The washing machine does not spin: what to do?
Quite recently - only a quarter of a century ago - not every average citizen of our country could boast of having a washing machine at home. However, today this "miracle of technology" can be found in almost every apartment. And if before it was enough for housewives that the clothes were washed without their participation, now the washing machine has higher requirements: in addition to its main function it has to wring out and sometimes to dry the clothes. This has become so commonplace that a washing machine without a spin mode is considered an almost useless thing.
In this article, we will tell you what to do if the washing machine has stopped spinning the laundry: in which cases you can solve the problem yourself, and in which you will have to call a master.
What malfunctions can be eliminated with your own hands?
In some cases it is impossible to do without the help of a professional repairman, but there are situations when the malfunctions of the washing machine are caused by non-serious problems, which can be solved even without special knowledge in household appliances.
Running a washing program that does not provide for spinning
If your washing machine is more or less of the modern type, it probably has several washing modes for different types of fabrics. Some fabrics require special care. As a rule, it is natural silk or wool.
Spinning these fabrics can deform them, so they are usually washed in a gentle or delicate mode, without a further spin. Carefully read the manual of the washing machine: it describes all the washing programs in detail.
The drum of the washing machine is out of balance
In order for the washing machine drum to rotate properly at high speed (which is the speed required for spinning), it is necessary that the load is evenly distributed over it. If during the washing process the laundry is piled up, the drum cannot reach the required speed, and the spinning does not take place. The problem can be solved by forcing the end of washing, pulling out the laundry, distributing it evenly and re-starting the spin cycle.
Also, the machine may "refuse" to spin if the maximum allowable weight of the laundry is exceeded. Recommendations for the number of kilograms are listed in the manual or directly on the body of the washing machine in the form of markings.
A clog has formed in the sewer pipes
Sometimes the washing machine does not spin not because of some malfunction in its mechanism, but for external reasons. One such reason is a clogged sewer. In order to start the spin mode, it is necessary that the drum of the washing machine has been emptied, that is, that the water has been drained. But this is not possible if the sewer outlet is blocked because of a clog inside the pipe. In this case, the water remains in the drum, and the spin mode can not start.
It is very simple to find out whether the matter is a clog: it is enough to disconnect the drain hose from the sewer and put it in the bathtub or sink, and then turn on the spinning program. If it all worked, then the source of the problem is detected. Get rid of clogs can be, cleaning the pipe with a cable, or, zasapivshaya in it a special agent.
One of the elements of the drain is clogged
Forgetting to turn out the pockets of clothes before washing, we expose the washing machine to serious danger. Things forgotten in the pockets - coins, paper napkins, tickets, matches, gum, and other such small things - can cause serious damage. More often than not, all of this gets into the unit's drain system, thereby preventing it from working properly.
To determine that this is the problem, the first thing to do is to remove the drain filter. It is located in one of the lower corners of the washing machine, behind a small door on the front panel. How to remove and clean this part is detailed in the user manual.
Another element of the drain system that can get clogged is the impeller. It is located directly behind the drain filter. You can't take it out, but you can examine it for foreign bodies with a flashlight.
We finish our inspection by checking the drain hose. If a clog has formed in it, the hose should be well blown, or better yet, rinsed under a strong stream of water.
On removing the clog, see the video channel "Repair of washing machines - video".
When do you need the help of a specialist?
If after self-diagnosis you have not been able to determine the cause of why the washing machine does not spin the laundry, then the problem is more serious, and it will be more difficult to cope with their own efforts. For help to a specialist should be addressed in the following cases.
Faulty water level sensor
Modern washing machines are complex electronic devices, which have intelligent functions. Therefore, a malfunction in any element affects the operation of the entire system. Most new models of washing machines have a sensor that registers the level of water in the tank. If there is something wrong with this sensor, it can signal that there is water in the tank, although it is actually empty.
As you know, if there is water left in the tank, the spin mode is automatically blocked. Broken sensor needs to be replaced.
Drain pump is broken
If before you found problems with the spin the machine was making a strange noise while the water was draining, most likely the cause of the problem is in the drain pump. If this part of the washing machine is broken, the spin mode will not start. Identifying this kind of breakdown is very easy. Release access to the impeller of the pump and, without filling the machine with water, start the spin mode: if the impeller does not spin, it means that the drain pump is defective and needs to be replaced.
About pump replacement see in the video channel "Washing +".
On identifying the causes leading to the failure of the drain pump, see the following video.
Faulty heating element
The tubular heating element, or TEN, is a very important part of the washing machine. If it fails, often the washing process itself becomes impossible. Most often the heating element breaks down because of poor quality tap water (e.g., too hard) or because of the use of household chemicals with aggressive chemical composition.
When the heating element is defective, the water cannot heat up to the required temperature and the washing automatically stops. Modern models of washing machines display an error message in this case.
The state of the TEN is determined by using special equipment, which is available from professional repairmen.
About the replacement of the heating element in the LG washing machine, see in the video of Vladimir Khatuntsev's channel.
Tachogenerator Failure
The tach sensor - this is another important element in the device of the washing machine, about the existence and purpose of which not everyone knows. The tachometer is needed to control the engine speed of the washing machine. When the number of engine revolutions decreases (e.g. due to overload), the tachometer gives a signal, and the operation of the machine can be stopped. If the sensor is broken, it will cause false triggering. Tachometer malfunctions can occur for a variety of reasons, but most often it is due to a problem in the wires connecting it to the "brain" of the machine.
Problems related to the operation of the motor
The stability of the washing machine depends, first of all, on the serviceability of the motor. The motor is quite a complex device, so it is better to entrust its repair to a specialist. However, before going to a master, you can try to make a diagnosis yourself. To begin with, you need to disconnect the washing machine from the power supply, move it away from the wall and remove the back cover. Next, we recommend that you take pictures of each step, so that you can then reassemble everything exactly as it was.
Carefully remove the motor and check for the integrity of all of its components. For example, the carbon brushes may be worn, in which case they become thinner and covered with soot.
In addition, the engine may be wet because there is a leak somewhere. For further clarification of the problem, it is recommended to call for help from a professional.
You can see an example of a Bosch washing machine repair, which stops spinning at the 6th minute due to motor failure as a result of a popped magnet, in the following video.
Problems related to electronics
The software and hardware module is a kind of "brain" that controls the work of the washing machine. It is responsible for the functioning of programs and sensors. If the programmer malfunctions, it is re-flashed or all its settings are reset. These problems can occur due to a mains voltage drop or water ingress into the device. The cause of the malfunction is also often a factory defect.
See the following video about replacing the electronics model in the washing machine.
Tips
If the warranty period has not expired, it is advisable to contact a service center for assistance. This should be done immediately, without attempting to diagnose and repair yourself. The fact is that the warranty service does not accept electronics that have already been repaired.
Problems with spinning can be prevented if you pay attention to malfunctions in the washing machine in time. The following "symptoms" indicate that there are any malfunctions:
- After the completion of washing and spinning, the laundry is still too wet;
- during the washing process the machine makes some extraneous noises: humming, banging etc;
- water suddenly begins to drain more slowly than usual.
Do not forget about preventive maintenance. After each wash, you need to perform several manipulations with the machine. First, rinse the detergent tray. Second, dab a dry rag on the gasket on the hatch and clean it of debris. Third, dry the drum by leaving the door of the machine open for several hours.
To take care of the washing machine you should choose the right household chemicals. Use only cleaning agents that are designed specifically for this type of household appliance.
