Washing Machine Repair: Do It Yourself or Call a Professional?

How to repair your washing machine?

Knowing a piece of equipment well means better understanding how to repair it. Identifying the failure will therefore be your first mission, if you accept it.

The washing machine is one of the essential household appliances on a daily basis, especially if there are several of you living under the same roof and even more so if there are children among them! Nothing better than knowing how to identify each symbol or component of your washing machine in order to better understand its operation, regardless of the brand.

And to work well, each spare part and accessory that makes up equipment such as the washing machine plays a key role.

Here is a list of the main components of a washing machine, which may differ from model to model:

1. Let’s start with the motor which ensures the rotation of the drum containing the linen to be washed, thanks to the action of a belt;
2. The drum is the metal cylinder with holes that let water in and out during the wash cycle;
3. The heating element, guarantees hot water, depending on the washing program chosen;
4. The thermostat or CTN probe (NTC) is connected to the heater because it is responsible for controlling the temperature, like that of an oven for cooking your food;
5. The tank is designed to control the quantity of water and it is triggered by a sensor in the event of a leak, for example;
6. The control panel is also a key area because it is from there that the programming is activated and it is also where the electronic card is located, the brain of your washing machine in other words;
7. Not far from the control panel is the drawer dedicated to detergent, fabric softener and prewash liquid;
8. Two pumps complete the set of spare parts and allow the circulation of washing water in the tub for one and out of your washing machine for the other.

Breakdown, failure: help yourself with a tutorial for repairing your washing machine

No one is safe from a breakdown with a household appliance and the washing machine being a rather stressed piece of equipment, it is likely to suffer some malfunctions or problems. But don’t panic, you can completely repair your washing machine if you identify the breakdown or the problem in question and that you use the educational tutorials available on the web, in particular the tutorial dedicated to replacing the solenoid valve of a washing machine.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the various breakdowns and problems encountered with a washing machine:

•  Your washing machine no longer turns on;
•  The water in your washing machine no longer heats up;
•  Unusual noises are heard when your equipment is running;
•  Your appliance stops working in the middle of the wash cycle;
•  The door, locked as a safety measure, refuses to close or, on the contrary, to open;
•  A power outage occurs as soon as you start your machine;
•  The tub remains filled with water at the end of the wash cycle, even when the spin cycle is finished;
•  Your washing machine has a leak;
•  Vibrations come from your household appliance…

Practical advice from our repairmen: use the user manual

Remember to consult the user manual of your washing machine because it contains valuable information that could help you get out of a bad situation.

Error code, breakdown code, sudden malfunction, this booklet will prove to be very useful, for sure: give Caesar what is Caesar’s after all! And if you can’t find the information you need, don’t hesitate to contact the repairmen teams who will be happy to help you.

Why does the washing machine not start?

Rather than thinking that your appliance will never start again, consider these spare parts that can be easily changed and bring your washing machine back to life! Self-repair is good and changing certain parts such as the capacitor and the fuse, to name a few, remains within everyone’s reach.

Who to call to repair a washing machine pump or door?

The repair of a washing machine can be managed in different ways: after-sales service, repair shop or repairman at home, services between individuals, dedicated repair sites or workshops, our repairmen tells you more about the solutions available to you.

The after-sales service of your store

On the one hand, the first click to have, especially if your appliance is still under warranty (in general, it is for a period of two years), is to contact the after-sales service (SAV) of the store or a website from which you purchased the washing machine.

Repair site – good addresses for your washing machine: plazas on Staten Island on Hylan Boulevard, New Dorp etc.

Note that you can also use repair sites located near you. All you have to do is geolocate one of them according to your place of residence thanks to the tools set up on their site or simply by carrying out a search on Google. As a general rule, the areas of intervention are often specified on the sites of these handymen and experts, which saves you time.

Repair at home of your washing machine, by an individual: practical advice

And individuals, neighbors and other people located close to your home can also act as home repairers in exchange for other services rendered, for example. Of course, unless you know your neighborhood or the person who proposes to help you out, remain vigilant and ask for all the useful information before accepting the service or the service.

Troubleshooting washing machine: instructions for use

The same is true if you leave the repair of your washing machine in the hands of breakdown services. Thanks to an estimate, you will be able to have a concrete idea of its know-how and the prices charged. The estimate is an essential document that allows you to better know the company and the craftsman you have chosen for this troubleshooting mission.

For a specialized repairman, any problem can be solved, regardless of the breakdowns concerned (problem of the belt to be changed on the machine) since he has his know-how but also diagnostic tools, such as the multimeter which very useful watch depending on the spare part concerned. If it’s a drain pipe problem, the most competent person will probably be a plumber.

After diagnosing the origin of the problem (drain pump, inlet valve, detergent drawer) jeopardizing the proper functioning of your washing machine, the repairman will be able to restart it, in particular by carrying out a replacement of spare parts if necessary, which will allow you to find a completely normal washing cycle.

Practical advice from our repairmen: consult the nameplate

How to disassemble a washing machine?

Do you fully opt in to the concept of self-repair and do you want to get started on your washing machine repair? Read the following carefully in this case.

Repair your home appliance yourself

You have the right tools, protective gloves and safety measures, namely unplugging your equipment in order to avoid any risk of electrocution.

Whether it is just checking the drain pipe, the door, the drum, the detergent drawer, the level control or even a more in-depth dismantling of your household appliance, remember to consult the instructions for use provided in instructions and to respect the steps related to dismantling. Indeed, even if the washing machines are made according to a common concept, an Amana washing machine can be composed of specific parts that a Whirlpool brand washing machine will not have. Beyond that, it will make your job easier when reassembling the assembly.

Practical advice from our repairmen: trust the repair experts

In any case, follow the repair advice of experts, especially on our repairmen blog (you will know how to change the door seal of your washing machine) which is full of recommendations, theoretical and practical information but also tutorials or news about spare parts and household appliances.

How to diagnose a washing machine problem?

Do you have any idea of the nature of the failure? Like a technician, you will certainly use a multimeter to find out if the current is still flowing through the heart of the drain pump. In order to properly manage this crucial step, do not hesitate to consult our article dedicated to the proper use of a multimeter, an essential measuring tool, especially if you want to repair your small or large household appliances yourself!

What is the lifespan of a washing machine?

Every household appliance is subject to a maximum lifespan. The basic warranty being two years, it is good to take care to preserve your washing machine on a daily basis. And that means paying regular attention to the lights and symbols on your washing machine, which can alert you to an error code, a breakdown or warn you of a malfunction related to the smooth running of the washing cycle.

Moreover, it is worth repeating that regular maintenance of all equipment guarantees its performance and protects you against breakdowns and the repair stage of the washing machine not provided for in the budget. As such, white vinegar, like baking soda, can completely replace conventional cleaning products, while being more economical and ecological.

Practical advice: regularly check the condition of the device

Also remember to check the drain pipe and stay alert to any leaks, however small. Prevention is better than cure!