Have you put your ear to the washing machine and heard some unfamiliar noise? Is a full cycle no longer enough to get the water out of your clothes? You may also see the odd puddle forming on the floor at the base of the unit.
Homeowners are left to wonder what it all means, but more often than not it is an indication of a problem that will not be mended on its own. We at Polished Appliance Repair have been of service to Oregon homes for some time now, ever since 2019; our staff has more than 20 years of experience between them when they put their hands on a washer. To put an end to the speculation, pick up the phone and reach us at (541) 480-6258.
For the most part a washer does not just quit without putting up some kind of warning. Heed those signs and you can stave off a major headache and the cost that goes with it. What follows are the red flags we see most frequently.
Unusual Noises During the Cycle
A good machine will have its hum, but it is predictable. A change in tone is cause for concern. Listen for any of these:
- Banging or thumping of a loud nature in the spin
- Grinding, which could be a motor or bearing wearing out
- A belt that is slipping or stretched will make a screech or squeal
- Rattling from an object in the drum or a part come loose
- Repeated clicking while the cycle fails to move forward
At times you can quiet the banging by redistributing the load, but should the noise be there to stay, the machine needs an inspection.
Water Leaking Onto the Floor
You cannot overlook water where it should not be. It is a plain sign of trouble and if left to stand it will foster mold and harm your floors.
The source of a leak may be a pump on the way out, a door seal gone bad, a hose with a crack in it or a connection that is not tight. Water has a way of moving about before it comes to rest so it is not always easy to follow. Put an end to it by turning off the supply and calling for a repair rather than let the matter get worse.
Clothes Are Still Wet After the Spin
Your washer ought to leave things damp, not dripping. If you are pulling heavy, soaked garments from the machine the spin is not up to the task.
In many cases it is a matter of drainage, a belt past its prime or a hard pressed motor. The washer may be unable to attain the proper speed. There is no point in running the load over again, you will only be expending energy and water for nothing.
The Drum Will Not Fill or Drain
Be it in whole or in part, the flow of water is key.
Some things to note:
- A tub that is slow to fill
- Water remaining in the drum well after the fact
- Draining that is taking much longer of late
- The machine halting with the tub full
One of the usual suspects is a clogged filter, a valve that has failed or a blocked hose. A technician will have no trouble finding the origin of such common issues.
Excessive Vibration or Movement
Do not dismiss it if the washer is shaking with enough force to rattle things in its vicinity or making its way across the room. While a certain amount of vibration with a heavy load is to be expected, this is not normal.
An unlevel machine or suspension parts in disrepair will do this. Allow it to continue and you are only adding stress to the other components and cutting the unit’s life short.
Bad Odors and Leftover Residue
When there is a film on your clothes or a musty smell, something is amassing within the machine. Clogged parts and moisture can be to blame as much as detergent.
Cleaning is advisable, yet if the odor is still there after a cycle, there is likely residue in spots one can not get to.
When to Call the Pros
You can put in the work at home for minor things, say to clear a clog or rebalance a load. But with a persistent leak or anything to do with the motor and electricals, a licensed technician is the better option.
We are licensed and insured and cover Central and Southern Oregon as well as Eugene for all makes and models. Our hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday and we extend a 15% discount on parts to military and seniors.
Should your washer be exhibiting any of the above, why wait for it to break down completely? Let the team at Polished Appliance Repair put it right. Give us a ring at (541) 480-6258.
