Common Washer and Dryer Problems
Doing laundry with your washing machine and dryer is much more efficient. So, encountering problems with these appliances can be quite an inconvenience. What’s worse is that if these issues are not addressed right away, they may worsen and require a costly washer and dryer repair or replacement. Here are some common problems to watch out for:
The Washer Won’t Drain Properly
If your washer is not draining properly, it is likely because of a blockage somewhere in your appliance. When this happens, check your filter or drain hose to see if any debris or foreign objects, like coins or socks, are causing the clog. Remove them to unblock your drains if you find any.
Besides that, a washing machine that won’t drain well may also be caused by a faulty drain pump or by using too much detergent during a cycle, leading to residue buildup. To find out the exact cause of why your washer isn’t draining properly and get efficient repairs, it’s best to reach out to an appliance expert.
The Washer Is Vibrating
While it is normal for your unit to shake when in use, excessive movement is not a good sign. Some common causes for this issue are an imbalanced load or an unlevel washing machine.
To prevent an imbalanced load, avoid putting too many clothes in your washer and only fill it depending on its loading capacity. To see if your unit is uneven, inspect it using a level. If so, adjust the washer’s legs until it is, or use shims under the appliance to create a level base.
The Dryer Isn’t Heating
If your clothes still come out wet even after using your dryer, your unit might not be heating up properly. One of the first things you should do when encountering this is to check whether your dryer is set to the proper temperature. If it is, then it might be caused by a faulty or broken component, such as the thermal fuse or timer.
Identifying the cause of this dryer problem can be difficult if you don’t have the right expertise. So, if you experience this kind of issue with your unit, calling an appliance repair professional is most beneficial.
The Dryer Is Overheating
A dryer that overheats will not only damage your clothes but will also pose a safety risk to your household. This is because too much heat can ignite lint or debris in your machine and start a small fire. So, once you notice any signs of your dryer overheating, turn it off immediately and do not use it until an expert arrives to check on its condition.
Some common causes of this dryer problem include a malfunctioning thermostat or heating element, which can mess with your unit’s temperature. Another possible reason is restricted airflow inside your machine, which causes excess heat to get trapped inside, thus resulting in its overheating.
The Washer and Dryer Won’t Turn On
If your washing machine or dryer won’t turn on, one of the first things you should check is the power supply. The issue might be with the outlet, so try plugging your unit into another one to see if it works. If not, check your circuit breaker and turn it on if it’s tripped. Once you do so and the problem persists, there might be an issue with your machine.
Your washer might not turn on because it’s temporarily overheated. This can be fixed by letting your unit cool down for at least 30 minutes before using it again. Another reason may be a damaged or faulty lid switch. When this happens, the washer cannot detect that it’s completely closed, so it will not start up. Because of the different causes of this problem, it’s best to hire an appliance professional.
Consult an Appliance Repair Expert
Learning about common issues with your washing machine and dryer will help you detect them much faster. Not only will it prevent the problems from worsening, but it will also help avoid costly repairs or appliance replacements. While you can certainly do DIY repairs, having a professional do it for you is most beneficial. If you need washer and dryer repair and maintenance services, talk to an appliance expert.