There are few things more frustrating than a mountain of dirty laundry and a washing machine that refuses to cooperate. One minute you’re planning your week’s chores, the next you’re staring at a stagnant drum or a puddle on your utility room floor. A functioning washing machine isn’t just a convenience; it’s an essential part of keeping your household running smoothly here in Alton.
But when things go wrong, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to common washing machine problems. Knowing what might be wrong can help you understand the issue and, more importantly, when it’s time to call in the experts.
Common Washing Machine Problems in Alton, East Hampshire
The Washing Machine Won't Turn On
Complete lack of response from the machine: you press the power button, and nothing happens. No lights, no hum, just silence.
Common Causes: Often, the simplest explanation is the right one. Check if the machine is properly plugged into a working outlet. A tripped circuit breaker is also a common culprit; head to your fuse box and reset it. Less common, but still possible, are issues with the door latch (the machine won’t start if it thinks the door isn’t securely closed) or a faulty control board.
Water Leaking from the Machine
A rogue puddle around your washing machine is a clear sign of trouble and a potential slip hazard. Water pooling on the floor around or under the machine.
Common Causes: The most frequent offenders are damaged or loose hoses, particularly the inlet hoses connected to your water supply or the drain hose at the back. A clogged drain pump filter can cause water to back up and overflow. Over time, the rubber door seal or gasket can wear out, leading to leaks, especially in front-loader machines. Sometimes, an overfilled detergent drawer due to too much soap can also cause minor spills.
Excessive Noise or Vibrations
Is your washing machine sounding like it’s trying to escape the house? Loud banging, grinding, or a machine that “walks” across the floor indicates a problem. Loud banging, grinding, squealing, or the machine moving excessively during cycles.
Common Causes: An uneven load of laundry is a frequent cause of banging, especially during the spin cycle. Ensure your machine is level; uneven feet can lead to significant vibrations. More serious issues include worn drum bearings or foreign objects like coins or small items caught in the drum or pump.
Washer Not Draining or Spinning
You pull out your clothes, expecting them ready for the line, only to find them soaking wet and heavy. This indicates a draining or spinning issue. Water remaining in the drum after a cycle, or clothes still dripping wet.
Common Causes: A clogged drain pump filter (often accessible at the front bottom of the machine) or a kinked/blocked drain hose are common culprits. A faulty drain pump itself will prevent water removal. In some top-loader machines, a malfunctioning lid switch can stop the spin cycle.
Clothes Not Getting Clean / Detergent Residue
The goal of a washing machine is clean clothes, so when they come out still dirty or streaked with soap, it’s particularly annoying.
Symptoms: Clothes still soiled, white or grey soap marks, or an unpleasant smell.
Common Causes: Overloading the machine is a prime cause; clothes need space to tumble and get washed effectively. Using too much or too little detergent, or the wrong type, can also lead to residue. A clogged detergent dispenser prevents proper distribution. Sometimes, using cold water for heavily soiled items isn’t effective enough. Hard water can also contribute to residue buildup.
Appliance Experts in Alton, East Hampshire
While some minor issues can be addressed by a quick check or simple adjustment, knowing when to call a professional is crucial. Attempting complex electrical or plumbing repairs without proper knowledge can be dangerous. Professional repair not only ensures safety but can also save you time and money in the long run by preventing further damage. Our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose the root cause, often faster than you could, and will use genuine parts for a reliable repair.
When your washing machine breaks down in Alton, you need a service you can trust. At Service 87, we bring years of experience and expertise to every appliance repair. Our technicians are highly trained, certified, and committed to providing friendly, efficient service. We pride ourselves on prompt response times and reliable repairs, ensuring your complete satisfaction. We’re your local appliance repair specialists, dedicated to getting your household back to normal.
Call now for washing machine repairs
We’ve helped tonnes of people get their appliances working again! Our expert team in Alton is here to help you too, if you live in the GU or RG postcode near the Hampshire-Surrey border. We fix a wide range of household appliances including laundry appliances, cooking appliances including gas hobs, cookers & ovens, refrigeration repairs including fridges, freezers, coolers & combinations, and dishwashers.
We cover Alton, East Hampshire, the Hampshire/Surrey border and the A31 corridor including Aldershot, Basingstoke, Bordon, Bracknell, Farnborough, Farnham, Fleet, Godalming, Guildford, Liss, Petersfield, Reading, Slough, Windsor and Woking. Call in our professional team of appliance repair engineers from Service 87. Book a repair online, email us at jobs@service87.co.uk, or call 01420 481120.
