The most common reason why your washing machine is not draining or spinning is a clogged drain hose or pump. This can happen due to lint, hair, coins, or other small objects that get stuck in the hose or pump and prevent the water from flowing out. To fix this problem, you need to check and clean the drain hose and pump and make sure they are not blocked or damaged.
However, there are other possible causes that can affect your washing machine’s performance and require different solutions. In this article, we will explain how to diagnose and troubleshoot the most common issues that can prevent your washing machine from draining or spinning properly. We will also provide some tips on how to maintain your washing machine and avoid future problems.
The drain hose and pump are the parts of your washing machine that remove the water from the tub after the wash cycle. If they are clogged or damaged, the water will not be able to drain out and the machine will not spin. Here are the steps to check and clean the drain hose and pump:
Unplug the washing machine from the power source and turn off the water supply valves.
Locate the drain hose at the back of the machine and detach it from the drain pipe or sink. You may need a pair of pliers to loosen the clamp that holds the hose in place.
Use a bucket or a large bowl to catch any water that may come out of the hose.
Inspect the hose for any signs of clogging, such as lint, hair, or debris. If you find any, use a wire coat hanger or a long brush to clear the obstruction. You can also flush the hose with water to remove any residue.
Reattach the hose to the drain pipe or sink and secure it with the clamp.
Locate the pump at the bottom of the machine and remove the access panel. You may need a screwdriver to do this.
Check the pump for any visible damage, such as cracks, leaks, or corrosion. If you notice any, you may need to replace the pump or call a professional for assistance.
Look for any foreign objects that may be stuck in the pump, such as coins, buttons, or socks. If you find any, use a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers to remove them carefully. Be gentle and avoid damaging the pump or its impeller.
Clean the pump with a damp cloth and wipe away any dirt or grease. You can also use a mild detergent or vinegar to disinfect the pump and prevent mold or bacteria growth.
Replace the access panel and plug the washing machine back into the power source and turn on the water supply valves.
Run a test cycle to see if the washing machine is draining and spinning normally. If not, you may need to check for other possible causes.
How to check and replace the lid switch or the door lock
The lid switch or the door lock are the safety devices that prevent the washing machine from spinning when the lid or the door is open. If they are faulty or broken, the washing machine will not spin even if the lid or the door is closed. Here are the steps to check and replace the lid switch or the door lock:
Unplug the washing machine from the power source and turn off the water supply valves.
Locate the lid switch or the door lock on the top or the front of the machine. You may need to remove the control panel or the front panel to access them. You may need a screwdriver or a putty knife to do this.
Check the lid switch or the door lock for any visible damage, such as cracks, burns, or loose wires. If you notice any, you may need to replace the lid switch or the door lock or call a professional for assistance.
Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the lid switch or the door lock. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the lid switch or the door lock. If the multimeter shows a reading of zero or infinity, the lid switch or the door lock is defective and needs to be replaced. If the multimeter shows a reading of resistance, the lid switch or the door lock is working properly and does not need to be replaced.
Replace the control panel or the front panel and plug the washing machine back into the power source and turn on the water supply valves.
Run a test cycle to see if the washing machine is spinning normally. If not, you may need to check for other possible causes.
How to check and adjust the drive belt or the motor coupler
The drive belt or the motor coupler are the parts of your washing machine that connect the motor to the transmission and the agitator. If they are worn out, loose, or broken, the washing machine will not spin or agitate. Here are the steps to check and adjust the drive belt or the motor coupler:
Unplug the washing machine from the power source and turn off the water supply valves.
Locate the drive belt or the motor coupler at the bottom of the machine and remove the access panel. You may need a screwdriver to do this.
Check the drive belt or the motor coupler for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, frays, or breaks. If you notice any, you may need to replace the drive belt or the motor coupler or call a professional for assistance.
Check the tension of the drive belt or the motor coupler by pushing them with your finger. They should be tight enough to move slightly but not too loose or too tight. If they are too loose, you can adjust them by loosening the bolts that hold the motor in place and moving the motor slightly to increase the tension. If they are too tight, you can adjust them by loosening the bolts that hold the motor in place and moving the motor slightly to decrease the tension. You may need a wrench to do this.
Replace the access panel and plug the washing machine back into the power source and turn on the water supply valves.
Run a test cycle to see if the washing machine is spinning and agitating normally. If not, you may need to check for other possible causes.
How to maintain your washing machine and avoid future problems
To keep your washing machine in good condition and prevent it from not draining or spinning, you should follow some simple maintenance tips, such as:
Clean the drain hose and pump regularly to prevent clogging and ensure proper water drainage.
Clean the lid switch or the door lock periodically to prevent dirt and debris from interfering with their function and ensure safety.
Replace the drive belt or the motor coupler when they show signs of wear and tear to prevent them from breaking and affecting the performance of the machine.
Use the right amount and type of detergent for your washing machine and load size to prevent excessive suds and residue buildup.
Do not overload your washing machine or wash items that are too heavy or bulky for your machine to handle to prevent strain and damage to the machine.
Run a cleaning cycle with hot water and vinegar or bleach once a month to sanitize and deodorize your washing machine and remove any mold or bacteria growth.
By following these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your washing machine and enjoy its optimal performance.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained why your washing machine may not be draining or spinning and how to fix the most common problems that can cause this issue. We have also provided some maintenance tips to help you prevent future problems and keep your washing machine in good shape. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading.
