Making Careful Appliance Decisions

Your washing machine is probably one of the appliances in your home that you use often. So if it starts to break down, it can cause a lot of stress and inconvenience.

This post outlines two signs that your washing machine is on the fritz. Read on for information that could help save your washing machine (and maybe even your sanity).

Leaking Water

A washing machine usually leaks water for three reasons: the door gasket, the pump, or the hose.

The door gasket is a rubber seal that goes around the door. If there is a crack in the gasket, water will leak out when the washer is turned on. The pump circulates water through the washer. So if the pump is cracked or damaged, it will definitely leak water. Another possibility is that the hose that drains the water from the washer has come loose or has a hole in it. If there is too much pressure build-up in the hose, a leak might be underway.

If your washing machine is leaking, check the door gasket, pump, and hose for signs of damage. But sometimes, it can be tricky to figure out where the water is coming from, so simple DIY fixes might not be enough to fix the problem. You need to call in an appliance machine repair expert in such a case.

Strange Noises

If your washing machine starts making strange noises, that's definitely a sign that something is wrong. The most common noise is a loud banging sound. This noise usually means there's something caught in the washing machine drum — like a sock or piece of clothing.

Sometimes, the banging noise can also be caused by an imbalanced load. So if you hear a banging noise, try redistributing the clothes in the washing machine. If that doesn't work, there might be something caught in the washing machine drum that you can't see. You'll need to call a washing machine repair expert to take a look.

Another strange noise you might hear is a grinding sound. This noise means that the washing machine's motor is having trouble starting. If you hear a grinding sound, try unplugging the washing machine and plugging it back in. If that doesn't work, you'll need to call a washing machine repair expert for further diagnosis. Ignoring the problem will only make things worse. You can expect a complete breakdown of your washing machine.

For more information on appliance repair, contact a professional near you.