How Does a Top Load Washing Machine Work?

How a Top-Load Washing Machine Works

Here’s a basic rundown of how a top-load washer works.

1. Loading and Filling

Place your clothes into the spin basket and add detergent to the dispenser or the tub – depending on your model.

Select the wash cycle and settings (temperature, load size, spin speed and etc.) and start the wash cycle.

Some top-load washing machines will lock the lid shut before filling. Your washer may not start filling unless you shut the lid.

The control will activate the fill valves and fill the tub to the desired level. Some top-load washers use a load sensing feature to fill the tub with the right amount of water for the items loaded in the washer.

A water level sensor will signal the control when the tub has the right amount of water and the control will shut off the water fill valves.

2. Agitation

A central agitator or impeller (depending on the model) rotates back and forth, creating friction and water movement to loosen dirt and stains from fabrics.

3. Rinsing

After the washing cycle, the machine control drains the soapy water using a drain pump.

It then refills the tub with clean water for the rinse cycle to remove detergent residues.

The machine will again agitate the clothes to thoroughly rinse all detergent from the fabrics.

4. Draining and Spinning

In the final step, the control activates the drain pump to drain out the rinse water.

The spin basket rotates at high speed to extract water from the clothes, reducing drying time. The drain pump continues to run during spinning to pump extracted water from the tub.

The cycle ends and the lid unlocks (if you model has a lid lock) so you can remove the clothes for drying.

Key Top-Load Washer Components

The main washing machine components include:

• Motor and Transmission: Spins the basket and moves the agitator or impeller.
• Drain Pump: Removes water from the washer tub after the wash and rinse portions of the cycle end. Pumps the water into the house drain for the washer.
• Control System: The control panel allows you to select cycle settings. The electronic control board or timer controls washer functions including filling, agitation, draining and spinning.
• Suspension: Rods and springs support the washer tub inside the cabinet to allow but limit tub movement during agitation and spinning.

Knowing the basics of top-load washer operations will help understand how to use, maintain and troubleshoot problems with the machine.

How to Use and Maintain a Top-Load Washing Machine

Proper use and routine washer maintenance will extend your machine’s lifespan and keep it running efficiently. Follow these tips:

1. Clean the Drum and Spin Basket

Regularly wipe the spin basket with a damp cloth to remove residue and prevent mold.

Clean the drum and spin basket monthly using a washing machine cleaner such as Affresh. Here’s a brief video that shows how Affresh washing machine cleaner works:

Note: If you’re looking for a lint filter to clean out in your top-load washer, you likely won’t find one. Most top-load washers built after 2001 no longer use a lint filter. Manufacturers now use stronger drain pumps and larger drain ports in the washer tub so lint and debris are pumped out along with drain water.

2. Inspect Hoses

Check the water inlet and drain hoses for cracks or leaks every six months. Replace any damaged hoses immediately.

Here’s a short video by Sears Home Services Technician Tom Charland that explains the importance of checking hoses. Tom provides additional tips for washer maintenance in the video as well.

3. Use the Right Detergent

As Tom explains in the above video, always use detergent designed for your top-load washer. He also recommends using liquid detergent.

Also, determine whether your top-loader is a high-efficiency washer or a standard operating washer. High-efficiency (HE) washers use less water and require less detergent. HE washing machines also require that you use HE detergent that is low sudsing.

Excess suds from inappropriate detergents can cause machine malfunctions such as drain system failures.

4. Balance the Load

Avoid overloading the machine or placing too many heavy items on one side to prevent strain on the motor and suspension system.

For a top-load washer with an impeller, loosely drop clothes evenly throughout the spin basket so the garments will rotate properly when agitated by the impeller.

5. Schedule Annual Preventive Maintenance

Professional washer maintenance and cleaning service will help keep your top-load washing machine in top shape and lasting longer. Schedule this service yearly and we’ll send a tech to your home to inspect and clean your top load washer to help prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep your appliance lasting for many years to come.

Our technician will check all components and systems in the washer including filling, agitating, draining, spinning and control parts. Your washer will work smoothly and efficiently when professionally maintained every year.

Common Top-Load Washer Failures and How to Fix Them

Here are some common top-load washer problems and troubleshooting solutions.

The Washing Machine Won’t Start

If your top-load washer is getting power but doesn't start, the switch that senses whether the lid is shut or locked might have failed. A failed timer, main electronic control board, user interface board or motor control board can also prevent the washer from starting.

Washers with an electronic control system often signal an error code on the display when the washer won't start. If your washer display signals a code, use our washer error code charts to determine the cause of the code and fix the problem.

Common vertical modular top-load washers signal a component problem in a unique way. This type of top-load washer locks the lid during the cycle because it spins the basket at a high rate of speed in the spin mode. A vertical modular top-load washer flashes the Lid Lock light instead of displaying a code when the washer won't start. Our How to troubleshoot flashing lid lock errors on a vertical modular washer video provides DIY tips on fixing your washer when you see the Lid Lock light flashing.

A top-load, direct-drive washer uses an electro-mechanical timer to control washer functions, so it won't signal error codes. This type of washer doesn't lock the lid because it spins the basket at lower speeds than a vertical modular top-load washer. Instead, the direct-drive, top-load washer stops if you lift the lid. The wash cycle won't start if the direct-drive washer doesn't fill or the water-level pressure switch doesn't detect that the washer filled. Our Troubleshooting a direct-drive top-load washer that won't fill video shows you how to fix a direct-drive washer that isn’t filling:

As shown in the video, a failed water inlet valve assembly or bad water-level pressure switch can prevent a direct-drive, top-load washer from starting.

When you’re unable to fix the washer on your own, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to resolve the issue.

The Washer Won’t Spin

Many components come into play to drive the top-load washer's spin basket, and a problem with any of them could prevent the washer from spinning.

For top-load, direct-drive washers (washers whose lid doesn't lock during the wash portion of the cycle), a bad clutch, worn clutch band or broken drive block could prevent the basket from spinning. A broken motor coupler, failed lid switch or bad timer could also prevent this type of washer from spinning.

On top-load, vertical modular washers (washers whose lid is always locked during the entire wash cycle), a failed shifter assembly or worn drive belt can prevent the washer from spinning the wash load. Watch our Troubleshooting a top-load washer that won't drain or spin video to see how to diagnose and fix a top-load washer that won't spin. That video provides solutions for spin problems on both types of top-load washers.

Water Won’t Drain

First check for a kink or clog in the drain hose or a backup in the house drain system. If the drain path is clear, the drain pump might have failed or a broken water-level pressure switch might not sense how much water is in the washer. A failed lid switch can also keep the washer from advancing to the drain and spin cycle in some top-load washing machines. A failed timer or problem with the drive motor can also prevent a top-load washer from draining.

Watch our Washer won't drain or spin video to see how to fix your washing machine when it won’t drain.

Washer is Noisy or Shaking

Here are top causes and solutions for a noisy or vibrating washer:

• The load is unbalanced. If you loaded the washer with heavier clothes on one side, or if they shift to one side of their own volition, the load becomes unbalanced. Unbalanced loads are especially common with large or bulky items, especially if the load is small. The solution is simple -- open the washer and redistribute the load.
• The leveling legs need to be adjusted. All four leveling legs should have full contact with the floor. To check, place your hands on the corners of the empty washer and rock it slightly side to side. If the washer rocks, adjust the legs following the directions in your owner's manual.
• Flooring under the washer is weak. Above-ground floor installations or pier-and-beam foundations may not offer adequate support for some washing machines, particularly washers with a high-speed spin. Securing a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood to the floor under the washer base sometimes resolves the excessive vibration.
• Something in the washer is broken. The problem might be that components that stabilize the washer have broken. Possibilities include suspension springs, balance rings, snubber pads and shock absorbers. Inspect these parts and replace any that are broken.

When you can’t find the cause of noise or fix the problem yourself, schedule a Sears Technician to visit your home and fix your washer.

A top-load washing machine is a reliable workhorse when properly maintained. By understanding how it works and addressing common issues, you can keep your machine running efficiently for years. Regular care, coupled with prompt repairs, ensures your laundry routine stays hassle-free.