It’s Saturday morning, and you’re ready to tackle the mountain of laundry that’s been piling up all week. You toss in your first load, hit start… and nothing happens. Or worse, your washer fills with water but refuses to drain. Sound familiar?
Nobody wants to pull a heap of wet clothes out of the dryer and run to the laundromat, and you probably don’t want to shell out cash for what could be a simple fix.
That’s why understanding common washer and dryer problems and how to fix them can save you from calling a repair service. So, before you hit the panic button, read our post. Your problem may not be as bad as you think.
Washer Problems
1. Washer Won’t Drain
One of the most frustrating issues is when your washer refuses to drain. This can leave you with a tub full of water and soggy clothes. The usual suspects are a clogged drain hose or a faulty pump.
What You Can Do:
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- Start by unplugging the washer and checking the drain hose. Look for any kinks or clogs. You can often clear out blockages with a simple coat hanger or by flushing the hose with water.
- If the hose looks clear, the problem might lie with the pump. While pump repairs can get tricky, you can inspect it for blockages. Make sure the washer is unplugged before attempting any work on the pump.
2. Noisy Washer
Strange noises from your washer often mean something is out of balance. Whether it’s a banging sound or a constant rattle, addressing the noise early can prevent bigger problems down the line.
What You Can Do:
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- Check the load inside your washer. If clothes are clumped together, the drum can spin unevenly. Redistribute the items and see if that solves the problem.
- Look for any loose parts inside the washer, like coins or buttons that may have gotten stuck. These can cause noise and even damage the drum.
Dryer Problems
1. Dryer Won’t Heat
When your dryer tumbles, but the clothes stay damp, you’re likely dealing with a heating issue. The most common causes include a faulty heating element or a blown fuse.
What You Can Do:
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- Check the fuse box or circuit breaker. Sometimes, the issue is as simple as resetting the breaker or replacing a blown fuse.
- If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to inspect the heating element. While this may require a bit more expertise, replacement parts are generally affordable, and with the right tools, it can be a DIY fix.
2. Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry
If you find your clothes are still damp after a full drying cycle, it’s probably because the dryer isn’t getting proper airflow. A clogged vent or lint trap could be the culprit.
What You Can Do:
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- Start by cleaning out the lint trap after every load. A clogged trap can restrict airflow and make your dryer work harder than it needs to.
- Next, check the vent that leads outside. Over time, lint can build up in the vent, reducing airflow. Cleaning the vent periodically not only improves drying times but also helps prevent fire hazards.
