Washing Machine Troubleshooting

Washing machines are a staple in every household. We rely on them for clean, fresh-smelling laundry, but there may come a time when your washing machine is no longer working as it should. Maybe it's making a strange noise, beeping during the cycle or worse, leaking. This can be inconvenient, especially if it's compromising the efficiency of your washing machine.

If you find that your washing machine isn't working properly, you may not know what to do to try and fix it. Whilst calling a plumber may be your first thought, there are steps you can take first to determine what's wrong with your machine and tips on how to fix a washing machine at home.

Below, we'll troubleshoot some of the most common washing machine issues to help you get to the root cause of the problem and the steps you can take to fix it.

Why is my washing machine taking longer than usual?

One of the most common issues households experience is their washing machine taking longer than usual to finish its cycle, or adding time throughout the wash. You don't need to worry about this typically, but why does it happen?

When you load your washing machine, the appliance will check the amount of water it needs to wash your clothes by the weight of the drum. This is often referred to as 'initial sensing' or 'load sensing'. Your washing machine will shake, and the drum will spin for up to a minute before the wash begins. This helps to detect the weight of the laundry.

The estimated time on your washing machine changes after this takes place. The heavier your load of washing is, the longer it takes. Your washing machine may even adjust the timing during the cycle, taking longer than usual.

To avoid this, only fill your washing machine three-quarters full and balance the load for the most efficient wash.

Why is my washing machine squeaking?

Washing machines make various noises throughout the cycle, but if you notice squeaking, you may need to investigate. There are a few reasons why your machine may start making a squeaking noise:

Bearing issues: If your washing machine's bearings are worn, they can produce a grinding or squeaking sound. This often happens when they become worn and overused. You may notice this noise on older machines.
Belt problems: A loose belt can also cause your machine to squeak. They can wear out, become misaligned, or lose tension, which can all result in squeaking.
Worn shock absorbers: Your washing machine has shock absorbers to dampen vibrations during the spin cycle. When these become worn, you may hear squeaking.

So, how do you fix a washing machine that's squeaking? Firstly, inspect the drum for any signs of damage, loose parts, or foreign objects. Tighten the parts that may be loose, like nuts and bolts but only if you're confident doing so.

You should also check whether the belt is worn or loose. To do this, pull your washing machine away from the wall, and unscrew the panel which is typically at the bottom of the back of the washing machine. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, contact a technician for help. You can then determine whether this needs to be repaired or replaced.

What happens if you overload a washing machine?

Whilst it can be tempting to fit as much into your washing machine as possible — especially when trying to save money on utility bills — this can be detrimental to both your laundry and your washing machine. A few issues you may encounter if you overload a washing machine include:

Incomplete washing: Packing your washing machine full of laundry means your appliance will not be able to agitate your washing effectively, resulting in inadequate water and detergent distribution, leading to incomplete washing.
Uneven distribution of weight: Overloading your washing machine can result in uneven weight distribution, which can have a damaging effect on your machine and cause excess vibration and noise.
Increased wear and tear: Overloading your appliance puts additional pressure on the motor, drum, and other components of your washing machine. This accelerates wear and tear and shortens the lifespan of your machine.
Increased energy consumption: Many of us are trying to reduce our energy consumption due to rising bills. Overloading your washing machine will require longer cycles, resulting in potentially higher utility bills.

Why is my washing machine beeping during a cycle?

Typically when your washing machine is beeping during a cycle, it's signalling a specific problem. All washing machines are different, so you'll need to check your manual for specific brand advice, but some of the reasons your washing machine might beep include:

Error code or fault: Many modern machines come with sensors and diagnostic systems to detect issues during a cycle. If your machine beeps, it's likely alerting you to a problem. A code may appear on your washing machine — check your manual to interpret this.
Door or lid issues: Some washing machines beep if the door or lid is not closed or locked correctly. Make sure the door is shut securely, and the machine's locking mechanism is engaged.
Imbalance and overloading: If your load is imbalanced or overloaded, your washing machine may start beeping. The machine may also try to adjust the load or pause the cycle to prevent damage. If this is the case, redistribute the clothes and resume the cycle.
Water inlet problems: Various water issues may cause your washing machine to beep. Problems with the water inlet valves, water pressure, or water supply can cause beeping. Check your water supply is securely connected and there are no issues or blockages.
Drainage problems: Your washing machine may also beep if it's struggling to drain water. To check whether this is the issue, look for clogs in the drain hose, ensuring it's not kinked or obstructed. You should also check the drain pump is functioning correctly.

Why is my washing machine leaking?

A leaking washing machine can cause concern, and with good reason — water can cause damage to your home. So, what's likely to cause your appliance to leak? There are a few common causes and easy ways to fix your washing machine:

A hole in your washing machine hose: Your washing machine hose carries water from the faucet to your washing machine and back again. If this has a hole or rip, it can cause a leaky washing machine. If the hose is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Water pressure is too high: Check your water pressure. It should read between 40 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch). If it's too high, turn off the water supply. If you can set the pressure regulator, set it to somewhere between these amounts. If it's too low, it may be blocked by sediment — this then causes a leak.
Imbalance and overloading: If your load is imbalanced or overloaded, your washing machine may start beeping. The machine may also try to adjust the load or pause the cycle to prevent damage. If this is the case, redistribute the clothes and resume the cycle.
Your washer isn't level: If your washing machine isn't level, this can cause hoses to tear and your washing machine to leak. If the floor your washing machine is placed on is not level, the machine feet are not the same height, or your spins are improperly loaded with heavy items, this can cause leaking. Use a spirit level to check and correct your washing machine.

Why is my washing machine not draining?

It can be frustrating to notice your washing machine is not draining as it should be, but there are ways you can fix this. It typically points to a blockage in the machine, but it's important to identify why it might be happening:

Drain pump blockage: The drain pump is responsible for pumping the water out of the machine. Most washing machines will have a plastic panel with a flap for the drain pump filter. Opening the filter — carefully as this will produce water — and removing lint and other soft items can fix this issue.
Blocked water waste pipe: This pipe is usually grey and comes out from the back of the machine. If you don't notice any obvious reasons for water not draining, you should inspect the waste pipe. You'll normally notice any blockages at the end of the pipe.
Drain hose blockage: This drain hose is responsible for carrying water out of your machine. If the pipe is clogged or kinked, water may not be able to flow through freely, meaning your washing machine cannot drain.
Broken drain pump: If there are no blockages within your machine, the drain pump may be malfunctioning. The drain pump has an impeller which turns to pump away the water. If it's damaged, it may not be doing its job and may need replacing.

Why does my washing machine make a loud noise when spinning?

You'll notice noises throughout the laundry cycle, whether that's vibrating to determine the weight of the load or the sound of spinning. But when your washing machine starts emitting a loud, unfamiliar noise, it can be worrying. There are a few reasons for a loud washing machine, including:

Unbalanced load: An overfilled or unbalanced drum can cause a loud noise when spinning, causing the machine to vibrate excessively. Make sure the load is evenly distributed inside the drum.
Worn bearings: Over time bearings can wear and become faulty. This can cause loud rumbling and grinding noises during the spin — this could be a sign of wear and damage.
Foreign objects: One of the most obvious causes of loud noises during the wash cycle is foreign objects in the drum or lodged in the washing machine. Objects rattling around can result in loud, unexpected noises.

Whether you're dealing with a leak, strange noise, or your washing machine cycle is taking longer than usual, troubleshooting to fix the problem is possible. Start with the basics, like checking for an unbalanced load, and inspecting the machine for any visible issues or blockages. For more complex issues, contact a plumber to diagnose and correct the problem.

At Marks Electrical, we have a range of washing machines to suit you, at affordable prices. With popular household brands like Samsung, Bosch, LG, and Siemens, you can buy a reliable, efficient washing machine to accommodate your needs and your budget.