Washing Machine Not Working in Burnaby? Let’s Fix It Today
When your washer suddenly stops working, life stops with it. Wet clothes sitting in the drum, a door that won’t open, or a machine that does absolutely nothing can drive anyone crazy.
If you live in Burnaby and your washing machine stopped working, this guide is written for you. No vague advice. No useless theory. Just real problems and real answers.
At Comfort Appliance Service and Installation, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you troubleshoot common washing machine problems. Before you call a professional, check out our expert appliance repair services in Vancouver and Burnaby to see if you can fix the issue yourself!
Most Common Washing Machine Problems in Burnaby Homes
These are the exact issues our technicians deal with every day in Burnaby houses and condos.
Washing Machine Not Working at All
The washer is completely dead or shows no response.
Common causes:
- Power supply or internal fuse failure
- Door lock assembly failure
- Control board malfunction
- Burned wiring from power fluctuation
If the lights are off and the unit does nothing, the problem is almost never something you can fix yourself.
Washing Machine Stopped Working Mid-Cycle
The washer starts, fills with water, then suddenly stops.
This usually happens because of:
- Drain pump blockage
- Control board overheating
- Sensor communication errors
- Poor building drainage systems common in older Burnaby homes
The machine shuts itself down to prevent serious damage.
1. Washing Machine Won’t Start
Washing Machine Repair in Vancouver
If your washing machine refuses to turn on, it could be due to several reasons, ranging from simple to more complex issues. Here’s what you should check:
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Power Supply: First, make sure the washing machine is plugged in and that the outlet is working. You can test the outlet by plugging in another device (like a lamp or phone charger) to see if it’s receiving power. Also, check the circuit breaker to ensure the power isn’t shut off.
- Door or Lid Switch: Most washing machines won’t start if the door or lid isn’t closed properly. Check to make sure the door or lid is securely shut. Some machines have a switch or latch that could be malfunctioning. If the switch is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
- Timer or Control Board: If the power supply and door are fine, the issue could lie with the washing machine’s timer or control board. If you suspect this, you may need to call a technician to inspect and replace the faulty part.
2. Washing Machine Won’t Spin or Drain
If your washing machine fills up with water but fails to spin or drain, it can leave your clothes soaking wet and frustrated.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Clogged Drain Pump or Hose: Over time, lint, debris, or even coins can clog the drain hose or pump. Start by checking the drain hose for any visible blockages or kinks. If it’s clogged, remove the obstruction and test the machine again.
- Faulty Pump: If the drain hose is clear but the water still isn’t draining, the pump might be faulty. You may need to replace the drain pump or call a technician for help.
- Unbalanced Load: An unbalanced load can cause the washing machine to stop spinning properly. If you’ve overfilled the washer or placed heavy items like blankets on one side, redistribute the laundry evenly in the drum to help balance the load.
- Broken Lid Switch: On some models, a malfunctioning lid switch can prevent the washer from spinning. If the switch is broken, the washing machine won’t complete its cycle.
3. Washing Machine Leaking Water
A leaking washing machine can create a mess and potentially cause water damage in your laundry room. If you notice puddles around your washing machine, here are a few common causes and fixes:
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Loose or Damaged Hoses: Check the water inlet hoses (the ones connected to the back of the machine). Make sure they’re securely attached and not damaged. Tighten any loose connections or replace any worn or cracked hoses.
- Overfilled or Clogged Detergent Drawer: If you’re using too much detergent, it could overflow from the detergent drawer and leak out of the machine. Make sure you’re using the correct amount of detergent for your load size, and clean the detergent drawer regularly to prevent clogs.
- Door Seal Issues (Front load washers): For front loading washers, a cracked or worn out door seal can cause water to leak out during a wash cycle. Inspect the door seal for any visible damage or debris. If it’s damaged, it will need to be replaced.
- Drain Pump: A damaged or malfunctioning drain pump can also cause water to leak. If you notice water leaking during the spin cycle, it’s worth having a technician inspect the pump.
4. Washing Machine Making Loud Noises
Is your washing machine making loud banging, grinding, or squealing noises during a cycle? Noisy washers can be an annoyance, but the cause is often simple to diagnose.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Unbalanced Load: As mentioned earlier, an unbalanced load is one of the most common causes of noise in washing machines. Heavy items or unevenly distributed laundry can cause the drum to move erratically, creating a banging sound. Try redistributing the load or removing heavy items like blankets and towels.
- Worn out Drum Bearings: If the noise sounds like a grinding or squealing, it could be the drum bearings. Worn out bearings can cause the drum to move unevenly. If this is the case, the bearings will need to be replaced by a professional technician.
- Foreign Objects: Sometimes coins, buttons, or other small items can get caught in the drum or the pump. Check your washing machine drum for any foreign objects and remove them.
- Damaged Belt: A washing machine’s motor belt can wear out over time, causing a squealing or squeaking noise. If the belt is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
5. Washing Machine Not Agitating
If your washing machine is filling with water but isn’t agitating (the action that moves the clothes around), it could be due to one of the following issues:
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Broken Agitator: If your washing machine has an agitator, it could be damaged or worn out. A broken agitator will prevent the clothes from being moved around during the wash cycle. If you suspect this, you’ll need to replace the agitator.
- Drive Belt or Motor Issues: A worn out drive belt or malfunctioning motor could prevent the agitator from working properly. If the motor isn’t running, you may need to replace it or call in a technician to inspect it.
- Faulty Lid Switch: Similar to the spinning issue, a malfunctioning lid switch may prevent the agitator from operating. Ensure the switch is working properly and replace it if necessary.
6. Washing Machine Won’t Drain Properly (Water Left in the Drum)
If water is left in the drum after a cycle, it could be a drainage issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Some washing machines have a drain pump filter that can get clogged with lint, hair, or small debris. Check the filter (usually located near the bottom of the front panel) and clean it out if necessary.
- Clogged or Blocked Drain Hose: The drain hose could be blocked, causing water to back up. Disconnect the hose and check for any obstructions. If it’s clogged, clean it out and reattach it.
- Faulty Drain Pump: If there’s still water left in the drum after addressing the filter and hose, the drain pump itself could be malfunctioning and may need to be replaced.