Washer Repair: When you should DIY, so when to within an Appliance Repair Shop

Is your washing machine giving you trouble? A broken washing machine can be quite the headache, forcing you to lug loads of laundry to the nearest laundromat or spend valuable time hand washing items in the sink.

If your machine is on the fritz, you may be inclined to rush out and buy a new washer. Washing machine replacement can be very expensive, though, and when you factor in time for researching features and scheduling delivery and hookup, much of the convenience associated with a new unit is lost. If you're looking to save money and time, washing machine repair is your best bet.

Some washing machine repairs are simple enough for you to handle yourself, while others require the expertise of a professional appliance repair technician. How can you tell which repair issues are suitable for a DIY job, and which to leave to the pros? Let's break it down by looking at some of the most common washer issues:

Leaks
A leaking washing machine often evokes feelings of panic, and with good reason. The combination of soap, water, and intricate electrical wiring and digital panels is a volatile one. Add in the potential for water damage to floors and the surrounding surfaces, and you've got a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, most washer leaks are easy and inexpensive to resolve.

The first thing you'll want to do is unplug your washing machine to ensure your safety. Check the door seals and gaskets for any wear and tear, especially in front-loading machines. If you see water leaking from the front of the machine, it's a clear sign that the door gasket needs to be replaced. Most gaskets can easily be swapped out by the average homeowner; just check your washing machine repair manual for the correct part number.

If your door seal is in good condition, or you notice water leaking from the back or underneath the machine, there's a good chance the leak is originating from the water inlet hoses on the back of the washer. Simply tighten the connections between the machine and the hot and cold hookups, and you should be good to go. If neither of these fixes solves the problem, your machine may be overfilling due to a malfunctioning water level sensor. Due to the complex electronic components involved, this is a washing machine repair best left to the professionals.

Excessive Noise
Does your washing machine rattle or thump? Does it shimmy across your laundry room during each cycle? The most likely culprit is an unbalanced drum. Make sure that you're distributing the weight of your laundry evenly throughout the tub. It's also important to make certain your machine is level with the floor. You can level the washer yourself by simply adjusting the legs on the bottom of the machine. You want your washer to be as close to the floor as possible. Placing the machine on a rubber-backed carpet can also help to keep it in place and minimize noise.

A loose drum or motor mount can also cause loud banging sounds when your washer is running. While it is fairly simple to tighten the bolts for the drum and motor mount, it can be quite difficult to access those parts of the washer. The motor mount is usually located under the tub, and you may have to lean the machine to one side while simultaneously supporting the mount in order to access it. If you're having a hard time getting to this part of the washer, it may be time to call in your local washer/dryer repair specialist for help. If these minor adjustments don't resolve the issue, you may be in need of a motor replacement. Contact your local appliance repair company for more information.

Failure to Spin
If your washing machine doesn't spin, and is leaving your clothes sopping wet, there could be a number of issues to blame. As with all washing machine repairs, it is important to unplug your washer before you begin working on it. The easiest solution is to check the belts at the back of the machine. If the belts are getting stuck on another component, it could prevent your machine from spinning properly. Over time, the belts may become worn, necessitating replacement: a simple washing machine repair that you can do on your own. If the belts are intact and moving freely, the lid switch may be at fault. The lid switch is typically located near the door hinge at the front or top of the machine. To determine whether the lid switch is functioning properly, hold the door open, and depress the switch using a pen or similar object. If the machine begins to spin normally, the lid switch and plunger aren't making good contact, and probably need to be replaced. This should be an easy fix as long as you consult your appliance repair manual for the appropriate part numbers and installation instructions. Some other issues that can result in failure to spin include a motor mounting plate that needs to be adjusted or replaced, a worn motor coupling, and a bad clutch. Addressing these issues requires a lot of work, and an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of your washing machine. In other words, these are repairs best left to professionals experienced in home appliance repair.

Do-it-yourself washing machine repairs can save you time and money, particularly over replacing your machine. There are some circumstances, however, under which you should always contact an appliance repair professional. For example, if you're in doubt as to what is causing the problem, it's best to call in the experts. Your washing machine is made of a number of intricate parts, and if you're not sure what you're doing, you run the risk of making the problem worse, or creating new issues. Any washing machine repair that requires wiring or electrical work is also typically best left to the pros.

There are a number of resources available to assist with a DIY job, including your washer/dryer repair manual and instructional videos and diagrams on the Internet, but if you're not confident in your ability to do the job, your washing machine repair technician can make sure the repair is completed accurately and safely. Look for an appliance repair service that is fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your security.