Top 10 Most Common Washer Repair Questions Answered

1. Why won’t my washer turn on at all?

If your washer won’t power on, start with the simple checks. Make sure it’s plugged in firmly, the outlet has power (test with another device), and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Confirm the lid or door is fully closed, as many machines won’t start otherwise.

If those are fine, check the control lock / child lock icon on digital models—turn it off per the manual. Unplug the washer for 5 minutes to reset the control board.

Call a professional if:

• The outlet has power but the washer stays dead
• You smell burning, see scorch marks, or the cord is damaged
• The control panel lights flicker or act erratically ⚠️

Internal power issues often involve boards, wiring, or fuses best handled by a tech.

2. Why is my washer not draining water?

A washer that won’t drain is usually dealing with a blockage or pump problem. First, pause and unplug the machine. Check the drain hose at the back: make sure it isn’t kinked, frozen, or shoved too far into the standpipe.

Next, locate and clean the drain pump filter (often behind a small access panel at the bottom front). Place a shallow pan and towels underneath—it may release a lot of water. Remove coins, lint, and debris.

Call a pro if the washer still won’t drain, the pump makes loud grinding noises, or error codes persist. A failed pump, wiring issue, or control board fault may be involved.

3. Why won’t my washer spin or finish the spin cycle?

When washers won’t spin, it’s often related to load balance, lid switch, or drive components. Start by opening the washer and redistributing the clothes—bulky items like blankets can cause an unbalanced load, making the machine stop or spin slowly.

Check that the lid or door lock engages; top-loaders won’t spin with a bad lid switch, and front-loaders need a working door lock. Remove any objects stuck between the drum and seal.

If the drum still doesn’t spin or you hear a motor hum but no movement, the issue could be a worn drive belt, motor, or clutch.

Call a professional if:

• The tub never spins even with small loads
• You hear grinding, burning smells, or loud banging
• Error codes for “unbalanced” persist despite normal loads

4. Why is my washer leaking water on the floor?

Leaks usually come from hoses, door seals, or over-sudsing. First, identify where the water appears: front, back, or underneath.

• Back of washer: Check hot/cold supply hoses for cracks, loose connections, or rusty fittings. Tighten gently and replace worn hoses.
• Front (front-loaders): Inspect the door boot/gasket for tears, buildup, or trapped items like coins or hairpins. Clean with a mild detergent.
• Underneath: Could be a pump, tub seal, or internal hose.

Using too much or the wrong detergent (non-HE in HE machines) can create excess suds that leak out.

🚫 Turn off water supply and unplug if the leak is heavy. Call a technician for internal leaks, torn tub seals, or if the source is unclear.

5. Why does my washer make loud banging or grinding noises?

Loud noises are your washer’s way of saying something’s wrong. Banging often means an unbalanced load—pause the cycle, redistribute items, and avoid mixing heavy items (like towels) with light ones. Make sure the washer is level; adjust the feet so it doesn’t rock.

Grinding, squealing, or metal-on-metal sounds can point to a worn belt, bearings, or motor. Coins or small objects in the drum, filter, or pump can also cause weird sounds.

Use this quick guide:

If noises persist after balancing and leveling, or you see oil/rust marks, call a pro to prevent bigger damage.

6. Why do my clothes come out still dirty or soapy?

If clothes stay dirty or soapy, your washer may not be rinsing or agitating effectively. Don’t overload the drum—leave space for clothes to move freely. Use the right amount of HE detergent; too much soap can cause residue, while too little affects cleaning power.

Check and clean the dispenser drawer; built-up detergent or fabric softener can block proper dispensing. Run a rinse and spin cycle to see if leftover suds appear—this can signal overuse of detergent or poor filling/draining.

Also inspect the drain pump filter; partial clogs reduce water flow and rinse quality.

If everything is clean and clothes still emerge dirty, there may be issues with the water inlet valves, temperature control, or motor/agitation. That’s the time to involve a technician.

7. Why does my washer smell bad or moldy?

A sour or moldy smell 🤢 is usually from bacteria and mildew buildup, especially in high-efficiency front-load washers. Detergent residue, fabric softener, and lint create a film that traps odors.

For front-loaders, gently pull back the rubber door seal and clean out gunk, hair, or standing water. Wipe it thoroughly with a 1:1 vinegar and water mixture. Remove and clean the detergent drawer in warm soapy water.

Run a hot “tub clean” or maintenance cycle with a washer cleaner or 1–2 cups of white vinegar (check your manual).

To prevent returns of the smell:

• Leave the door slightly open after each wash
• Use less detergent and skip liquid softener when possible
• Clean the tub and seal monthly

If odors remain even after deep cleaning, there may be hidden buildup in internal hoses—consider a professional cleaning.

8. Why is my washer not filling with water properly?

When a washer doesn’t fill, fills slowly, or only with hot/cold, check the basics first. Turn the water supply valves (hot and cold) fully on and ensure hoses aren’t kinked.

Next, remove the hoses at the back (with water off) and inspect the inlet screens inside the valve. Sediment from your plumbing can clog these tiny filters; gently clean them with a soft brush.

Some modern washers may appear to fill little because they’re high-efficiency models—they sense load size and use less water.

Call a professional if:

• No water enters despite good supply
• The washer overfills or underfills randomly
• Only one temperature works (could be a failed inlet valve or control board)

Avoid forcing or prying on internal parts; valves are easy to damage.

9. Why does my washer shake or walk across the floor?

A walking washer is almost always about leveling or load balance. First, pause and redistribute the load. Wash large, heavy items like comforters alone so they don’t wad up on one side.

Then check if the washer is perfectly level:

• Place a level on top, front-to-back and side-to-side
• Adjust the feet (usually screw-type) until the machine is steady
• Lock the feet if your model has lock nuts

On new front-load washers, make sure you’ve removed the shipping bolts in the back.

If the washer is level with balanced loads and still shakes violently, the suspension rods, shocks, or dampers may be worn—time to call a technician.

10. Why is my washer showing an error code?

Error codes are built-in diagnostics that can save guesswork. Most codes relate to drain, fill, door lock, or motor issues. Look in your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website and search your exact model plus the code (e.g., “LG washer OE error”).

Common examples:

Start with simple steps: straighten hoses, clean filters, redistribute loads, and power cycle the washer (unplug 5–10 minutes).

If the error returns after basic troubleshooting, especially for motor, control board, or door lock faults, professional diagnosis is recommended to avoid part-swapping and extra costs.

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Washer Running Smoothly

1. Use the right detergent and amount. Always choose HE detergent for HE washers and measure carefully to avoid residue, odors, and sensor issues.
2. Clean the washer monthly. Run a hot cleaning cycle with washer cleaner or vinegar, and wipe the drum, door seal, and dispenser to prevent mold and buildup.
3. Leave the door and dispenser open after use. Letting everything dry out helps prevent mildew and musty smells.
4. Check hoses annually. Inspect water hoses for bulges, cracks, or corrosion; replace rubber hoses every 5 years or upgrade to braided stainless lines.
5. Avoid overloading. Follow your washer’s capacity guidelines; overstuffing strains the motor, bearings, and suspension.
6. Level and stabilize the machine. Confirm it’s solid on the floor and adjust feet as needed to reduce vibration and extend component life.