Troubleshooting washing machine faults

How to troubleshoot common UK washing machine faults and breakdowns by a repairman with over 30 years experience.

Warning: You must be aware that electricity can and does kill - even qualified engineers. Never work on an appliance that is not totally unplugged. DIY repair safety and tips

The following washing machine repair help contains general advice only. It may help to solve some basic washing machine faults that don't require an engineer, or to give an idea of how serious a fault may actually be. Never work on a washing machine that is still plugged in! Using this advice is at your own risk.

© Copyright Washerhelp: Please feel free to link to these diy help articles but don't copy and paste them as your own work. Not crediting the author is plagiarism.

Water related: leaks, filling or emptying and heating problems

• Washing machine is leaking
• No water comes into the washing machine
• Washing machine is overfilling
• Washing machine constantly fills with water and goes down the drain
• Washing machine fills with water overnight or when switched off
• Washing machine won't empty water
• If you connect a washing machine in a new house and the washing machine won't empty the water
• Not heating up the water

Programme faults

• The program sticks mid-cycle
• 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 problems

• Holes in clothes after washing
• Laundry (washing) isn't coming out clean or has marks on it
• Laundry comes out of washing machine badly creased

Washing Machine Functioning faults

• Washing machine fusing, or tripping the electrics
• Won't spin or drum doesn't turn on wash
• Drive belt on washing machine won't stay on - keeps coming off
• Won't spin just one item or very small loads (External link to my Blog)
• Washing machine jumps and bangs on spin: How do I avoid out of balance loads?
• Door 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

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
• Black jelly-like substance in soap dispenser and on soap drawer (goes to my Whitegoodshelp Blog)

Other washing machine faults

• What causes grease, slime & black mould in washing machine?
• Washing machine smells or gives off bad odours
• Research Washerhelp's washing machine forum archive
• Washing machine error codes (White goods Blog)
• Looking for Appliance Error codes? (White goods Blog)

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.