Washing Machine Diagnostics

The problems with washing machines are many and varied.
We will endeavour to summarise them here, as concisely as possible.
One simple treatment that will help keep your washing machine running more effectively, and save on detergent is our Washing Machine Descaler. Please click to order.

Bearings
If the washing machine / tumble dryer / twin tub is making a loud rumbling noise when running, unplug it, take the rear cover off and remove the drive belt. Then turn the inner drum by hand. If there is a grating noise, the bearings will almost certainly need replacing. To check price and availability, or place an order for the bearings for your machine, please return to the Home Page to find your make and model.

Belts
If the washing machine / tumble dryer / spin dryer seems to be making the right sort of noises, but the drum is not turning, unplug it, take the rear cover off and check to see if the drive belt is still intact and on the pulleys. If the belt has broken or stretched, please return to the Home Page to find your make and model.

Motor/Carbon Brushes
If the washine machine motor runs, but refuses to go into spin mode, a good possibility is that the carbon brushes have worn (this is particularly prevalent on Hotpoint machines). They are normally quite straightforward to replace. Return to the Home Page to find your make and model.

Door Boots
If you suspect the door boot is the cause of a leak, tilt the machine back and place a large sheet of cardboard underneath. Stand the machine back down. Run the machine through a cycle, then tilt it back again. You should be able to see from what area of the machine the water is coming. Return to the Home Page to find your make and model.

Plumbing
We are able to supply a very simple-to-use kit for either plumbing in your automatic washing machine or dishwasher in, or plumbing out for the waste hose. Both kits have a "self-cutting" arrangement, eliminating the need for using difficult tools for cutting copper or plastic pipes. There is no need even to turn the mains water supply off when plumbing-in your washing machine, or dishwasher. The drain kit incorporates an anti-return valve to eliminate waste water being forced back into the machine, if a partial blockage of the waste hose occurs.

Solenoids
Solenoids are basically "electric taps" and the seals inside can become swollen which stops the tap from turning on or off. If your machine will not fill, or will not stop filling, this is the first place to check. Return to the Home Page to find your make and model.

Thermostats
There are various types of thermostats, or thermal cutouts used on washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers.
On washing machines, the thermostat simply regulates the temperature of the water. If it fails, the water will not be heated (even if the heating element is functioning).
Tumble dryers tend to have 3 thermostats/thermal cutouts. One controls the heat output of the heating element. One monitors the temperature of the exhaust from the machine, and one is used as a safety cutout.
All are easy to replace. Return to the Home Page to find your make and model.

Timers
The timer, or programmer, is the "brains" of any machine.
The most common type of failure is when the timer refuses to "click on" to the next part of the program. This can be the fault of the timer itself (perhaps a worn cog), or it may be that a component the timer is asking to perform it's function (such as the heating element, or a pressure switch), has failed.
Because of the complexity of this component, and the possible (apparent) faults, it is probably wise to call in a reputable expert when you suspect this item to be at fault.

For further help with repairs, try www.howtomendit.com