There is no doubt that a washing machine is an essential appliance in most homes, and is very much one that we simply use without much thought! After all, you put the load in, add the detergent, select your washing programme and leave it to do its job. Although quite a simple appliance, a washing machine does have a number of moving parts, and also electronic and computerised systems that allow it to operate.
It also includes many perishable parts, such as seals, that will not last a lifetime. Therefore, it follows that problems and faults can occur, so we have taken a look at the most commonly reported washing machine faults, and whether you can fix them yourself or need the attention of a technician.
Washing Machine is Leaking
If you see a pool of water around your washing machine, you’re not the first person to do so! A leaking machine is perhaps the most common of all washing machine problems, and is usually one that can be easily fixed. However, some instances can be more technical, so it’s worth keeping your technician's number close to hand.
The first thing to do is switch the machine off at the mains – water and electricity do not mix – after which you can start looking for the fault. The most likely culprits are the hoses, both those that bring the water in and the one that sends it out to the drain. They could have worked loose or become damaged or dislodged and, if you inspect them and this is the case, you can fix things in just a few minutes. You might need to buy and fit replacement hoses, and this is also a DIY job that won’t take long at all.
If the hoses are not the problem, then you need to check the drum; is it rusty? If so it could be time for a new machine, as a new drum is not a financially viable option. However, that’s an unlikely cause of leakage, and a more common one is damaged or cracked door seals – they will fail in time as they are rubber and therefore don’t have an infinite life. You’ll be able to see the damage, and you can either follow instructions and replace them yourself or call out the experts.
A blocked filter – as described above – may also be the cause of leakages, and if there is no obvious cause then it is always sensible to call out the experts, so you can stay on the safe side!
