How do you fix a Whirlpool washer?
It is frustrating to have problems with your washing machine, as it is a household staple that keeps your family’s laundry clean and fresh. You can do some things to troubleshoot your washing machine on your own. Some issues may require a professional’s help, but there are also some options that you can use before seeking assistance. You can learn how to fix problems with your washing machines and do it-yourself fixes by reading on.
What problems are commonly encountered with washing machines?
A washing machine can have problems with leaks, odors, or loud noises. It may also have trouble draining and spinning. A dirty drain pump can cause these problems in front-load washers. Before troubleshooting, try cleaning the drain pump by removing any lint or debris. Refer to the Use and Care Guide to learn how to wash your specific model.
How to fix a washing machine step by step
Different washer models can require different fixes. This is a brief overview of possible troubleshooting methods. Consult the Use and Care Guide for your appliance or the Installation Instructions before any repair.
The washing machine won’t drain
You may have a kinked or incorrectly installed drain hose or a wrong spin speed.
Step 1. Check the selected spin rate
Double-check your selected spin speed if your clothes are wetter after the wash cycle. Both gentle and delicate spin speeds use a slower spin to avoid wrinkling or stretching fabrics, which leaves more water in the load. For a quicker cycle, like the Normal cycle, you can prevent the excess water from being dumped in the load.
Step 2. Check to see if your drain hose has kinks or is clogged
Find the drain hose behind your washer. Straighten the hose if twisted or crushed to let water flow freely. Consult your model’s Care and Use Guide to learn how to remove the drainpipe or hose and check for obstructions.
Step 3. Check the height of the drain hose
For washing machines to function correctly, they have minimum and maximum requirements for drain height. The drainpipe must be 96 inches and no lower than 39 inches for most Whirlpool. Installing drain pipes above the maximum height can cause water to flow into the washer. Consult your specific model’s Use and Care Guide to determine installation requirements. Adjust hose height accordingly.
The washing machine won’t spin
To properly wash and drain water, a washer must rotate. An unbalanced load or power problem may be causing your washer not to spin correctly.
Step1: Check the load to determine if it is balanced
The laundry load should be loosely arranged to avoid slowing the spinning speed. Clothing excessively wet after a washing cycle can indicate that your load is too big. If this happens, remove the items to lighten the wash load. Pair similar items when washing to avoid the load becoming unbalanced.
Step 2: Check if the power has gone out
During a wash cycle, power outages can prevent a washer from reaching full spin speed. Start a spin cycle to drain the remaining water in a power interruption.
Step 3: Check the level of the washer
A washing machine that isn’t leveled can have an imbalanced load or cause it to make excessive noises. Check that your washing machine’s level is correct and complete any necessary adjustments. Refer to the user manual of your particular model for instructions on leveling.
The washing machine is leaking
You can fix a leaking washer by following a few easy steps. You can specify a leaky washer by tightening the hose connection or cleaning the drain pump filter and door seal.
Step 1. Check the hose connections
Check for damaged, missing, or loose rubber washers. As needed, tighten any loose washers or connections.
Step 2. Checking the door seal
The door seal will likely cause water to leak from your front-load washer. To remove dirt and debris, wipe the seal with a damp cloth. If that doesn’t solve the issue, something could be stuck underneath. Pull the seal back to check for any debris lodged underneath. You will need to replace the seal if you find tears.
Odors are coming from the washing machine
The most common causes of unpleasant odors in your washing machine include: A need for cleaning. Leaving a load inside too long. Using excessive detergent or fabric conditioner. You can quickly fix these problems.
Clean Your Washer
You can use a fresh Washing Machine Cleaner tablets1 or other household items to clean your washer. Use afresh, Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets1 or any other household item to cleanse your washer.
Remove all loads after each cycle
Leaving your laundry in the Machine for too long can develop a musty smell and cause an odor. Remove clothing as soon as it is finished being washed to prevent the formation of odors.
Reduce the amount of detergent used in washing loads
Too much detergent will cause your Machine to leave behind residue and emit unwanted smells. Follow the directions on the detergent bottle to avoid excessive usage. Use the cap of the detergent bottle to measure the right amount for the size of the load.
My washing machine is making loud sounds
Some sounds that come from your washing machine should not cause concern. However, others could indicate a malfunction.
Grinding and Clunking
Normal sounds like clunking or grinding occur when the drive system changes from agitation mode to full rotation. You may need to call a professional if the noise sounds louder than usual like metal grinding against metal.
Vibrating or rattling
When the washer is out of balance or not level, it will vibrate or rattle. How to stop your washing machine from shaky. Remove items from the washing cycle to lighten your load. You may need to adjust the unit level if the noise persists.
A gurgling and humming sound
The sound of a continuous humming during your wash cycle is regular. This is usually accompanied by periodic gurgling as the water is removed from the load.
Clicking sounds or metallic sounds
When the lid of the washer is locked into place, or metal buttons or zippers on clothing bump against the Machine while a cycle is running, clicking noises can occur. Empty your pockets before loading the items to avoid coins and small objects falling between the baskets and tubs.