The drain pump empties the tub before the spin cycle. A blocked pump or a failed motor leaves standing water and stops the cycle, and the machine will not spin while water remains.
Washer Repair
Washer Repair: Drain, Spin, Leak and Vibration Problems
Fix a washer that won't drain or spin, leaks, won't fill, or walks across the floor. Check the drain pump, lid switch, inlet valve and suspension.
Most washer failures are drainage or detection problems. A machine that will not drain cannot spin, and the pump filter or drain hose is usually the reason. A machine that will not fill usually has clogged inlet screens or a failed inlet valve. Front-loaders add a door boot and lock, which account for most leaks and door errors.
Vibration and walking are suspension issues: worn shock absorbers, broken suspension rods or an unbalanced load. Before replacing a control board, verify the pressure switch, lid or door lock and the pump — those inputs are what the board uses to decide whether to run a cycle.
Symptoms this guide covers
- Washer will not drain or spin
- Water leaks from under or behind the machine
- Washer will not fill or fills slowly
- Drum bangs, walks or shakes during spin
- Door or lid will not lock, cycle will not start
- Musty smell or mold around the door
Test order before you replace anything
- Clean the drain pump filter and check the drain hose for kinks or a blocked standpipe
- Test the lid switch or door lock for continuity and confirm the strike engages
- Inspect the inlet valve screens for sediment and test the valve coils
- Check the drive belt or motor coupler on top-loaders, and the door boot for tears on front-loaders
- Level the machine and test the suspension rods or shocks with the drum empty
Parts involved in washer repair
The inlet valve controls hot and cold fill. A clogged screen slows the fill; a failed solenoid lets the washer overfill or not fill at all.
The lid switch tells the control the lid is closed before a spin. A failed switch stops the spin and drain on top-loaders even though the machine fills and agitates normally.
The boot seals the door to the tub on a front-loader. Tears and mould cause leaks and odour, and a boot that is not seated correctly will leak on every spin.
Suspension rods hold the tub and absorb spin vibration on top-loaders. Worn rods let the tub bang against the cabinet, and the machine walks during spin.
Many top-load washers use a belt between the motor and transmission. A glazed, stretched or broken belt causes a drum that will not agitate or spin while the motor runs.
The control board runs the cycle and switches the loads. It is the most over-diagnosed part in appliance repair: failed elements, sensors, switches and pumps cause most 'board' symptoms.
What drives the cost
- Top-load versus front-load access and parts
- Whether the drum or tub must be removed
- Door boot and lock costs on front-loaders
- Control board versus mechanical timer models
Safety first
- Unplug the washer and shut off both water valves before opening panels or disconnecting hoses
- Keep the drain hose secured — an unsecured hose can flood the room during a drain test
- Front-load door locks can retain water; open the pump filter slowly with a towel and shallow pan
Washer Repair by brand
Brand ownership changes which parts fit. These hubs cover the platform differences and the model-plate location for each brand.
Whirlpool WasherMaytag WasherKitchenAid WasherAmana WasherRoper WasherGE Appliances WasherSamsung WasherLG WasherFrigidaire WasherElectrolux WasherKenmore WasherBosch WasherSpeed Queen WasherFisher & Paykel WasherHaier Washer
Common questions
Why won't my washer drain or spin?
The machine will not spin while water is present. Clear the pump filter and drain hose first, then test the drain pump and the lid or door switch.
Why is my washer leaking from the bottom?
Common causes are a loose or split inlet hose, a damaged door boot on front-loaders, a failed drain pump seal, or a loose tub clamp. Dry the area and run a short cycle to locate the source.
Why does my washer walk across the floor?
An unbalanced load, missing shipping bolts, an unlevel floor or worn suspension rods. Re-level the machine and redistribute the load before replacing suspension parts.
How do I get rid of the musty smell?
Run a hot cleaning cycle with a washer cleaner, wipe the door boot and detergent drawer, and leave the door open between loads. Front-loaders need the boot and filter cleaned regularly.