From problems with the spin cycle to blockages in the drain hose, we’ve pulled together some of the top washing machine faults and tips on how to fix them. Hopefully they will help you get yours up and running again soon, before you need any washing machine repairs.

Always make sure that you switch off the electric and water supplies to your washing machine before you start any maintenance and always check the user manual for details of your specific appliance, but the steps below will give you some general guidance.

My washing machine isn't spinning

Several things can mean that your washing machine does not spin properly, below are some examples.

The wash load may be too small or unbalanced

Sensors in some washing machines help the machine to redistribute the load to achieve balance, but if it remains unstable the spin process will be cancelled (this will minimise excessive vibration and prolong the life of your machine). You may need to remove the washing, redistribute the load evenly and then reselect a spin programme. Some newer washing machines are fitted with a ‘Final Spin’ indicator light, to advise you that the load is unbalanced.

Have you chosen a quick wash programme?

Some washing machines have a quick wash programme; this programme is designed for small loads of lightly soiled garments. To protect garments from the damage these programmes will only do a low-speed spin and may feel wetter at the end.

Your washing machine may not be draining the water properly

This would stop your machine from continuing to a spin cycle. Check the pump filter and drainage connections for blockages.

Water is leaking from my washing machine

As part of the manufacturing process, your washing machine is thoroughly tested to ensure that it will not leak from any internal components after you have installed it. Any leaking before or during its first use is most likely due to water remaining in the washing machine following this testing process.

If you find any leaks, please check the fill hose, drain hose and mains plumbing for leaks. Take care to check that the water supply hose connection to your washing machine and the mains plumbing taps are secure.

It’s also possible for a leak to appear from your detergent dispenser, which can be caused by excessive water pressure or if the washing machine has not been levelled properly during installation. You can raise the front of the appliance by adjusting the feet at the front of the machine.

If water is leaking from your washing machine check the points below to try and diagnose where the leak is coming from:

  1. Check the water inlet hose is connected securely to the back of the machine. If it is loose, firmly tighten the water inlet hose nuts by hand.
  2. Check the water inlet hose for any kinks, cracks or damage. If you notice any damage you may need to replace the hose.
  3. Check the door seal — limescale, fibres and debris can build up over time around the door glass and seals, especially if you live in a hard water area. This debris can prevent the door from sealing tightly and cause leaking during wash cycles.
  4. Check that the pump filter is firmly closed and free from debris (if you need to remove the filter, be prepared for any water spills by having a shallow tray or towels ready).

My washing machine isn't draining

If you have noticed that there is water left in the drum after a wash, you may be experiencing problems with your washing machines drainage. You should also check that “crease care” or “rinse hold” options are not selected, as using either of these options will hold the washing in the final rinse water on synthetic wash programmes.

  1. Your washing machine drainage hose could be connected in one of a few different ways. For example, connected to your drain under your sink, inserted into a standpipe, or draining directly into your sink. You will need to disconnect the drainage hose and check for blockages at the end of the hose.
  2. Check the pump filter for blockages. It may be that loose items such as coins, hair grips or buttons could have got stuck in the pump housing, preventing the pump from removing wastewater.
  3. Installation may not have been fully completed properly. Check all connections for the water inlet pipe and drainage pipe.

Water is stuck in my washing machine

If you see water being left in the drum, it may be a sign of a blocked drainage hose or pump filter. Depending upon your machine, there may be several ways to empty water stuck inside (for example, some may allow you to lower the end of the drain hose into a bowl to help empty some water), so always check your user manual for any specific recommendations for your appliance.

  1. Locate your machines pump filter — access is usually on the front of the machine at the bottom left or right. Access is usually via a removable or flip-down panel that may run the full width of the machine, or via a square or round flap.
  2. To clean out the filter firstly open or remove the pump filter cover from the bottom of the appliance.
  3. Place a container or towel below or as close to the pump filter housing as you can, upon opening the pump filter it will release any water still in the machine.
  4. Twist the pump filter anti-clockwise to unlock it from its housing, the water stuck in the machine will now begin to empty.
  5. Twist the pump filter clockwise to lock it into place.
  6. Replace the filter cap cover. Also, check the drain hose, see the “Cleaning the drainage hose” topic for more information.

My washing machine has no power

If your appliance has lost power and you know that there is not a general ‘power cut’, the steps below may help you find where the problem is:

  1. Confirm that there are no lights on the machine, on the display screen or buttons.
  2. Check that the Power or On/ Off button is switched on.
  3. Check that you have electric power switched on to the machine at the socket and that another electrical appliance works properly in this socket.
  4. Check plug and lead for damage.
  5. If your machines power is controlled by the Programme Dial knob (so that the machine only switches on when selecting a wash programme), try selecting a programme.
  6. Take a fuse (Same rating: 13A) from something else that is working (for example a kettle or toaster). Insert this fuse into the plug and try again.

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If you have any problems with carrying out this maintenance, don't hesitate to get in touch:

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