Washing Machine Not Working? Check These 4 Common Problems

A washing machine is one of the greatest conveniences in your home. It’s not strictly necessary; there are facilities where you can go to launder your clothes if needed. Nevertheless, it is a huge time saver to be able to do your laundry in your own home. Therefore, when the washing machine isn’t working, you really feel the lack right away.

There are several reasons why a washing machine may malfunction, either stopping in the middle of the cycle or not starting at all. Some are relatively simple; you may be able to correct them yourself. Otherwise, you probably need to call a plumber in Victoria B.C. 

1. The Power Plug Is Pulled Out

One of the most common reasons for a washing machine to stop working, but also one that is easiest to overlook, is that the plug is pulled out, meaning that the washing machine is not receiving any power. If your washer isn’t working, the first thing you should check is whether the plug is still in place, especially if it stops in the middle of the cycle. Sometimes the agitation of a washing machine is so strong that it can actually pull its own plug out. 

2. The Circuit Breaker Has Tripped

Another reason why the washing machine is not receiving power is that the breaker has flipped. This is the second thing you should check after confirming that the washer is still plugged in. The breaker is a safety device that trips or flips when the power to the circuit is more than it can handle. This can happen due to a sudden power surge, such as might occur from a lightning strike, or when two appliances are trying to run on the same circuit at the same time. You can restore power to the washer by flipping the breaker back, and if the problem was a power surge, that may resolve the issue completely. However, if the problem is an overloaded circuit, you may have to call handyman services in Victoria to suggest a long-term solution to the problem. 

3. The Washer Motor Is Broken

If your washer seems like it is about to start and then fails to do so, it means the washer motor has broken down completely. This usually doesn’t occur without warning. When a washing machine motor starts to fail, it typically starts making unusual noises first: 

• Buzzing
• Whirring
• Humming
• Whining

A problem with the washing machine motor, whether it is failing or already broken down, requires professional repair or replacement. If you call handyman services in Victoria at the first sign of trouble, you may be able to minimize the damage. 

4. There Is a Problem With Either the Timer or the Start Switch

When you go to start the washing machine, you set the timer for how long you want it to run and then you activate the start switch. Depending on what kind of washer you have, the start switch may activate by pulling, pushing, flipping, etc. If there is a problem with either the timer or the start switch, nothing happens when you try to turn on the washing machine.

This is a situation in which you may sometimes be able to correct the problem yourself. It depends on the type of washer you have; if you have a top-loading washer, you may be able to remove the backplate of the top control panel to replace the start switch or timer yourself. If it is a front-loading washer, the process is more complicated because the timer and start switch are integrated into the computer system. 

Call Us for Handyman Services in Victoria

Even if you can handle the repairs yourself, it is never a bad idea to call in professionals to make sure the job gets done right the first time. Learn more about the repair services available in Victoria from Handyman Connection.