Washing Machine Troubleshooting: Noises, Leaks, Won't Spin or Drain

When a washing machine goes wrong, it tends to do it with a full load of wet washing in it. The good news is that many faults have simple causes, and a few safe checks can save you a call-out. This guide covers the problems we see most: noises, leaks, spin faults, draining problems and machines that won't start.

Banging, grinding and other noises

• Banging or thumping on the spin: usually an unbalanced load, or a machine that isn't level. Redistribute the load, avoid washing a single heavy item and adjust the feet so the machine doesn't rock. On a new machine, check the transit bolts at the back have been removed.
• Rattling: a coin, bra underwire or other object caught between the drum and tub, or in the pump filter.
• Squealing: a worn belt or dry bearings.
• Grinding or loud rumbling that gets worse on the spin: usually worn drum bearings. Stop using the machine, since continued use can cause more damage. This is an engineer repair.

Leaks

Find where the water is coming from before you do anything else.

• From the door: a split, perished or dirty door seal, or something trapped in it.
• From the back: a loose or damaged inlet or drain hose, or a loose connection at the tap or waste.
• From the drawer: too much detergent or a blocked drawer, so it overflows.
• From underneath: a cracked pump housing, a split hose inside or a worn tub seal.

Check the door seal and the hoses you can see. If you can't find the cause, don't keep using the machine, because leaking water near electrics is a hazard. Call us.

Won't spin, or clothes come out too wet

• An unbalanced or tiny load: many machines refuse to spin fast if the load is lopsided. Rearrange the washing and try again.
• A blocked drain: if the water hasn't drained, the machine won't spin. See below.
• A faulty motor, carbon brushes or control board, which need an engineer.
• A worn belt on belt-driven machines.

Won't drain

1. Switch off and unplug the machine, and put towels and a shallow tray down.
2. Open the small flap at the bottom front and unscrew the pump filter slowly. Water will come out.
3. Remove socks, coins, hair and fluff, rinse the filter and refit it firmly.
4. Check the drain hose isn't kinked or squashed behind the machine.

If the filter and hose are clear and the water still won't drain, the drain pump has probably failed.

Won't start, or shows an error code

Check the plug, the fuse and the socket. Make sure the door shuts fully, since the machine won't start if the door lock doesn't engage, and that the programme and any child lock are set correctly. Machines show error codes differently, so note the code and your make and model for us. A door lock, pressure switch, inlet valve or control board fault can all stop a machine starting, and an engineer can read the fault and replace the part.

Keeping it running

• Don't overload the drum. Leave room for the clothes to move.
• Use the right amount of detergent.
• Check pockets for coins and objects.
• Clean the filter every few months and wipe the door seal.
• Leave the door ajar between washes. Our guide to cleaning a smelly washing machine has more.

When to call us

Call us if the machine is leaking and you can't find why, the drum is making a grinding noise, the machine won't drain after you have cleared the filter, or it shows an error code you can't clear. Our own engineers repair washing machines of every make across Cardiff and the surrounding area. Repairs start from £70 + VAT, same-day or next-day where possible, and every repair is guaranteed for 90 days. See our washing machine repair page.

Frequently asked questions