Why does my washing machine agitate, but it won’t fill?

This can be caused by a washing machine water level pressure switch failing. You can reset the switch and try it again. If that doesn’t work, you can put the washer in a spin cycle for a few minutes and then try to fill it again.

Washer Pressure Switch Whirlpool 3366845 -This pressure switch is found on Kenmore/Sears, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Roper, and other brands of washers.- Sale price: $33.58

Why does my washer seem to walk around the floor?

An unbalanced load is the usual cause of this, but the leveling legs being extended very far can play into the washer walking around. Many times a front loading washer and dryer just seem to vibrate a lot. There is a fantastic product called Shakeaway that will really reduce vibrations and vibration noise caused by your washing machine.

Why is the washer not agitating and/or spinning?

Make sure the lid is closed. There is a switch inside that completes the connection. Your washer may not spin or agitate if this connection is not completed. Make sure that the speed selector switch is not between speeds. Verify that the washer is not in a soak cycle. You can also reset the water level up or down to make sure that the water level control switch isn’t stuck. If you hear a humming sound when the washer is full of water, you may have something stuck in the drain pump.

If one of these is not the problem, check the belt. The main drive motor has two distinct functions. The first function is to spin the basket; the second function is to reciprocate your agitator. Inside your washer’s transmission is a crank type gear and connecting rods that are used to agitate the washer, with the spinning coming from the washer motor itself. This usually entails some sort of clutch mechanism. Some things to check if your washer is not agitating and/or spinning are:

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If you notice weak or no agitation, the splines connecting the agitator to the drive shaft may be stripped and need to be replaced.

After a lot of use, belts can become worn or damaged. Replace any worn or damaged belts immediately. If you have a broken belt, replace it and check the pulley to make sure it’s not seized.

Sometimes the drive pulley can wear out and it won’t turn the drive belt. Look for wear marks, pits, or uneven spots. It’s best to just replace it with a new pulley.

Many washers use a reversing motor. Sometimes it will continue to work in one direction even if it won’t spin in the other direction. If your washer has a drive motor issue, you probably need to replace the motor with a new one. Call a professional appliance repair person to verify this first.

The lid switch is a safety device that’s there to protect you from sticking your hands into a spinning washer. If this switch goes bad, the washer will not work. You will have to replace it. It is inside the main housing for the washer, and located near the door frame.

The coupler connects the motor to the transmission. After lengthy use, this plastic and rubber coupler can wear out. If this happens, you need to replace it.

Transmission and clutch assemblies can cause agitator and spinning problems and they are fairly complex, so if you suspect you have transmission or clutch issues, it’s probably in your best interest to call a professional appliance repair person.

Replacing Washing Machine Parts will insure that your washer will keep your clothes clean for many loads to come.

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Appliance Repair Help:

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Why is the water so slow to fill or there’s no water at all?

If your washer is slow to fill, or won’t fill at all, you’ll want to check the water pressure at another tap first. Make sure both the hot and cold taps are fully open. Make sure that no other water is getting used in the house when the washer is filling. Check the hoses for kinks. Make sure that water is getting to the water intake hose. With your tap shut off, loosen or remove the hose from the tap, then open the tap slightly to see if water is getting to the hose intake. If water is getting to the hose, remove the hose from the washer to see if water is making it through the hose to the water intake valve.

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Make sure the lid is down as some washers will not fill if the lid switch is not activated. Also, make sure the drain standpipe is at least 30″ tall. If it isn’t, the water may get siphoned out of the washer. If this is happening, install an air gap in the drain line.

There are strainer screens in either of the ends of the hoses that connect to the water valve, or in the valve itself, sometimes in both places. You’ll want to remove the hoses and check the screens to see if they are plugged or not. In certain set-ups, the screen is non-removable, and you will need to replace the hose or water valve, depending on which it is. If the screens are dirty, you may be able to

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clean them with an old toothbrush. If you can’t clean them, you will have to replace them. If the screens are clean and water is getting to the valve, it may be that the valve itself is bad. You may need to replace the valve.

Adjust the temperature setting to warm and set your timer to the fill cycle. Start your washer and lift the lid. You’ll want to depress the lid switch with a screwdriver or other tool to prevent the interlock from engaging during this test. Feel or look for water entering the wash tub. If no water is coming in, or if it is too hot or cold, you’ll need to test the voltage on each solenoid valve with a volt ohm meter or Digital VOM. The voltage should be between the ranges of 110v to 125v.

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If the voltage is correct and the valve is not opening, you need to replace this valve. If the valve is not getting any power to it, you will need to use your washer specific wiring diagram to look for any broken wires, and if there are no broken wires, move on to test the lid switch, temperature switch, timer, and the water level switch. Replace anything that is defective.

No cold water: check to make sure the cold water is on, and that control settings are set properly. Check intake screens for a sediment or rust buildup. It’s possible that the water-inlet valve is bad.

No hot water: check to make sure the hot water is on, and that control settings are set properly. Check intake screens for a sediment or rust buildup. It’s possible that the water-inlet valve is bad.

Visually inspect the selector switch, make sure that it is set properly and verify that all of the control panel buttons are pushed in completely.

Note: Some brands have a mercury-tube lid switch, and raising the top of the cabinet to get to the solenoid for testing will have the same effect as raising the lid. You may need to jump the switch to perform tests with the cabinet top raised.

Ring! Your wash is done

Imagine getting a text message on your phone, notifying you that your load of laundry is ready for the dryer. Whirlpool is currently following the invention of one man who modified his washer so that is send a message to his “Twitter” account letting him know his laundry is ready.

Tired of mildewed laundry, San Jose resident Ryan Rose modified his 25 year old washing machine to send Twitter text message alerts to his cell phone to let him know when his laundry was ready for the dryer. Rose produced and uploaded a video to YouTube.com and word spread of his invention.

Whirlpool Spokesman Brian Snyder contacted Rose after watching his video and has spoken with Rose about bringing his device to market.

Imagine a laundry matt or apartment complex installing such devices on their machines. This would save time and aggravation for people that need to share washers and clothes dryers.

Watch the YouTube Video on YouTube.com.

Follow Ryan Roses Washer Twitter

 

Washing machine won’t drain

If your washing machine will not drain, there are several things you can check. First, make sure your washing machine has power, and it’s not in the middle of a cycle. Try to manual forward the timer to see if it will force the washing machine to drain.

Check the drain hoses to make sure they are not kinked and there is nothing blocking the water at the end of the drain hose.

If you hear the motor running but nothing is happening in your machine it could be possible that your washing machine’s pump is seized. The motor will continue to try to turn the pump. In the case of belt-driven pumps, the belt may break or burn through. The pump itself may have seized bearings, be jammed by clothing or another object; or the impeller blades may be broken off. The usual fix is to replace the pump.

Drain your washing machine’s tub and remove the hoses to check your washer’s pump. Feel around inside the pump inlets for anything that may be jamming the pump itself. You can also use long-nosed pliers to feel around inside the pump for any items that may be causing a jam.

Do you need additional help?

• Washing Machine Repair Guide
• Common Washing Machine Problems
• Servicing the Water Pump of a Washing Machine
• Common Washing Machine Replacement Parts

How to replace and install new washing machine hoses

A burst washing machine hose can easily flood your home, damaging your possessions. The best insurance against such a disaster is to replace old rubber hoses that can split open with steel-jacketed hoses for your washing machine.

APWagner.com carries braided Stainless Steel Washer Fill Hoses in several lengths that are great for your home or business.

Braided Stainless Steel Washer Fill Hose WAS-372-PP Whirlpool

6’ Long

Commercial/Residential Grade

3/8” I.D.

Price: $14.99

Buy or view more washing machine hoses.

It is recommended that you leave at least three to four inches between the back of the washing machine and the wall. This space will be easier on the hose and connectors and will lengthy the life of your hoses. Too much kinking and tight angles puts extra pressure on the hoses and their connectors.

Once your new hoses are installed, it is recommended you check the hoses and connections every six months and replace your hoses after five years. A helpful way to do this is to label your hoses with the date of installation. Be sure to leave room on the label so you can write the dates for each inspection. Even if your hoses are stainless steel, kinking and water can cause the hose to deteriorate. The connectors can also loosen or fail over time, so inspection is important.

This article will guide you through replacing your old washer hoses step-by-step.

If the old washer hoses are stuck on tight, here are a few helpful suggestions:

• Relieve the water pressure in your hoses by turning off the water supply valves and turning on the washing machine for a few minutes then turn it off again. This will get all the water out of the hoses.
• Pull the washer out from against the wall as far as you can in order to get behind the washer. This will make it easier to remove the old hoses with a wrench and give you proper leverage.
• Spray WD-40 or other lubricating solvent to loosen the connection.
• Be sure you are turning your wrench or pliers in the correct direction (lefty loosey).

Other related products:

• Washing Machine Pan
• Washing Machine Leveling Legs
• Washing Machine Fill Hoses
• Washing Machine Drain Hoses
• Washing Machine Replacement Parts
• Replacement Washer Parts by Manufacturer