Washing Machine Repairs
Washerhelp contains free information on most aspects of UK washing machines by an engineer with 30 years experience in the trade. ( Washerhelp is part of Whitegoodshelp )
This repairs section contains advice on -
- Choosing a repair engineer or company
- How to search for an engineer for your post code
- General DIY washing machine repair advice
DIY Repair Safety
Trying to repair your own washing machine if you aren't qualified is dangerous although there are some simple repairs that can be tackled.
If you are determined to have a go yourself, then please read the advice about DIY repair safety which also includes tips on things to watch out for after repairing a washing machine so you don't introduce new faults. Particularly note the advice in I've turned the washing machine off at the socket or its own on off switch - I can't get a shock now can I?
DIY safety
- Is it dangerous attempting to repair my own washing machine?
- What is the best way to help someone who is getting an electric shock?
- Is there anything I should never do?
- I've turned the washing machine off at the socket or its own on off switch - I can't get a shock now can I?
- What things do I need to watch out for after repairing or installing a washing machine?
- What about other safety issues (non electrical)?
Remember, complacency is dangerous. Over the years, I've heard about many DIY enthusiasts and even trained domestic appliance service engineers getting electrocuted and killed. You should never work on a washing machine while it is still plugged in. You should also make absolutely sure that it is in fact really disconnected from the electricity supply.
Please, even if you feel confident with electricity, read the DIY safety points above which will almost certainly contain something new to bear in mind. (For example, some new washing machine modules can now give an electric shock even after the washing machine is unplugged!)
NEVER TRY TO GET VOLTAGE READINGS FROM A LIVE WASHING MACHINE!
In order to see if electricity is flowing through components we use continuity test meters with the machine UNPLUGGED, which puts harmless battery powered low amperage and low voltage through. Trying to get readings from a live machine is both crude and dangerous!
DIY Repair Tips
Please, even if you feel confident with electricity, read the DIY safety points above which will almost certainly contain something new to bear in mind. (For example, some new washing machine modules can now give an electric shock even after the washing machine is unplugged!)
- What's the best way to pull a washing machine out?
- Can I turn the washing machine upside down?
- Do I need any special tools or equipment?
- Is it possible to introduce new faults while repairing or installing a washing machine?
- How to find a spare part - what information you need from the washing machine
- Where to find the proper model number and serial number on a washing machine
Book washing machine repair
0800 Repairs : Book repairs online. 0800 repairs is a nationwide appliance repair company using exclusive franchised dealers and offering repairs on household appliances (including of course washing machines and washer dryers). They have extensive UK & Ireland coverage - though there might be pockets where no coverage is available (Postcode checker available on site). They offer 9am - 6pm appointments on weekdays for only £60 labour, which is reasonable. They also offer 6pm - 8pm slots for just £10 extra, and Saturday & Sunday appointments as a premium service.
- Fully trained and CRB vetted
- Workmanship fully guaranteed and insured
- Service with pride and passion
- Professional service at a sensible price
- Book repair online (TIP: Click a date on the appointment calender to get a quote of cost. Dishwashers are listed under laundry)
DIY washing machine repair help
As the cost of professional repairs gets closer and closer to the cost of buying a new washing machine, DIY washing machine repairs have become more and more popular. However, it could end up being more trouble than it's worth, so you should be confident you know what you're doing before tackling DIY repairs.
You should seriously be aware of the potential dangers, and should never work with electrical appliances unless you are competent to do so.
If you are determined to have a go yourself, then please read the advice about DIY repair safety on the left column which also includes repairman's tips on things to watch out for after repairing a washing machines. Particularly note the advice in I've turned the washing machine off at the socket or its own on off switch - I can't get a shock now can I?
Common washing machine faults *
This is a list of some of the most common washing machine faults with advice that can help either fix it yourself or at least give an idea of the seriousness of the fault. Even if a symptom ends up being described as something too complex for a diy repair attempt this is still useful to find out.
Please don't pass on this information as your own work
Feel free to use small quotes as long as you place a link to my original source. Don't copy full answers to questions and paste them into sites like fixya and forums. Just paste a small section and link back to the article on Washerhelp.
The contents of Washerhelp are protected by Copyright. Please don't Plagiarise.
Water leaks, filling, and heating problems
- No water comes into the washing machine
- Washing machine fills with water overnight or when switched off
- Washing machine won't empty water
- Not heating up the water
- Washing machine is overfilling
- Washing machine is leaking
- Washing machine constantly fills with water and goes down the drain
Washing problems and programme faults
- The program sticks mid-cycle
- Holes in clothes from washing machines (External link: my Blog)
- Laundry (washing) isn't coming out clean or has marks on it?
- Laundry comes out of washing machine badly creased
- Washing machine stops with an error code
- Washing machine stops with lights flashing
- Washing machine empties water and aborts programme just after starting, or mid-wash
- Program selector knob (dial) clicks round continuously
- Hotpoint washing machine shows tESt in display
Washing Machine Functioning faults
- Washing machine is fusing, or tripping the electrics
- Drum doesn't turn or washing machine won't spin
- Washing machine won't spin just one item or very small loads (External link to my Blog)
- Door is jammed and won't open
- Door broken (or) hinge broken
- Washing machine is dead and wont start
- Washing machine is noisy
- Electric shocks from the washing machine
- Washing machine smells or gives off bad odours
- Washing machine smells - causes of grease, slime & black mould in washing machine
Fabric Conditioner Problems
- Fabric conditioner doesn't get taken into washing machine
- Fabric conditioner gets taken out too soon
- Fabric conditioner / rinse aid compartment is always full of water
Other
- Research Washerhelp's washing machine forum archive
- Washing machine error codes (White goods Blog)
- Looking for Appliance Error codes? (White goods Blog)
* DISCLAIMER:
You must be competent to carry out repairs, and must accept responsibility for your own and other people's safety.
Whilst I use all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained on Washerhelp is correct and accurate, no representations or warranties are made (express or implied) as to the reliability, accuracy or completeness of such information. I therefore cannot be held liable for any loss arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or any action taken in reliance on, any information appearing on this web site, which is given free of charge and in good faith.
Washing Machine Repairers
Washing machine faulty?
There are many issues relating to having a washing machine engineer call to your house that are covered in this repairs section. (including links to find a washing machine repairer in your post code area).
- Book a washing machine repair - or another white goods appliance repair
- Should I use the manufacturer or an independent repair company?
- What are the call out and labour charges by the washing machine manufacturers?
- I have a 5 year parts guarantee - should I use it?
- I need someone quick, should I try an immediate call-out repairman?
- Should I look for a free estimate?
- Should I pay a call-out charge?
- Should I call a repairman out of normal working hours?
- Should I let my washing machine be taken away for repairs?
- Should I have my washing machine serviced regularly?
Please Note:
All information is meant to be fair and balanced and is my own personal opinion based on 30 years experience. All advice is given in good faith and without liability, and is meant as a general guideline only.
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