The Most Common Washer Repairs in 2024

In the fast-paced world of technology, even our household appliances have evolved, and washing machines are no exception. As we step into 2024, it's crucial to stay informed about the most common washing machine repairs to keep your laundry routine running smoothly. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top issues you might face and provide practical solutions for each.

Unusual Noises During Washer Operation

Unusual noises during washer operation can be caused by various issues. You’ll typically need to address unusual noises immediately to avoid washer damage and prevent a complete breakdown.

Here are some common causes of washing machine noises and recommended solutions.

Washer Banging or Thumping While Spinning

Banging or thumping noise during the spin cycle often indicates the laundry load is unbalanced.

The simple solution for this problem is to stop the washer and redistribute the load. In some situations, you may need to add or remove items from the washer load to balance it out. The washing machine may not be able to balance a load that’s too small or too large.

Note: Front-load washers often thump when starting the spin cycle, but this noise often disappears as the washer balances the load and starts spinning at high speed. In this case, the thumping noise is likely normal.

If an unbalanced load isn’t causing the banging, a problem with the suspension system could be causing the noise. Try running a spin cycle with the washer empty. If the washer bangs or thumps loudly while empty, you’ll likely need to have a service technician replace a broken suspension part such as a shock absorber or suspension spring.

Roaring Sound When the Washer Spins

One of the most common causes for a roaring noise as the washer spins in caused by a leveling leg not being adjusted properly. Press down on diagonally opposing corners and check to see if the washer wobbles. If it does, adjust the short leveling leg to stabilize the washer. If the leveling legs have locking nuts, lock all leveling legs in place to avoid future problems. Follow the steps described in the owner’s manual to adjust and lock levelling legs on your washer.

A more serious cause of roaring noise in a washer is caused by a worn spin bearing. If you found no problems with the leveling legs, you’ll likely need to schedule service and have a technician check that bearing and replace it if it’s worn.

Loud Buzzing Noise When the Drain Pump Runs

Hearing a loud buzzing noise coming from the drain pump typically indicates that an item such as a coin is stuck in the pump. Many front-load washers have an accessible drain pump filter that you can remove and check for foreign objects. If you have a front-load washer with a drain pump filter access door at the bottom of the front washer, remove the drain pump filter as shown below to check for coins or other foreign objects causing the buzzing noise.

If you don’t have easy access to the drain pump in your washer, you’ll likely need to have a service technician fix the problem.

Washer Not Draining

When you open the washer at the end of the cycle and the load is still submerged in water, you’ll need to take action fast to fix the problem.

First, run a drain and spin cycle to see if the washer will drain out the washer using its drain pump. If it does, then start a new cycle and see if the washer works normally. If it does, then a power outage may have caused the washer to stop before draining out water. An unbalanced load or too much suds can also prevent a washing machine from draining.

If the water won’t drain by using the drain and spin cycle, follow these basic troubleshooting steps:

1. Pull the drain hose out of the standpipe and check for a clog at the end of the hose. Sometimes lint or debris can build up in this area and prevent draining.
2. Lower the drain hose into a bucket close to the floor and see if the water drains out of the tub using nothing more than gravity. If water flows freely, then check your house drain for a clog. Get out that plumber’s snake and try clearing your house drain pipe.
3. If you didn’t see any water coming out of the drain hose using gravity, use a wet/dry shop vac to suck the clog and the water out of the washer.
4. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to bail some water out through the top of the washer and then use a shop vac to suck out the rest from the tub. Once you get the water out, unplug the washer, disconnect the drain hose from the back and check it for a clog. Clear the drain hose if it’s clogged.

If you’re unable to find the cause of the drain pump problem on your own, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services Technician to your home to fix the washer.

Washer Not Filling with Water

Your washing machine obviously needs water to do its job. So when it’s not filling up with water, you know something’s wrong. Here are some things you can check very easily that may solve the problem.

Make Sure the Door or Lid is Fully Closed

Washing machines have a safety switch that prevents the washer from operating if the lid or door is open. If you’re washer isn’t filling with water, make sure the lid or door is completely closed.

If it is closed, a faulty door or lid switch could be preventing the washer from filling and starting the cycle.

Check that the Hot and Cold Water Supply Faucets are Open and Working

It may seem obvious, but it’s possible the water supply faucets aren’t open.

If you found those faucets open, check for water flow through the fill hoses by unplugging the washer, turning off the faucets and disconnecting the hoses from the back of the washer. Hold each hose end over a bucket and briefly turn on the faucet. If you don't have any water coming out, check for a clog in the hoses. If the hoses are okay, you likely have a problem with your house water supply. Have a plumber fix the water supply going to your washer.

Check for Clogged Water Inlet Screens

Sometimes the screens on the water inlet valve become clogged with mineral buildup. Remove the water fill hoses from the inlet valve and use a soft cloth to clean the screens. Don’t remove the screens — this could possibly cause flooding. If the screens are clogged and you can’t get them clean, the water valve should be replaced.

Here’s a DIY video that shows how to replace inlet water valves in a common front-load washer.

These videos show to replace water inlet valves in common top-load washing machines:

• How to replace a water inlet valve on a vertical modular top-load washer video.
• How to replace the water inlet valve on a direct-drive top-load washer video.

Of course, you can also have a Sears Home Services Technician replace the washer inlet water valves when you find them clogged.

Schedule Repair Service When You’re Unable to Resolve a Washer Failure Yourself

If you're unable to identify the cause or resolve a washer problem, schedule a repair appointment to have a Sears Home Services technician fix the issue.

Our professional repair technicians can identify and fix washer issues accurately and efficiently. Same-day and next-day appointments are available in many areas.

Preventing Washer Breakdowns in 2024

Annual professional maintenance is the best way to help prevent washer breakdowns throughout the year. Sears Home Services Technicians know all the top washer brands. We can maintain your laundry appliances no matter where you bought them.

During washing machine cleaning and maintenance service, a Sears Home Services Technician will:

• Check the fill cycle and water temperature for wash settings.
• Ensure correct water pump out and make sure spin cycles work properly.
• Check for excessive noise and vibration during spin cycle.
• Check the electronic control board or timer for correct operation.
• Inspect the drive system for proper operation.
• Check the door or lid lock for proper alignment and operation.
• Inspect the electrical system for proper ground and secure connections.
• Check washer tub and hoses for leaks.
• Check the door boot for leaks on a front-load washer.
• Check the level of the machine and adjust if necessary.

The technician will advise you on any problems and tasks that you can complete during the year to help keep the washer in top shape.

Keeping your washer well-maintained with yearly professional service won’t just help prevent breakdowns, your washer will also last longer. Schedule professional maintenance service for your appliances now.