Tips To Repair Your Washer/Dryer

Laundry is one of those dreaded chores that most people avoid – until you’re down to your very last pair of socks.

dd to this a washing machine that simply refuses to work the way it should and the task becomes even more difficult.

Before you call in a professional and pay good money to get the job done, you should check if it is something that you can repair yourself.

Here, we have highlighted some common washer and dryer problems, and tips to repair them on your own.

Washing Machine Leaks

If the water is leaking from your washing machine, it means that the problem is directly related to the hoses and connections.

Start by checking if the hoses are connected to the faucets properly – often, the hose clamps become loose, thereby causing the leakage.

Another common reason for washing machine leaks is ‘oversudsing.’ For this, you can simply switch to an HE detergent that has low-sudsing properties.

Washer Won’t Work

If your washer is plugged in, and your breaker box has no electrical problem, then it is likely that the lid switch is causing problems.

Many washers now come with lid switches that get dirty due to lint, or detergent residue – in fact, this is a commonly overlooked problem.

So, grab a cotton pad, put some alcohol on it, and clean the dirty areas of the lid switch.

Loud Noises And Vibrations

Loud noises are often due to laundry inside the washer that may have shifted during the cycle.

For standard top load washers, distribute the clothing evenly around the tube. For washers with no central agitator, loud noises can be due to overloading.

Similarly, under-loading in front load models can cause vibrations and loud noises – simply adjust your clothing according to the model that you own.

Also check the water pump or the drain line; you may find a button or a coin stuck there that is causing the ‘clanking’ sounds.

In case of vibrations, it is most likely that your machine is not sitting level on the floor. Check under the

washer to make sure that all the feet are firmly on the ground.

Dryer Takes Long To Dry

If you notice that your clothes are taking longer than before to dry, then it’s probably time to check your lint filter.

Although a lint filter is designed to catch lint and allow the air to flow, it also requires cleaning from time to time.

It’s pretty simple; if the air is not flowing freely through it, then your clothes will take longer to dry. This also means that your machine will force the dryer to work harder.

Clean your lint filter and the exhaust fan, and you will see that your clothes will dry out in half the time.

Dryer Is Too Hot

If you feel that the dryer is heating up, immediately check the thermostat – it is usually located in the back panel of the dryer.

Set the multi-meter to RX1, and remove one of the two terminal leads from it. If you see a reading of zero, it means that you need to replace the thermostat as soon as possible.

Dryer Venting Problem

Go outside and feel the hot, moist air coming out of the vent. If you cannot feel it, then check the vent tube. Just remove the tube from the dryer and the wall, and clear it out properly.

The dryer can also get clogged due to lint, which is why it is recommended that you clean the filter after every load to avoid venting problems.