When a washing machine breaks down, it creates considerable inconvenience for the homeowner. Getting an emergency appointment for a callout isn’t cheap and parts may not immediately be available either.

If the problem was preventable, it’s even worse. Also, a launderette may not be able locally, which means a trip is required, consuming half the afternoon to work around the problem.

To avoid such inconveniences, here are some of the more likely breakdown issues that arise with domestic washing machines.

Dirty Water Clogging Up the Internals

Not everyone is blessed with a clean water supply. Sometimes, while the water itself is clean, the pipes from the source to your home are adding contaminants. This can cause added wear to the parts and pump system, which leads to additional issues down the road.

It’s a good idea to add an inline filter to the water line. With a filter, it can screen out from 30 microns down to just half a micron, depending on how bad the water is.

Washer Still Runs But is Excessively Noisy

The noise being heard is often caused by a foreign object left inside the washed clothes that have become dislodged inside the washing machine.

Buzzing Sound

A buzzing or low hum might be heard if the object has reached the pump. Removing it from the pump will solve the issue.

Click… Click… Click

The clicking sound typically is due to the drain clogging from the foreign object. Again, removing it will solve that issue.

Drum Failing to Turn

A drum that won’t turn can be caused by a variety of things. This is certainly one that will need a call out to assist you with it.

The brushes could be excessively worn causing the issue. A bad motor could be the culprit, or the control unit is playing up badly. Also, the drive belt could be stopping the drum from rotating too.

The Drum Remains Empty of Water

The door may not be fully closed or it’s not properly closing due to a fault. This will prevent water from filling the drum as a safety precaution to avoid flooding, but will also cause confusion on your end.

The water supply could have been temporarily turned off. Also, the inlet water pipe could have a leak or a jam which is stopping water from reaching the machine.

Water Stops Draining from the Washing Machine Drum

In a situation where the water remains and isn’t disappearing from the drum after completing a wash cycle, then that’s likely down to the drainage filter being clogged up.

It’s also possible that one of the pumps may have failed too. Also, it’s worth removing the drain hose and checking if it’s got a blockage preventing the water from draining out naturally.

Washing machines are complex household appliances. Sometimes, armed with the manual and some YouTube videos, it is possible to figure out what’s wrong and fix it. But more often than not, calling in an expert is required to diagnose and fix the problem for you.