If your washing machine is not functioning as it used to, you might have considered buying a new one. But before you splash your money on a new shiny washing machine, you need to ask yourself if you can save some money repairing the old washing machine instead. After all, the machine you bought a few years ago is now more expensive than it was. When considering whether to buy a new or repair your washing machine, there are certain questions you need to ask yourself. Knowing the answers to the following 7 questions can help you know whether it is worthwhile repairing your machine or not.

1. Is Your Washing Machine Spinning?

There are various reasons why your washing machine is not spinning. It may be due to simple faults or the way you are using the machine. Most of the time it is easy to repair your machine if it is not spinning. Before you start diagnosing the machine, check first why your machine is not spinning. Is it because you are spinning small loads of clothes? Most new machines have a feature known as out of balance sensors, which interpret small loads of clothes as a potential risk to the machine. This problem can also be caused by putting too many clothes in the washing machine. To fix this problem, adjust the loads then retry spinning. If the machine cannot drain correctly, it cannot spin. For that reason make sure the pump is clear by assessing the fluff filter.

2. Is The Washing Machine Draining Properly?

A machine not draining properly is a common problem that most people face. It might be due to the pump or hose being clogged with residual gunk, small clothing or other debris. Also, the washing machine may not drain properly if the pump is broken, or the machine cannot engage the spin/ drain cycle correctly. In the latter case, you get an error code which you can clarify with the product manual. There are two solutions to this problem, First, reset your washing machine by turning it off at the powerpoint, then wait for 60 seconds before turning it back on. Second, pull out the hose then drain it into a basin to drain it via gravity.

3. Do You See Fault Code?

If your machine is showing a fault code, it could be indicative of a fault somewhere. A fault code is usually displayed via a combination of numbers and letters or a series of flashing LED lights. This may help a serviceman understand the nature of the fault. However, the fault code does not show the exact fault but rather the general area where the fault is. Before you call an expert or perform any diagnosis on your machine, it is advisable you check if the filter is clean and there is enough supply of water.

4. Does Your Washing Machine Make a lot of Noise?

A machine that is very noisy indicates a problem that needs to be solved. If your machine is very noisy than usual, it could mean there is something stuck like a coin and the drum is moving. Most modern machines have a removable drum paddle for accessing and removing such foreign objects. Also, if the bearings are failing, it could cause the washing machine to make a lot of noise. Check the filter to see if an object is stuck in the drain pump.

5. Why is the Washer Door Not Unlocking?

This is a common problem that is found in front loader machines. These washing machines require the door to be locked so that they can operate. It is after the completion of the wash cycle that is when the washer door will unlock automatically. There are three reasons why the washer door is not unlocking. First, a glitch in the machine’s computer. Second, jamming of the locking mechanism. Third, the machine is not draining correctly. To solve this problem, you can either contact the manufacturer, run a short cycle or check the drainage hose.

6. Does Your Machine Smell Bad?

When you wash under low temperature with liquid detergent without running a hot wash, it can cause bacteria to build up inside the machine. This can make the washing machine produce a bad smell which can transfer to your laundry. You can clean the washing machine by running a cycle while it is empty. This will allow water and cleaning solution to clean the crannies and nooks.

7. Does Your Machine Jump Around?

If your washing machine is off-balance you could find that it has jumped to a different position. When the machine is spinning, there is a high centrifugal force which is working to remove water from your laundry. Also, if one leg of your machine is shorter than the other, it can move around. This problem can be solved by making sure the feet of the machine is positioned on a level surface.