If the washing machine breaks down, it can be due to a variety of reasons. Most often, it stops collecting or draining water, does not heat it. Poor rotation of the drum, lack of spin, and other irregularities may be observed. A description of the most common causes and ways to repair at home can be found in this article.
The content of the article
- The main causes of failure
- How to repair yourself
The main causes of failure
If the machine breaks down, the violation can be due to a variety of reasons, even such which are not quite obvious (for example, a short-term voltage drop in the electrical system of the unit). The most common malfunctions are:
- The device does not drain waste water or does it too slowly. Such situations are associated with a clogged drain filter or a faulty drain pump. It is necessary to check the drain pipe, clean it of foreign objects or blockages, and inspect the pump impeller.
- The laundry is not wrung out - a problem that can have many causes. For example, the wrong washing program has been selected, too much laundry has been loaded, the unit has not been installed correctly, so an imbalance has occurred. Speaking of what to do if the washing machine breaks down, first of all you need to remove some of the clothes. It is also recommended to inspect the brushes (they may wear out) and make sure that the electronic module has broken.
- Sometimes the machine stops drawing water, and then the washing process does not start. The most obvious and harmless reason is that the washing machine did not break down, and the problems are only related to the water supply (there is no necessary pressure in the pipes). The breakdown may also concern clogging of the inlet hose or inlet valve. Another factor is that the hatch locking system has broken. The control module may also fail or the pressure switch may break.
- In some cases, the drum stops rotating, which is associated with overloading the laundry, wear and tear of the bearings. Often the drive belt breaks or the brushes of the electric motors are erased, the drain pump breaks. Finally, the control module may also break. Then you need to understand what to do if the machine does not turn on or freezes. It is disconnected from the network and after 15 minutes it is turned on again. And if this does not help, contact a specialist.
- If the unit does not heat the water, this indicates a breakdown of the heating element. It can overheat due to a large layer of scale and pollution - then a burning smell will appear or a short circuit will even occur. Less often, the lack of heating is associated with malfunctions in the control module or a breakdown of the heating element relay.
- It also happens that the washing machine has broken down and does not turn on, does not even respond to pressing different keys. In such situations, the reasons are associated with a lack of voltage or a malfunction of the FSK line filter, malfunctions in the electronics. It is also recommended to check the pressure in the water supply and make sure that the door closes normally.
- If during the operation of the unit there are extraneous sounds (strong noise, hum or device starts to rattle), the drain system is probably clogged or the drum bearings are worn out, shock absorbers. You should stop washing and see if there are any foreign objects in the tank, if the rubber cuff is worn out. Another possible factor is that the unit is installed incorrectly, it needs to be leveled.
How to repair yourself
Self-repair actions are possible if the following conditions are met:
- the breakdown is not too serious;
- it was accurately determined by the error code on the display, external signs (noises, burning smell, strong vibrations);
- have the tools and skills to repair or replace the part yourself.
The procedure depends on what kind of problem is observed:
- If the machine does not work at all, you need to check the loading door, and also make sure that the mains voltage is normal (for example, turn on the electric kettle).
- If there is no water supply, open the tap, make sure that the water supply is working properly, inspect the hose and eliminate kinks and creases. It is also recommended to wash the filter, if necessary, replace the valve.
- If the flow of water is slow, then the hose is clogged. It must be washed, and also make sure that there are no creases, straighten if necessary. There may be such a reason as insufficient pressure in the water supply.
- If there is no heating, the water remains cool, the heating element should be cleaned or replaced. It is taken out and cleaned with a stiff brush, washed in a solution of vinegar. If there is a burning smell, the heating element must be replaced with a new one.
- If the drum does not spin at all, this indicates that the drive belt has flown off the pulley or it has worn out badly. The lock on the door may also break - you should make sure that it works properly.
- If the water is not pumped out, you need to check if the hose or pump filter is broken or clogged. It is disassembled, washed and reinstalled. The electric motor may also burn out - in such a situation, a complete replacement is required.
- If the unit stops right during washing, you should also check the pump or valve. In the case when such a phenomenon occurred for the first time, disconnect the unit from the network for 15 minutes, and then turn it on again.
There may be other breakdowns of the washing machine, more serious than those described above. If the exact cause cannot be determined or home repair is not possible, contact the service center. Solving a problem at random on your own is dangerous, as this can lead to even more serious consequences.