Tag Archives: washer problems

How Do You Fix A Washing Machine That Shakes?

Is your washing machine shaking and wondering how do you fix a washing machine that shakes? There are plenty of ways to do it depending on the underlying cause of the problem. To help you out, here are some of the ways to fix a shaky washing machine as given by washer repair experts:

Replace the shock absorbers

All washing machines have shock absorbers designed to dampen the tub movements in the spin cycle. With time the absorbers weaken or even get damaged, and this causes the washer to shake and move. Because of this, the machine makes loud banging sound during a spin cycle.

So one way to fix the shaking washing machine is to inspect and replace the shock absorbers if worn out. To undertake the inspection, begin with unplugging the machine to avoid getting electrocuted, then locate the shock absorbers. Depending on the model, you may have to remove the front or rear panels to access the shocks.

To tell whether the shock absorbers are damaged, look out for broken attachments, leaking fluids and weakened dampening action.

Level the washing machine’s feet

Unbalanced feet are one of the leading causes of a shaky washing machine, so when your washing machine is shaking, this is the first thing to look into. Some dishwasher models use four threaded legs, while others use two threaded legs and two self-leveling rear legs.

How you go about the leveling depends on your washing machine’s model. To avoid electrocution, unplug the washing machine from the power source then tilt the machine on it’s front, side and back to access the feet.

Carefully inspect the feet and ensure they are level. If any of the feet isn’t level, run a test cycle to see where the problem could be and fix it. If the feet are level but the machine is still shaking, lookout for signs of wear and damage and ensure the feet are properly threaded.

Pad the sides

Sometimes you might have the impression the washing machine is shaking too much, but this isn’t the case. You should note that it’s normal for the washing machine to wiggle a little as the drum spins, especially during the high-speed spin cycles.

While the wiggling is normal, it can sometimes be unpleasantly noisy or shaky, especially if your washer isn’t padded.

If every diagnosis you are doing is checking out, but the washer is still shaking, chances are the appliance lacks padding. Place pads to the sides of the washing machine to reduce the sound and effect of the vibrations. These pads function like acoustic panels that reduce the washing machine’s vibrations and cushion any shaking the machine might cause to the nearby appliances, objects, and walls.

You can also buy special anti-vibration pads specifically designed for washing machine and other similar appliances.

To stop the washer from wiggling out of place, place anti-walking pads under the washing machine’s feet.

Balance the load

Load imbalance can also significantly contribute to a shaky washing machine, so balancing the load will go a long way towards keeping the washer stable and prevent it from shaking. When you notice the machine shaking, stop it and balance the load.

How do you do this? If you have a top loading washer, ensure the clothes are evenly distributed all the way around the center column.

If washing one or two items, add a few towels or shirts to even out the load. You should always avoid washing just one piece of clothing as it will put more weight on one side, which is dangerous.

Remove the shipping bolts

Have you just bought the washing machine and its already shaking? This could be due to the shipping bolts. From their name, these are clunky plastic bolts placed to prevent the washing machine drum from wobbling during transit.

These bolts protect the drum and the internal parts of the machine when the unit isn’t in use, but you should remove them immediately you install the machine.

Before you contact an appliance repair Fairfax professional to find out the cause of the shaking, reach inside your washer and press the inside of the drum. If the drum doesn’t wobble, the shipping bolts are most likely in place and you need to remove them before you run the next cycle.

What Is Wrong With My Washer? Here Are Some Of The Most Common Washer Problems As Given By Washer Repair Experts

The dishwasher experiences plenty of problems that not only make it hard to wash your clothes, but also end up damaging your clothes. You can solve some of the issues by yourself while others require you to hire a washer repair professional.

Are you wondering, what is wrong with my washer? Here are some of the most common washer problems and how to solve them:

Washer vibration

Does your washer vibrate when cleaning? This is a common problem when you use an unleveled appliance, you load an unbalanced laundry, or you use a machine that isn’t in contact with the floor.

For you to fix this problem, ensure that the washer feet are firmly in contact with the floor. You should level or balance the washer and tighten the jam nuts so that the legs and feet don’t shift.

Also, check the floor for sagging. If it has sagged, add a piece of plywood under the washer to keep it level.

If the laundry is loaded unevenly, rearrange it and load it correctly to avoid the shifting. If you are mid-cycle, pause the cycle and spread the clothes through the drum. Evenly distribute the weighty items such as towels and heavy garments, so there isn’t just one heavy clump being spun around.

Leaking water

Your appliance will leak due to many reasons. One of the most common ones is if the washer isn’t level or properly loaded. It will also leak if the hoses aren’t tightly attached or the hose washers are worn out or improperly inserted.

The first thing you should check is whether the appliance is properly balanced. If not, you need to balance the washing machine. You also should confirm whether the washer basket is out of alignment, causing the water to splash out.

Go around all the hoses and tighten the connections. Ensure that the hose washers aren’t cracked or broken. Also, confirm that they have seated properly in the hose.

Also, pay attention to the water lines and faucets. Are they leaking? If they are, seal them.

You also should confirm that the washer is draining properly, and the drain hose isn’t clogged with hair, lint or a wayward sock.

Using the wrong detergents can also cause the machine to leak, so check the detergent you are using. If you have been using the wrong soaps, the chances are that you have excess suds that could be causing the drum to overfill and leak.

If the leak is small and coming from the front of the machine, it might be coming from the door. This leakage could be due to a seal that might have worn out due to age. To fix the problem, reapply the seal.

Washer making a lot of noise

While the appliance shouldn’t be dead silent, it shouldn’t be too noisy either. In most cases, the appliance will make a lot of noise when there are foreign objects inside, or a part inside has gotten loose.

Different noises come about due to various reasons. For example, gurgling noises indicate something obstructing the drain line. All you need to do is to remove the blockage and prevent it from becoming a full-blown clog.

Is your appliance making clicking sounds? The sounds are often due to objects lodged in the washer drain. The chances are that you missed removing a coin or any other item from the pocket. You need to simply check the drains and remove the foreign object.

If your unit is making humming or buzzing sounds, you might be having a foreign object lodged in your pump. A foreign object tends to jam the system. If the damage is extensive, you have no way out other than to replace the pump. If there is no damage, removing the object is enough to fix the problem.

Bad smell coming from the washer

Even if they are designed to clean clothes, they also get dirty, and when you don’t clean them early enough, they start smelling. The smell is also transferred to the clothes, and you end up having to rewash them.

To fix the problem, you simply need to wash the washing machine. Also, ask an experienced appliance repair Fairfax professional to look around for mold and mildew growth as you might be having a problem with excessive moisture.