|
It has shook, and danced across your floor, for the very last time. It has happened so often that you tended to ignore its annoying antics until that one day…when it clanked its last clunk, danced its last shuffle, and gave up the ship. Your faithful old washing machine, the workhorse of the family, the reason you and your family have clean sweet smelling clothes, …is dead! Moreover, how you miss it, now that it has gone, and the thought goes through your mind, regretfully, "shouldn't have overloaded it "
The owner's manual is a very important book to read, especially when you first purchase the washing machine. Understanding the correct procedures for using the machine will elongate its working life. None the less, certain matter-of-course repairs can be researched and examined when problems are experienced with your washing machine.
First, begin by unplugging the washer's electrical cord from any source of electricity. Get the tools together you will need; channel-lock pliers, adjustable wrench, and a carpenter's level. Check it out and perhaps you can get an idea of what might be the problem with your washing machine.
Agitator
At times, items or pieces of clothing can be stuck in agitator, and will not allow it to move. First turn the machine off and make sure it is unplugged from electrical receptacle.
* Inside the machine, place each hand under the base of the agitator.
* Pull forcefully up and when loosened remove the agitator up and out of the machine.
* If an object is found remove it, and then replace the agitator by re-inserting it, down onto the shaft.
A "shaking and dancing machine."
* Every washing machine has what is referred to as "leveling feet" at the front of the machine. These "feet" can be adjusted to level the washer.
* Move the machine back and forth, to make sure it is resting with all four feet securely on the ground and are in position.
* Now use your level! Place it on the top of the machine and notice where your machine is off level. Leaving the carpenters level in place use the adjustable wrench and turn the leveling feet until the machine stays level in the floor, "is no longer rocking." Your level should appear centered. Note: make sure you understand your load capacity, it is important not to overload with too many items of clothing.
Overflowing Machine
* Turn machine off, with timer dial in off position, make sure you have stopped the flow of water into the machine.
* If the water continues to run, after the above steps, then the mixing valve is stuck open.
* The water should be, at this point, turned off using the shut off valve at the back, on the wall, or may be located by the washing sink. Turning the valves clockwise will turn the water off. If all else fails and you cannot find these valves, turn the water off at the main shut-off in your home.
* Turn the timer dial to the spin cycle to empty the machine; leaving the water turned off. If the machine will not empty using the spin cycle, this is a signal that the pump or belt needs repair and it is time to call a technician.
* If the machine has emptied from the tub, then turn the machine off. Turn the water back on. If water starts to run into the tub before you have turned it on, with the switch, it is a sign that the mixing valve is not working.
* If water does not run until the switch is turned on to the cycle to fill the machine, then it appears that the water level switch is faulty.
* You may be able to un-stick the mixing valve by turning the machine off and on several times using the timer dial. The valve may stick again at any time, so use caution, by watching the machine to make sure it turns water source off at fill level. The "fix" is usually only short-lived.
Water is filling very slowly or not at all:
* The water faucets leading to your machine must be open; check to make sure this is true. The water inlet hoses at times will "kink" reducing the flow of water, look for signs of this happening.
* There are filters located in the ends of these hoses. Their use is to catch debris such as lint and dirt particles that may be in the water. Unscrew the connection, pop these cylinders out, and check them to see if they are occluded. If so, replace or clean them, so water can flow freely. To remove use the channel- lock pliers to loose the hoses at the back of the machine. Pry out the screens that act as filters. Use a brush and vinegar to clean. If the filters are too badly corroded, replace them. You should be able to find these parts at your local hardware store.
Washer will not operate:
* Is the lid properly closed? An open lid will cause your machine to not work. Close the lid securely. Most machines are made with a switch in place on the lid that will prevent the machine from running during the spin cycle. No front loading machine will work with the door opened.
* The off balance switch may have been triggered with a load that is loaded improperly. This will shut your machine off when the machine is shaking rigorously.
* Check the plug it should be secure in an outlet and ground. Check the fuse box or circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel.
This checklist should give you an idea of what may be wrong, and an educated guess as to the correctness of the technician's bill, that is, if, you need him...who knows you may have fixed it your self.
| 
