Washing Machine Maintenance

This video gives you 55 tips for your washing machine, that can help you to: reduce energy; improve performance; extend service life; improve safety.

 Maintenance Task:  Check for leaks, inspect hoses, and clean water inlet filters

The following maintenance tasks should be performed on your washing machine:

1. Check for leaks: Look especially around the inlet water valves and hoses, the tub, and the water drainage system.  NOTE: If you find leaks, unplug the washing machine immediately (water and electricity are a dangerous combination).

2. Inspect water hoses: Look for leaks around connections, and any signs of cracking of the hoses.

3. Clean water inlet filters: To clean the water inlet filter, close the water faucets or valves, then pull the washing machine away from the wall so that you can disconnect the hoses (have a pot handy to catch any water that runs out).  The inlet water filters are a fine-mesh flat circle that fits just inside of where the hose connects to the washing machine.  Remove the filters from each hose connection and clean them thoroughly.  Replace, and carefully assemble and re-attach the water hoses, and put the washing machine back in position.

If your unit has a lint filter, it should be cleaned according to your manufacturer's recommendations.

Leaks from a washing machine can cause serious water damage.

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS from "Ask-the-Wizard":

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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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
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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

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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
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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

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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
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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
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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
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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

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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