makes noise, “dances” on the floor

Excessive noise and excessive vibrations may be caused by improper installation. The device should be leveled, and if this is not possible, then additionally use silicone pads on the legs or special rugs that act as an anti-vibration barrier, that is, they do not allow the washing machine to “dance” around the room.

To avoid vibrations, the washing machine must be installed correctly – by the level.

The second most common cause of loud noise and vibration is imbalance resulting from overloading or underloading the drum with laundry. And then in the list of causes of vibration there are various breakdowns::

  • running parts backlash;
  • damage or weakening of counterweight fasteners;
  • wear on the shock absorbers and springs that support the drum.

Uncharacteristic sounds in the process of work are most often associated with the fact that foreign objects got into the washing machine (remained in the pockets of clothes), the zipper slider makes noise (it and the rivets must be fastened) or buttons (they, on the contrary, must be left unbuttoned).

The main prevention of noise and vibration is the correct installation of equipment and control of the amount of laundry in the drum. It is overload that most often causes imbalance, and other defects (backlash, damage and loosening of fasteners) occur during intensive use of the device.

Washing machine is leaking

To understand the cause of such a breakdown, you need to identify the place of the leak. Most often, the problem of leakage is associated with:

  • damage to the hose or wear of the gasket at the docking point;
  • malfunction of the inlet or drain pipe;
  • drum crack;
  • wear of the cuff of the hatch;
  • clogged drain filter;
  • failure of control unit (may cause the detergent container to overflow with water).
To fix the leak, you need to understand where the tightness is broken.

In most cases, the leak is eliminated by replacing inexpensive components – gaskets, hose, pipe branches. But it is better to trust this work to professionals.

As a prevention of leaks, periodic maintenance and the choice of a washing machine with a special protective function can act. In the latter case, before buying, it will be useful to further clarify how exactly the device protection system is implemented.

Washing Machines with Leakage Protection

Washing machine does not turn on

The washing machine may not work at all, as if there is no electricity supply, or it may turn on, but not start the cycle. First, you should make sure that everything is fine with the power supply in the apartment. Additionally, you need to check a specific socket (for example, turn on some other household appliance, like a hair dryer). It is also worth inspecting the plug and cord of the washing machine for damage, signs of overheating.

If no problems are found during the check, then it is worth calling the repairmen: the breakdown is probably related to the “insides” of the washing machine, namely the control board.

The washing machine turns on, but the wash does not start

If there is a turning on, but nothing happens further, then it is first recommended to make sure that child lock is not activated, which may interfere with normal interaction with the control panel of the device.

Sometimes the non-responsive controls are just the child lock on.

Washing may not start for the following reasons:

  • the hatch did not close (the lock simply did not snap into place or this mechanism is faulty);
  • the control module has failed;
  • the wiring burned out or there are other problems in the electrical part.

Often, mains failures lead to premature failure of the washing machine software. You can reduce such risks by choosing a model with a surge protection function or by using AVRs (surge protected adapters).

Typical malfunctions of washing machines of different brands

There is an opinion that washing machines of some manufacturers are more prone to breakdowns, while others are less. This statement is true primarily for equipment from completely different price categories. So, the Miele WWD 020 WCS model with a metal tank, of course, is less prone to leaks as a result of its damage than its counterparts in the low and middle price categories with a plastic drum.

The all-metal drum is better protected from wear.

In any case, we do not undertake to assert that brand A washing machine breaks down more often (or less often) than brand B appliance. Often, the specifics of operation and just luck have an even greater impact on durability.

But in addition to different price tags and other variables, washing machines from certain manufacturers also have serious design differences, so with some degree of reservations, we can still talk about specific “weak points” with reference to brands:

  • Indesit washing machines are usually equipped with medium-quality stainless steel heating elements without special coatings. It is better to additionally protect it from scale by softening the water. There are also many narrow models in the brand’s assortment (up to 45 cm deep), and it is believed that these devices have less reliable bearings than full-size counterparts (although this is not only typical for Indesit);
  • a feature of LG washing machines is a tandem of inverter and direct drive, at least this equipment does not have problems with broken belts. The weak points of the models include the rapid clogging of the drain system, which is usually solved by more frequent cleaning of filters and other components;
  • Electrolux washing machines are considered more sensitive to power surges, while they usually lack adequate protection. Occasionally, users complain about software failures, such as skipping a rinse or another stage, but this problem is not systemic;
  • it is believed that Samsung washing machines have reliable electronic equipments and an inverter, and their heating elements sometimes include a ceramic coating that prevents scale formation. Potential weaknesses include a lighter counterweight and a higher risk of vibration if the drum is not installed correctly or overloaded, and the door glass is thin;
  • Bosch washing machines with the same functionality usually cost a little more than competitors, which is offset by greater reliability. Typical malfunctions of brand models include the lack of water heating, but not because of the heating element, but due to a malfunction of the corresponding sensor.
Washing Machines with Direct Drive

How to take care of your washing machine?

Many typical malfunctions are directly or indirectly related to increased water hardness and non-compliance with the recommendations for the maximum load of laundry. With these aspects it is necessary to begin caring for the washing machine. Ideally, before buying, you should check the level of water hardness and, if necessary, install a filtration system or use special anti-scale products.

You can read loading recommendations in the article “How much laundry can be loaded into the washing machine and how to determine the allowable load?”. If you follow these tips, you will be able to avoid vibrations and noise, protect bearings, shock absorbers and the motor from intense wear.

The third most important maintenance rule is the periodic cleaning of the washing machine filters – inlet (mesh) and outlet (drain). Very simple procedures will help to avoid problems with the flow of water into the device after starting the cycle and its removal before spinning.

Other washing machine care instructions:

1. Follow the recommendations (instructions) on the amount of detergents from the manufacturer of appliances and/or washing products. Excess in the absence of automatic dosing is not completely washed out, settles on the heating element, accelerates its wear. Lack of detergent will leave things dirty, requiring you to restart the wash.

2. Do not use washing powders for hand wash.

3. Clean the detergent drawer to prevent plaque formation and bacteria growth. You can also add laundry capsules directly to the drum.

4. Wipe the cuff of the hatch every time after washing, monitor its general condition, if cracks appear, replace it.

5. Run a self-cleaning cycle approximately once a month, and if not, run the standard programme at high temperatures with an empty drum for maintenance purposes.

6. Prepare items for washing, including cleaning very dirty clothes before placing them in the drum, sort items by colour and fabric type, fasten zippers and rivets, undo buttons, check pockets.

It is necessary to sort light and coloured linen.

7. Do not rush to open the hatch handle after the cycle is completed. It usually stays blocked for 1 to 2 minutes. Unnecessary jerks will accelerate wear and tear of the lock.

8. After washing, immediately remove wet clothes so that they do not start to smell bad, and mold does not form on the cuff of the hatch.

9. If the washing machine is idle (for example, you are going on vacation), then unplug it from the socket and turn off the water supply.

10. If you have any doubts or ideas, like “is it possible to do this”, look at the user manual and make sure you're doing everything right.


Remember! Proper care does not guarantee 100% protection against breakdowns, but this way your washing machine will last longer and cause less troubles like the need to contact a repair service.