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QUESTION
from "jgalbee":
Why does my front load washing
machine have an odor after running a load of clothes. There
is no smell in the clothes. I have heard this has to do with
the gasket around the door, if this is true what can I do about
it?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM:
jgalbee:
I assume that the odor that you are referring to that comes
from your front load washer is a "mold or mildew" type smell?
If so, this actually a common problem that occurs with front
load washers. It is caused by water sitting on the gasket that
goes around the door (which explains by you have heard it was
related to something with the door). There are a couple of things
that you can do to eliminate this odor problem with your front
load washer. First, after each washer load, you can try leaving
the door open, so that the water around the door gasket can
thoroughly dry out. Second, to get rid of the mold and mildew
that has built up in your washer, you can try using products
such as "Purewasher" (which you can find at
www.smellywasher.com) or "Whirlout" (which you can find
at
http://www.summitbrands.com/brands/WhirlOut.aspx).
We hope this solves your problem.
Sincerely,
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from
"gomich89":
My hot water does not work on
the washing machine. I have checked the hose and the on
and off valve, the water flows freely through the hose but once
connected to the washing machine the water only dribbles out.
The cold water works fine. Is there a fix? The model that
I have is a Kenmore Ultra Fabric Care 80 series Model #82681110.
Any info would help thank you.
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM:
gomich89:
There are two power-activated electronic valves in your washing
machine, one for cold water and one for hot water. When your
washing machine goes through it cycles, depending on what settings
you are using, these valves receive power to them at the appropriate
time in the cycle to open and close. In other words, when they
receive power, these electronic valves open up to allow either
hot or cold water to flow into your washer. I assume that when
you say the hot water "just dribbles" out, that you are checking
it when the setting is showing that hot water should be coming
into the washer.
Since you have already checked that hot water flows out of the
hose that goes to your washer, there are two things left to
check. The first is to check where the hose connects to the
washer and see if the screen that is inside of the fitting where
the hose connects to washer is plugged up. Be very careful if
you are trying to clean out this screen, as with some model
washers, this screen can be very difficult to replace.
If this inlet screen is clear, then the next thing to check
is the electronic valve that controls the hot water (often called
a "solenoid" valve). Testing the solenoid valves for your washer
is probably something that you want to ask a professional to
do for you. To do it yourself you will need to unplug the power
cord from the wall, get a owner's manual from Kenmore (I didn't
find one online), and then use a multitester meter to see if
the solenoid valve is reading the proper amount across the terminals
of the valve (although if it reads 'infinity', then the valve
is bad). But again, testing a solenoid valve on your washing
machine is something that you should ask a professional to do.
Hopefully, it will turn out to be just a plugged screen.
Hope this is helpful for you.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from
"Donna":
stinky towels
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM:
Donna:
I assume by "stinky towels" that you mean that washing
in your washing machine leaves your towels smelling funny?
If you haven't already, you might want to try white vinegar
and running an empty load with your washer on the highest temperature
setting. Let your washer start to fill for about 30 seconds,
and then pour in about one-half cup of white vinegar into the
machine's soap drawer. Then let it run empty through its
entire cycle.
If this doesn't work for you, then you might want to try treating
your washing machine with "Purewasher", which you
can purchase at http://www.smellywasher.com/
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from
"SonyaK":
I have a Kenmore Ultra Fabric
Care Washer Model 110. My hot water will not shut off unless
you turn the valve off. The machine will start the wash cycle
once it gets to the fill level but the hot water is still running.
You can turn the machine off and the hot water still runs. I
have checked the lines what else should I check?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM:
SonyaK:
From the description of your problem, it sounds like your washing
machine has a stuck hot water solenoid valve than needs to be
replaced.
Other possible causes of water that doesn't shut off in a washing
machine are: bad water level switch; an air leak or a kink in
your water level switch hose; an air leak in your air dome;
or problems with your machine's timer.
But from what you described, it sounds like it is most likely
that your hot water solenoid valve has gone bad.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from
"D.Wilder":
Lately we can hear water flowing
through the hose connected to our washer even though it is not
being used at the time. Is this something we should have
a plumber come and check? We finally turned both faucets off.
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM:
D.Wilder:
When you say you "hear" water flowing through the
hose that is connected to your washer when it is not running,
do you mean that you just hear it, or do you also see the water
coming into your washer at the same time? And if so, does it
fill up your washer and then stop?
If you don't see the water coming in, then this water could
be flowing somewhere else, but because the hose comes out of
the wall, you hear the sound from the hose.
If its not coming into the washer, then the question is whether
this flowing water is going someplace that it is suppose to
be going, or is it leaking inside a wall or foundation.
And did the water sound stop when you closed the faucets to
the hoses for your washer? If it did stop, then you probably
want someone to come out and check the solenoid valves and timer
on your washing machine. If the sound did not stop, then you
probably want someone to come out to see if there is water leaking
somewhere (unless you know for sure that the water is going
to a dishwasher, baseboard water heating system make-up water,
etc.).
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from
"bandbmalone":
What causes the detergent not
to dissolve fully?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM:
Dear bandbmalone:
Regarding you question about what causes the detergent not to
dissolve fully, I assume that you are referring to your washing
machine? If so, the problem could be the brand of detergent
you are using, and whether you are using hot or cold water.
Some detergents do not dissolve very well in cold water. So
if you are using cold water, you might want to try switching
detergent brands.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from
"Jessica":
How do I connect the washer machine
hose to the utility basin?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM:
Dear Jessica:
I assume your question about "connecting your washing machine
to your utility basin", is regarding the waste water hose
from your washer.
The waste water hose from your washer should connect to the
U-bend trap under your utility basin. It should connect on the
side of the "U" in the U-bend that is closest to the
drain at the bottom of your utility basin.
Note that the hose coming from your washer should be fixed in
position so that it is 3-4 inches higher than the connection
to the U-bend, before it goes down to your washer. If not, dirty
water going down the drain of your utility basin can flow into
your washing machine and fill up your washing machine tub.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION
from Vic on 4/3/2008:
If a multitester switch is set to the 15-volt position and
the meter pointer indicates a reading of 82 volts on the 150
VOLTS scale, what is the actual voltage being measured?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM
ON 4/3/2008:
Dear Vic:
Here is a link to a webpage that describes how to use a multitester,
and what the different scales are for:
http://www.do-it-yourself-washing-machine-and-dryer-repair-help.com/how-to-use-a-multitester.html
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from
boyfriend proving girl wrong on 2/10/2008:
Do you fill washer
with water and soap before clothes or after?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM
ON 2/10/2008:
Dear “boyfriend proving
girl wrong”:
Well, I debated whether it would be better to wait until after
Valentine’s Day to answer a question from “boyfriend proving
girl wrong”. But nonetheless, here goes . . .
The answer is that it depends.
First, you should check with the owner’s manual for your particular
style and brand of washing machine. Sometimes these instructions
will also be printed on the inside of the door to your washer.
And if this is not available, then in general it depends on
what type of detergent that you are using:
· Powder: put the powder in first, let the water fill up about
halfway (depending on the size of your load) so that it can
dissolve, then add your clothes.
· Liquid: since liquid detergent will easily mix in with the
water, you can add it at anytime. However, if your detergent
has bleach in it, then you will not want to put the liquid in
first, since having your clothese sitting on top of the bleach
could cause some unwanted discoloration.
· Bleach: wait until after your washer starts agitating, then
add your bleach or use your bleach dispenser.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from
C Bower on 2/5/2008:
My washing machine
does not start even when it is on the right setting, the button
is pulled and the top is closed. If I close it hard, jank it
around... eventually it will start... what is wrong?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM ON 2/5/2008:
Dear C Bower:
It sounds like there is something intermittent that is keeping
your washing machine from turning on. That is, possibly a bad
connection of some sort, which is why it turns on after you
"bang it around" a lit bit.
So here's a couple of things you might want to initially try:
1) There is door switch that must be engaged for your washing
machine to turn on. If you look around the door to your washing
machine, you should see something that looks like a pin that
goes in a slot. If this switch is loose, or not connecting properly,
then it makes the machine think the door is not closed, so it
can prevent it from turning on. This switch could also be "gunked
up", and need to be cleaned to work properly.
2) Carefully check to see if the plug for your washing machine
is securely plugged into your outlet.
If these don't work for you, just let us know, and we can give
you some other things to try.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from Mike
on 6/4/2008
My Maytag washer will not work on any of the cold water settings,
it does run on warm and hot, but only hot water comes out from
both settings. When the machine is rready to go to the cold
water rinse cycle it does not do work. If I move the dial ahead
to the spin cycle it will then work through the spin cycle.
Any ideas?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 6/4/2008
Dear Mike:
There are two power-activated electronic valves in your washing
machine, one for cold water and one for hot water. When your
washing machine goes through it cycles, depending on what settings
you are using, these valves receive power to them at the appropriate
time in the cycle to open and close. In other words, when they
receive power, these electronic valves open up to allow either
hot or cold water to flow into your washer. Since you say that
your cold water supply is not working, regardless of what setting
or cycle your machine is in, there are four things that you
can check:
1) confirm that the on-off valve for the cold water supply to
your washer is in the open position, and that this is not the
problem.
2) if the cold water supply valve is open, then turn it to the
off position, and then disconnect the hose from the washer.
Put a bucket (or place it into the washer if it will reach)
and then open the cold water supply valve to be sure that water
will flow out, and there are no blockages. If it flows fine,
then this is not the problem.
3) check where the hose connects to the washer and see if the
screen that is inside of the fitting where the hose connects
to washer is plugged up. Be very careful if you are trying to
clean out this screen, as with some model washers, this screen
can be very difficult to replace.
4) if this inlet screen is clear, then the next thing to check
is the electronic valve that controls the cold water (often
called a "solenoid" valve). Testing the solenoid valves for
your washer is probably something that you want to ask a professional
to do for you. To do it yourself you will need to unplug the
power cord from the wall, get a owner's manual from Maytag,
and then use a multitester meter to see if the solenoid valve
is reading the proper amount across the terminals of the valve
(although if it reads 'infinity', then the valve is bad). But
again, testing a solenoid valve on your washing machine is something
that you should ask a professional to do.
Hopefully, it will turn out to be just a plugged screen.
Hope this is helpful for you.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from Sandy on 7/10/2008
Our water pressure is extremely low throughout the whole house
and outside. It takes around 2 hours to wash a load of clothes
in the washer. Where should we start to find the cause?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 7/10/2008
Dear Sandy:
Regarding of low water pressure throughout your home, first,
I assume that you are on public water supply, and not well water?
With that said, here are some things you can check to determine
and remedy the cause of your home’s low water pressure:
1) Have you checked with your neighbors to see if they also
have low water pressure? Most likely if you are all on the same
street, then you are likely to be tied into the same water supply
main. So a first thing to check is whether the problem is with
the public water supply for your neighborhood.
2) Next, check the shutoff valves from the street into your
home. You want to check to make sure these valves are in the
full open position. The two important valves to look at are
the ones on immediately upstream and downstream of your water
meter. If you have an outdoor meter that is in an underground
pit, you may have to purchase a special socket wrench to open
the meter box cover. Water supply valves typically have a long
handle on them, and the valve is in its fully “open” position
when the handle is lined up directly with the pipe that they
are located in. So check to be sure that these valves are fully
open.
3) Then check downstream of your water meter to see if there
are any other shutoff valves in this main line bringing water
supply into your house. And if there are, then be sure that
these valves are in their completely open position.
4) If you have a pressure regulator valve that lowers the pressure
of the public water supply down, then you can check to see if
this valve is set too low, or is malfunctioning.
5) If all of the valves are fully open and the water pressure
is still low at all locations within the house, this indicates
that there could be a restriction in the supply line to your
home. For example, the buried portion of the water line leading
to your home from the street could be crushed or crimped. And
there is also the possibility that some debris may have gotten
in the supply line and lodged in the valve. Unfortunately, checking
to see if the line is crimped means having to trench the line.
And checking for a blockage in one of the valves means having
to cut that valve out of the line.
6) The problem could also be with the water meter. To check
this, you would have to have to have your water company do this
work.
7) The other possibility is that there is a water leak somewhere
in your water system. You can check the system in your house
by watching your water meter when you are not using any water
for a given period of time (for example, overnight).
8) If you have a water softener system for your house, then
you should check that its valves are fully open, and the canister
was installed properly.
9) If you are in a region of the country that has hard water,
then there is the possibility that all of the filters in your
home (washing machine, faucets, shower heads, etc.) have all
gotten clogged with mineral deposits over time. To eliminate
these deposits you can soak /scrub these filters with vinegar
from time to time.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from mcox
on 7/11/2008
after completing it's cycle, my westinghouse washing machine
has about an inch of water in the bottom and the clothes are
still too wet to go into the dryer. I have tried respinning
them, but the little bit of water is still there.
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 7/11/2008
Dear mcox:
If your washing machine is not draining completely, then here
are a couple of things you might check:
1) check to see that your drain hose is not obstructed, clogged,
kinked, or blocked in any way.
2) if your drain hose is completely clear, then the next thing
to check is the pump in washing machine to make sure that something
is not stuck inside of it and that the impellers are turning
at the same speed as the motor shaft.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from mcox@mtco.com on 7/12/2008
washer not spinning clothes dry
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 7/12/2008
Dear mcox:
I saw your posting this morning. Did you not get our reply from
last nite?
I'm re-sending again to your email address.
If you still need more help, please let us know.
Regards,
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
FOLLOW-UP QUESTION
from mcox on 7/12/2008
I checked the pump and hoses as suggested.. it all seemed clear.
Could the tub not be spinning fast enough?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 7/13/2008
Dear mcox:
The reason that I had assumed that it was a drainage problem is
that in your earlier posting, I had gotten the impression that
you had water still in the tub after the spin cycle had ended.
If you've checked the drain hoses and pump, then yes, it might
be possible that your tub is not spinning fast enough.
Here's a link to a webpage on how to diagnose transmission problems
with a Whirlpool washer:
http://fixitnow.com/wp/2006/03/16/diagnosing-transmission-problems-in-a-whirlpool-kenmore-top-loading-direct-drive-washer/
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from Cheryl on 7/13/2008
I have a Kenmore washer model 110.15942401. It is leaving small
circle bleach spots on my dark clothes. I would appreciate any
information available. Thank you.
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 7/13/2008
Dear Cheryl:
Here are some ideas that you might consider regarding washing
machine leaving bleach spots on your dark clothes:
1) Do you use the bleach dispenser in your washer? If so, there
could be some bleach that remains in the dispenser and is deposited
on the next load. You might want to add the bleach as the water
is filling instead.
2) The source of the bleach spots may not be liquid bleach, but
rather could be coming from other bleaching sources in your home
that are getting onto your clothes. Other bleaching sources can
include:
o whitening toothpastes
o acne medicines
o some mouthwashes
o high chlorine levels in your water supply
3) Could you be using a detergent that might contain bleach? There
are reports that some detergents that claim not to have bleach
actually do have bleach in them, and this can cause spotting on
dark clothes. Have you tried switching detergents?
4) In some rare cases, a person's body chemistry has been known
to contribute to bleach spots in clothing when the clothes are
washed.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION
from CHERYL MCKENTY on 7/15/2008
My 5 year old front loading washer smells sour even though I
routinely leave the door open and finally ran an empty load
with 1 cup bleach followed by an empty load with 2 cups vinegar.
Fortunately, the smell does not transfer to our clothes, but
it quite unpleasant in the room if the washer door gets even
only half open. Can you recommend another method of cleaning?
Thanks. Cheryl McKenty
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 7/15/2008
Cheryl:
The "sour" odor from your front load washer could be due to
a mold or mildew, as this is a very common problem that occurs
with front load washers. It is caused by water sitting on the
gasket that goes around the door.
There are a couple of things that you can do to eliminate this
odor problem with your front load washer. First, after each
washer load you can try leaving the door open, so that the water
around the door gasket can thoroughly dry out. Second, to get
rid of the mold and mildew that has built up in your washer,
you can try using products such as "Purewasher" (which you can
find at www.smellywasher.com) or "Whirlout" (which you can find
at http://www.summitbrands.com/brands/WhirlOut.aspx).
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from LakesideWeasel on 7/19/2008
My washing machine leaks into the basin where the clothing goes.
It is a drip about once per second all the time whether the
washer is being run or not. What are the possible causes?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 7/20/2008
Dear LakesideWeasel:
If your washing machine is leaking into the basin even when
it is turned off, then it sounds like you have a faulty water
inlet valve which needs to be replaced.
The water inlet valves are located at the back of your washing
machine where the two water hoses from the wall connect (one
hot and one cold). When one of these valves fail, it allows
water to leak past it. If your drip is hot water, then it is
the hot water inlet valve that has likely failed. Likewise,
if your drip is cold water, then it is likely the cold water
inlet valve that has failed.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from judy smith on 7/27/2008
what could be the problem with my clothes washer when the clothes
do not spin dry?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 7/27/2008
Dear Judy:
If your clothes are still very wet after the spin cycle but
there is little or no visible water, then the washer is not
spin drying the clothes. Here are a couple of potential causes
for this:
1) If the timer is defective timer, then it would not be allowing
the spin cycle to go long enough.
2) There could be a problem with the lid switch. If the lid
switch does not engage properly, then the washer will not enter
its spin cycle. Try manually depressing the lid plunger or use
a magnet (for magnetic plungers) and see if it spins.
3) Too much detergent can cause the machine to have difficulty
spinning. Check for build-up of detergent in the bottom, near
the agitator.
4) It could be a washer drive belt problem. This is a bit complicated
to check. To check your drive belt, first UNPLUG THE ELECTRICAL
PLUG OF YOUR WASHER. Then removed the main access pan and check
to see if the belt has a lot of play and needs to be tightened.
Also check that the pulley is tightly attached to the motor,
or if it needs to be tightened. If the belt is worn and frayed
looking, then replace it. If the belt still won't turn, then
there is a problem in the washer transmission, and you will
need to bring in a professional to repair or replace the transmission.
5) Try pushing the agitator down. If it has either gotten loose
or worn out, then you will need a new agitator.
6) The washer may have a worn clutch. If this is the case, then
you will need to bring in a professional repairman to repair
or replace the clutch.
7) Lastly, the spin solenoid could be defective. If this is
the case, then you will need to call in a professional repairman.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from Jason on 8/7/2008
If I do not use my front load washer for a few days, a few cups
of water will accumulate in the basin. How can I fix this problem?
Thank you.
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 8/7/2008
Dear Jason:
If I understand your problem correctly, you are finding water
accumulating in the basin of your washing machine after you
have not been using it for a while. In other words, the problem
is not that water does not drain properly after you have been
running your washer, but rather the water is showing up when
the washer has NOT been running, correct?
If this is the case, then it sounds like one or both of the
solenoid valves that control water flow to your washer may be
leaking a little bit (there is one solenoid valve for cold water,
and one for the hot water supply).
Here is a webpage that describes how to test to see if your
solenoid valves are operating properly:
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/washer/check/inletvalve.php
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from Kay Chertkov on 8/30/2008
I have a Kenmore 90 automaticv series washer. The fabric/bleach
disenser on the left side is clogged. I have tried to find a
hole where it might be clogged, but to no avail. Can you help
me?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 8/30/2008
Dear Kay:
The part that holds your fabric/bleach dispenser should allow
it to be removed. You can then soak the dispenser in very hot
water for 10-15 minutes, then use either Dawn liquid soap or
white vinegar and an old toothbrush to scrub the residue off
of the dispenser.
Hopefully this will fix the problem for you.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
FOLLOW-UP QUESTION from Kay Chertkov on 9/1/2008
Thank you for the advise on the washer dispenser. Now I have
another problem. when I decided to paint an interior door, I
used blue tape around the door handle so not to get paint on
the rim. The paint leaked thru and now I can't remove it without
taking the handle off. There are no screws anywhere on the handle.
There are 2 small slots on the side rim where the push lock
is. (This handle is the cheap kind used by builders). Can you
help me?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 9/1/2008
Dear Kay:
Glad to help.
I suspect that if you had a very small flat-head screwdriver,
or a stiff paperclip, that you could push them into the slots
and get the rim to pop off. Then underneath the rim, you should
be able to find the screws to take the handle off.
If this doesn't work for you, if you could let us know what
is the specific brand of door handles that you have, we can
try to help you further.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from Kim on 10/22/2008
We recently had a survey done on our house where the electrics
and everything were checked. Quite literally a day later there
was bad odour coming from the washing machine. We have done
a maintenance wash recently and the machine had been fine for
2 years prior to this survey. Could anything under the sink
have been tampered with to cause this? many thanks
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 10/22/2008
Dear Kim:
Its hard to imagine what surveying your appliances could have
done to have caused your washing machine to develop an odor
the very next day. I'm wondering if its just a coincidence?
I assume since you didn't mention it, that your washing machine
is otherwise operating normally?
Regarding getting rid of the odor from your washing machine,
assuming that this is a "mold or mildew" type smell, and that
you have a front load washer? If so, this is actually a fairly
common problem that occurs with front load washers. It is caused
by water sitting on the gasket that goes around the door. There
are a couple of things that you can do to eliminate this odor
problem. First, after each washer load, you can try leaving
the door open, so that the water around the door gasket can
thoroughly dry out. Second, to get rid of the mold and mildew
that has built up in your washer, you can try using products
such as "Purewasher" (which you can find at www.smellywasher.com)
or "Whirlout" (which you can find at http://www.summitbrands.com/brands/WhirlOut.aspx).
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from Mickey S. on 10/22/2008
I hope you can help. I noticed that water is leaking out the
very bottom of the garbage disposal. I did some research and
it seems the seal might need to be replaced. Strange thing is,
it only leaks when the washing machine is running. Turning on
water in the faucet and letting it run does not cause the leaking
to occur. Only when the washing machine runs does it begin to
leak. Is this natural or should I be looking for something different?
Thx!!!
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 10/22/2008
Dear Mickey:
From what you've described, it sound like you have your washing
machine and garbage disposal both connected to the same drain
system. What could be happening is that if this drain is partially
clogged then the high volume of water flow/pressure going into
the drain from the washing machine discharge could be causing
the water to back up into your garbage disposal unit, where
is it able to leak out where the flange is not tight. And then
when you are just running the sink by itself, the smaller volume
of water is able to make it through the partially clogged drain,
which is why you don't see the leak when you are just running
the sink/disposal and not the washer.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from cowboy_up on 10/25/2008
My Kenmore washer, model 110.91220100, sometimes overflows.
This problem is intermittent, and I believe I have traced the
problem to the water inlet valves. However, I am not %100 on
this. How do I know if it is in fact the inlet valves or if
it might have something to do with the pressure switch?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 10/25/2008
Dear cowboy_up:
If your washing machine is overflowing from time to time, the
problem could be one of the water inlet valves, or it could
be the pressure switch.
One way to test to see whether it is the water inlet valves
or the pressure switch, is to run your washer with just hot
water, and then run it again with just cold water. If it overflows
when running either hot or cold, then the problem is likely
your pressure switch. If your washing machine just overflows
for only one of the valves (i.e., just running hot or cold water),
then this valve is likely the problem.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from judith anders on 10/26/2008
what went out on my ge profile wizard if it does not drain and
spin and how hard is it to fix?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 10/26/2008
Dear Judith:
If your washing machine doesn't both pump water out nor spin,
first check to see if the motor is running. If you can hear
the motor running and it is not spinning inside, then your washer
probably has a frozen pump pulley or a broken pump belt or coupling.
If this is the case, then you will probably want a trained professional
to do this repair for you.
On the other hand, if you do not hear the motor running, then
the lid switch may be defective. The lid switch is design to
stop the machine from running if the lid is open. So if the
lid is closed but your washer does not pump or spin, then the
lid switch could be bad. The lid switch is typically found inside
the washing machine main housing near the door frame. Often
you have to raise or open the top or front of the washing machine
to get to the switch to replace it.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from Steve on 10/26/2008
I have a Kenmore Ultra Fabric Care II Heavy Duty 80 Series washer.
It will do run through the entire cycle and do everything but
agitate during the wash and rinse cycle. No problems with filling,
draining or spinning, just agitating. Do just need to replace
the switch, or is there another problem?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 10/26/2008
Dear Steve:
If your washing machine is not agitating, yes it could be that
your lid switch is defective. But in addition to a defective
lid switch, others causes of a washer agitator not working include
problems with:
o motor coupler
o belts
o clutch
o drive motor
o drive pulleys
o transmission
o stipped agitator
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from Cathy
on 8/8/2009
I have a Maytag front loader washing machine,all of a sudden
when I put it on it runs for 10 seconds and shuts off,that is
on all cycles and spin.No matter where I set it the most it
goes on is for 10 seconds then stops.Can you help
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 8/8/2009
Dear Cathy:
Most of the time, a washing machine stopping like this at the
beginning of each cycle is due to a problem with the door switch,
which tells the washer that the door is closed. If this switch
is bad, or loose such that it trips the washer each time the
cycle begins, then it could be what is causing your washer to
keep stopping.
The other possible option is that there is a problem with your
washer's timer mechanism.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
QUESTION from Cathy on 8/8/2009
Thanks so much for your advice, I will check that out.
Cathy
____________________
QUESTION
from Joan and Derek on 8/12/2009
we have a kenmore top load washer manufactured in 1994. It is
a direct drive model 110
It is making a noise and will not spin. I changed the couplers
from the motor to the transmission but it is still noisy and
will not spin. I found a clip underneath it but do not
know exactly where it came from. Would you have any ideas. Thanks
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 8/12/2009
Dear Joan and Derek:
It would be helpful if you could tell us more about the nature
of the noise that your washing machine is making while it is
not spinning. Is it a humming sound? Is it a grinding sound
and your washing is only spinning a little? Or is it not spinning
at all?
In general however, here are the problems which could cause
a direct drive model washer not to spin:
1. The lid switch is defective, making the washer think that
the lid is open.
2. You have clothes wedged in between basket and outer tank.
3. Your lint filter has gotten caught between the wash basket
and outer holding tank.
4. Your washer's motor capacitor has gone bad.
5. Worn out clutch.
6. Bad timer switch.
7. Motor has worn out.
8. The cam driver on the basket drive has gotten broken, or
the basket drive weak.
9. The notches in your washers drive block have gotten worn
out and are not engaging basket drive shaft.
10. You have a broken motor coupling (although this would not
apply to you, as you have already changed your coupler).
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
QUESTION from Derek on 8/14/2009
Thank you for your response to my questions.
I found a clip under the machine. I looked up a diagram of the
basket drive assy and it appears that the clip may be the retainer
for the cam driver.
Could you possibly explain to me how to take apart the machine
and see why the retainer clip fell off? Also do you think it
is worth replacing the basket drive assembly as the washer is
a 1994 model. I was thinking of purchasing a new washer but
I am not sure which make or model would be reliable.
Thank you.
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 8/14/2009
Hi Derek:
Regarding your question about how to disassemble a Kenmore model
110 washing machine, here is a webpage that describes how to
do this, with links to helpful drawings and photos:
http://fixitnow.com/wp/2005/10/23/how-to-open-a-whirlpool-or-kenmore-direct-drive-washer-how-to-take-apart-washer-washing-machine-disassembly-washer-repair/
Hopefully, once you get it apart, you will be able to see where
the clip has come off from.
Regarding whether it is worth replacing the basket drive on
a 15-year old washing machine, the answer depends somewhat on
how much running time your particular washing machine has had.
For example, are you doing one load every two weeks, or 2-3
loads every week?
One reason in favor of replacing your washer is that new washing
machines are now more energy efficient and use less water.
And as far as finding a good model, as an Energy Star partner,
we would recommend that you looking into getting a washer which
has earned an Energy Star rating from the Department of Energy
and EPA. Here is a link to a webpage which shows special offers
and rebates from Energy Star partners:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=rebate.rebate_locator
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from dsugarg
on 8/29/2009
when loading the depenser with washing products the washer leaks
from the bottom of washer.Front loader GE Model WVBH624OFWW
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 8/30/2009
Dear dsugarg:
Leaking water from a soap dispenser can be caused by three reasons:
1) The hose from the dispenser has gotten blocked, usually with
undissolved soap powder. You will need to remove the hose and
clear the blockage;
2) If black grunge has formed on the top of the soap dispenser,
it can cause water to spray towards the front and leak. To correct
this, you will need to take out the soap dispenser drawer and
look at the roof of the soap dispenser. If the grunge is blocking
the water holes, it will need to be cleaned off or the dispenser
will need to be replaced; and
3) Water flooding out of the front of a washing machine's soap
dispenser can also be an indication of overfilling or a partial
pump blockage, if it does it when the washer is spinning.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from madge
on 9/7/2009
which direction do i turn the hot and cold water nozzle to on
position behind my washer?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 9/7/2009
Dear Madge:
It depends on what kind of valve you have. Does it look like
the valve in this picture: http://www.cashacme.com/_images/products/gen_plumbing/wm_shutoff_valves.jpg
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from Kurt
on 9/25/2009
Whirlpool Part Number 8563818
Description: Tech Sheet
Manufacturer: Whirlpool
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 9/25/2009
Dear Kurt:
Here is a web link to where you should be able to get the tech
sheet:
http://www.partadvantage.com/store/showpart/11254016
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from Jack on 10/16/2009
My daughter just called, in tears. She just discovered that
her 3 month old washers is filled with water and remnants of
garbage, apparently from the disposal is in the mix. Does sound
like a clogged drain problem?
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 10/16/2009
Dear Jack:
From your description, there are a couple of things that could
be causing food remnants to be coming into your washing machine:
1) Yes, as you suspected, there could be a clog in your drainage
piping, which could be causing water from your garbage disposal
to backup into your daughter's washing machine. A quick way
to check this is to fill up the sink with water, then pull out
the stopper and see how quickly or not the water drains out.
If it drains slowly, then she can try using the appropriate
Drano type product (please be sure to read and follow the directions
carefully).
2) You or she should check that the drain hose from the washing
machine to ensure that it rises to at least the level of your
sink rim. Plumbing codes specify an air-gap device which prevents
backup water from siphoning from your disposal into usually
the dishwasher, but it sounds like the drainage for your daughter's
washing machine could be on this line.
3) And just to cover all of the bases, if your daughter has
children, is it possible that one of them left food in their
clothing? One of my kids left a sandwich in a sweatshirt once,
and it created a food mess in the washer.
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
QUESTION from justme7
on 12/4/2009
I have a Kenmore heavy duty ultra fabric care 80 series washer/dryer.
I would like to know a generalized capacity for them. I have
a couple roommates who like to overload the washer/dryer. It
would be nice to have a run down of what the washer/dryer is
expected to clean...ex " 5 pairs of jeans, or 10 T shirts...
ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD.COM on 12/4/2009
Dear justme7
. . . that's a good question.
To know the capacity of this particular model of washing machine,
I would suggest that you contact Kenmore customer service. Here
is there toll-free phone number:
1-800-549-4505
Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com
____________________
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