Washing machine: all possible breakdowns and our solutions to easily repair them: Femme Actuelle The MAG

The washing machine broke? Just thinking about it makes us nervous. An essential appliance in our homes, it quickly becomes problematic to go without it for too long … Also the bad reflex could be to replace it as soon as possible. Pity ! Because many breakdowns can be avoided by following simple advice. And if the damage is done, most repairs are inexpensive or even free thanks to cleaning and above all within everyone's reach! The experts at SOS Accessoire give us all their advice to stop being fooled!

Here is the list of the most common failures on a washing machine:

What if the washing machine does not spin?

This function is essential to speed up the drying washed clothes. However, a simple power cut can stop the current program. In this case, restart a rinse / spin cycle.

Do you know the symptom of unbalance ? This happens when washing a duvet cover with other textiles that will fit into the cover and form a ball that will compromise the spinning or even cancel it for safety. Make sure to respect the maximum permitted laundry weight and correctly distribute the textiles in the drum. Little tip: isolate your duvet covers by placing them in a laundry net.

Remember to empty the pockets of your clothes before washing them in the machine. Otherwise, beware of small elements (parts, bars, etc.) which could block the propeller of the drain pump and thus prevent the appliance from draining.

Likewise, do you know about orphan sock syndrome? Indeed, who has never been surprised to see one of their socks disappear after a machine? Rest assured, they are not prankster elves, the explanation is much more rational: these small textiles sometimes manage to slip between the porthole seal and the drum during the spinning process to complete their journey in the tub hose- pump. Result identical to the previous one: the device can no longer evacuate the water …

Also watch out for foam parties in your device! Avoid overdosing with detergent because excess foam will also reduce the effectiveness of the spin …

Let's move on to technical problems: a broken or slack belt, worn motor brushes, a problem with a clogged solenoid valve or a faulty electronic card can prevent your device from spinning properly.

My washing machine is filling with water too slowly

Have you noticed that your washing machine is taking a long time to fill? First, check the installation of your appliance and in particular the water supply tap: it may not be open enough! This is often the case if you are in the presence of a self-piercing faucet.

Then, check that the drain pipe is not pushed too far (10 cm maximum) into the pipe otherwise beware of the phenomenon of siphoning! The discharge tube must also be at least 65 cm high from the ground.

Pay attention to the solenoid valve located on the water inlet pipe. If it is blocked by sand in the pipes, it will be difficult for water to enter. If after checking it turns out that the solenoid valve is defective, consider replacing it.

Similarly, the compression chamber used to know the water level in the washing machine, can also be clogged with dirt. A good cleaning should then be sufficient to resolve the malfunction.

As for the pressure switch, it is used not only to determine the quantity of water but also to trigger the filling. You will understand that in the event of a filling anomaly, this element should be checked using a multimeter since the latter is not of the analog type and then replaced if necessary.

Finally as a last resort, you will have to look at the electronic card of your washing machine which, if it is defective, will no longer give the correct indications to the technical elements of the appliance.

My washing machine smells bad

What to do if a unpleasant smell leaking from your washing machine? Well, ask yourself the right questions about your usage habits. First, what wash temperature do you use most often? 30 °? It is certainly more economical and ecological, but it does not always have to be systematized … Wash at 60 ° or even 90 ° to wash your bed linen, towels or tea towels.

Also, beware of stagnation of humidity between 2 machines: you will more easily prevent the appearance of mold by leaving the door of your appliance open as well as the detergent drawer.

Once again, check your installation as poor sewage disposal can lead to the appearance of foul odors.

Finally, avoid overdosing with detergent or fabric softener to prevent residues from stagnating in the appliance which can lead to the phenomenon of brown mud on your freshly washed clothes!

The washing machine stains the clothes: what can I do?

We agree that the job of a washing machine is to clean your textiles … and not to dirty them. However, sometimes it happens that when you take your things out of the drum you notice suspicious stains that were not present before … How to explain that?

First of all, if you have overloaded the drum of your machine, the detergent will have difficulty dissolving and may leave product residue on your clothes. A little trick to avoid this? You should be able to place the height of your hand between the laundry and the top of the drum. Otherwise, textiles must be removed.

The siphoning phenomenon can cause this inconvenience, that the waste water will go back to your machine instead of being discharged. To avoid it, check that your installation of the device allows both a good inlet of water and drainage of wastewater.

Even if you like your laundry to smell clean, be reasonable with fabric softener. Otherwise, the liquid may overflow and flow onto your textiles at the start of the cycle and thus leave traces that are sometimes difficult to remove.

If you notice grayish spots, the avenue to explore is that of resistance. Indeed, if it is very calcified it will end up releasing pieces of tartar heated several times taking a gray tint and which will be deposited on the laundry.

On the other hand, if the stains are rusty or black, you should suspect the bearings of your washing machine which rub during spinning and release particles of rust or grease.

Finally, the mold stains that form on the door seal of your appliance can also settle and stain your things.

The washing machine makes noise: is it serious?

Your washing machine became particularly noisy ? It doesn't have to be serious. Most frequently, it is the door seal which, by deforming or wearing out, will generate sometimes shrill noises of friction on the drum. Attempt to replace the gasket and if that is not enough, change it.

A dirty drain pump can also make an abnormal sound. First, check that the element is not simply blocked by a small object (screw, coins) and if the problem persists, it will be necessary to change the pump.

Likewise, something can block the lock on your machine. You will then hear a persistent click. Otherwise, test the part in question and replace it if it turns out to be defective. It often happens that an object gets stuck between the tub and the drum (a classic with bra stays). The trick to avoiding this phenomenon is to place clothes with items that are likely to come off in a laundry net.

Finally, the failure of a certain number of technical parts can generate unusual noises such as the solenoid valve, the bearings or bearings, the counterweight that has come off, worn shock absorbers, a malfunction of the engine or a pulley that has come off. is damaged. All these elements should be checked one after the other to be replaced if necessary.

To do this, follow the steps in this diagnostic aid: https://www.sos-accessoire.com/lave-linge-fait-du-bruit.html

What should I do if the washing machine door or the washing machine door no longer opens?

Despite your best efforts, you can no longer open the door of your washing machine?

First check that the device is properly supplied with electricity. To do this, plug another device into the socket. Wait 20 minutes before plugging your machine back in as this may be enough to unlock the opening lock.

You have applied a little too much and the handle is still in your hands: no need to look any further: remove and replace the handle. If you need to open your device in an emergency to remove wet clothes, the twine trick should get you off the hook.

Likewise, if the door lock on your washing machine is faulty, replace it without delay. Do not wait to intervene because it can even be very dangerous if a child has the bad idea of ​​wanting to open the device in full program!

Your appliance is designed to open only when the water is drained. Also, a defect of emptying can prevent the door from opening. In this case, a quick check of the element should be carried out by removing any small objects that could block it or even damage it to the point of having to replace it.

Similarly, a security will prevent opening the device if it is too hot. In this case, it is the temperature sensor that should be suspected. Test it with a multimeter and replace it if it is found to be defective.

As for a defective pressure switch, it will indicate that the quantity of water is too large to allow the window to open.

Finally, the electronic card, the real brain of your device, will no longer give the correct information if it is damaged. An element which is often expensive and therefore to be blamed as a last resort.

Why does my washing machine not start?

There are many reasons that can prevent your washing machine from starting. Also, proceed from the simplest to the most technical. First reflex of course, control thepower supply of the device. Sometimes leaving the device unplugged for 20 minutes is enough to resolve the problem.

Check that the program selector is correctly positioned and not between 2 washing programs: this happens more often than you think! Once again, safety first. Also, when the door lock is faulty, it makes sense that the washing machine will no longer start. Check the element and replace it if necessary. In addition, the water supply to your installation may be a problem if a hose is too bent or even bent or if the filter in the water inlet hose is blocked.

Motor carbon brushes are a necessary wearing part for the engine to function properly. They work in pairs and should be at least 1cm long. If not, now is the time to replace them.

Then check the following technical elements using a multimeter: solenoid valve, resistance. As a last resort, inspect the electronic module which controls all functions of the machine. If it is faulty, it will have to be changed.

The washing machine does not wash / drain: what solutions?

This is one of the most classic breakdowns: the water no longer drains from the device.

The first rescue action is to inspect the drain filter. Indeed, its propeller is often blocked by an object forgotten in the pockets of clothes. It is then sufficient to clean it for the device to be operational again. Water drainage can also be affected by a poorly positioned or clogged drain hose. It will then be sufficient to put it back in place or replace it if it is worn.

The tank-pump hose is an essential part of the good water outlet from the drum. However, it happens that small textiles pass between the drum and the seal of the washing machine and obstruct this element. A simple cleaning may suffice or a replacement if the part wears out.

A faulty solenoid valve, a broken belt are parts to check in the event of an oil change problem. Likewise, improper installation of the appliance leading to a siphoning phenomenon or even a bad dosage of detergent producing too much foam prevents good drainage of wastewater.

My washing machine damages or shrinks my laundry, can it be repaired?

In this case, start by questioning yourself … Did you choose the good washing program for your wool sweater? The easiest way is to follow the washing instructions on the label of your clothes.

Sometimes it is also the laundry that is not suitable for delicate laundry for example, or too generous a dosage which can leave residue on your laundry. Also be careful with the fabric softener, which may stain textiles irreversibly in the event of the wrong dosage.

Temperature has an important role depending on the nature of the textiles. Also, if the temperature sensor malfunctions, the water may heat up more than desired and thus shrink your laundry. This also applies to the thermostat. These two elements should therefore be checked and replaced if necessary.

Also, take a look at the vanes that are in the drum of your machine. Intended for stirring the laundry for better cleaning, they can chip, break or have rough edges that will damage delicate laundry. In this case, they will need to be replaced and the good news is, it's easy to do! The drum itself can have rough edges that can catch the laundry. Any tip to find out? Use a used pantyhose and rub it on the wall of the drum. You can then spot where it hangs. Since it is tedious and not always feasible to replace a drum, try to correct the fault with the help of a Phillips screwdriver or a small file. And even a simple bra rib or any other object that gets stuck in a hole in the drum can degrade your textiles.

The washing machine no longer rinses

Two main reasons will prevent a washing machine from rinsing properly. Again, a check of the filter and the drain pump is necessary first. A good cleaning is often enough to solve the problem.

The second suspect to be favored will be the drain hose which, if it is blocked by small textiles or clogged by laundry residue, will prevent effective flushing. If its cleaning is not enough, it will be necessary to change it.

Why is my washing machine tripping my house?

You start your machine and it's blackout! Your Electrical Installation tripped. There is no doubt in this case that the washing machine is in question. First, check the resistance which could be electrically leaking. A simple test with a multimeter will allow you to verify this. If everything is ok on that side, do the same to check if the drain pump has shorted out due to a water leak. More generally, inspect your device for signs of leaks.

Finally, a wiring check is also recommended because a simple bare wire can cause the washing machine to trip your electric meter. To do this, the panels of the device will have to be removed.

Another part can be involved: the machine's door safety if, for example, an excess of foam manages to penetrate into this element or there is a short circuit on the door safety connector. This short-circuit phenomenon can also appear on the on / off switch which will have to be replaced. Finally, the engine is also sensitive to any heating or leakage of liquid which will have the effect of bringing the device to safety by tripping the circuit breaker. It will then be necessary to test it and change it if necessary.

Can you fix a washing machine that stops during a cycle?

Although it may seem obvious, check that the device has not unplugged or if you have a power outage. If the machine stops quickly after starting, this indicates a potential concern with the water supply. You will have to check your installation because a water inlet fault will be enough to put the device in the off position. Likewise, the siphoning phenomenon linked to the improper arrangement of the evacuation device will have the same effect.

Also pay attention to the full tank button, which may have been accidentally activated: it tells it to stop when the tank is full!

Other elements, clogged or blocked by foreign bodies will cause the machine to stop in full program: the solenoid valve filter clogged when filling the water or the pump propeller blocked when draining. These items will often require simple cleaning or replacement if damaged.

Finally, the elements involved in heating the water (resistance, temperature probe) will also have this consequence if they are defective. Not to mention three key parts that can stop your device dead because of their failure: the door security, the motor and the electronic card.

How can I prevent the washing machine from vibrating and moving?

Your washing machine has an annoying tendency to move, particularly when spin phase ? First, check the amount and type of laundry placed in the drum. The unbalance phenomenon during spinning is favored by a tub that is too full or a fabric such as a duvet cover which will have captured all the rest of the laundry put in the machine.

Also check that your appliance is properly installed on a flat and hard surface, preferably avoiding excessively slippery or soft floors such as a thick carpet. Likewise, a washing machine must be placed flat thanks to the precise adjustment of its 4 feet. There's nothing like a good bubble level or, if you don't have the tools, a smartphone with this function.

But more simply, during the first installation of the device, did you think about removing the transport flanges ? Indeed, these elements must be removed once the machine is installed otherwise the tank will be irreversibly damaged.

Then inevitable: the inspection of the drain pump because if the evacuation of the water is difficult, the residual water may cause the device to move excessively during the rinsing phase. Ditto for the drain hose which, if it is clogged, may also abuse the washing machine while spinning. In both of these cases, a good cleaning is often enough to solve the problem.

Finally, two elements related to the maintenance of the tank of the device during the rotation of the drum must be checked in this case: the two shock absorbers as well as the counterweight which must be replaced respectively in the event of wear or tightened.

Finally, a problem with the tachometer may cause the motor to runaway and therefore the rotation of the drum, which will cause the device to stop completely. After testing this item, replace it if necessary.

What to check if the washing machine drum stops spinning

It’s so frustrating that the machine turns on and seems to start a program but the drum remains desperately still! As a matter of conscience, check that everything is ok with the power supply to the washing machine. Then monitor the amount of laundry in the drum, some appliances being equipped with an anti-unbalance system, they will not start if the maximum authorized weight is exceeded.

It may simply be a faulty door safety or a handle that no longer makes contact that will prevent the drum from moving. Regularly, a slack or broken belt will logically block the rotation of the drum.

Many technical parts can in fact prevent the washing machine from functioning normally: a clogged solenoid valve, a faulty thermostat, a resistance that no longer heats up properly, a broken motor … discover here all the possible causes for this washing machine failure .

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