Top 5 Washer Problems & Solutions: 2025 Update

Solve Your Biggest Washing Machine Problems With These Hints and Tips

Does your washing machine stop mid-cycle? Is it making strange sounds or vibrations? These are just a couple of the most common washer problems that Sears’ extensive network of technicians solve on a daily basis. In fact, Sears Home Services has a long-standing reputation for expertly repairing countless washing machines year after year, ensuring reliability and peace of mind for homeowners.

If your washer’s on the fritz, you’re likely seeing one of these common washing machine problems.

Problem #1: Unusual Sounds or Vibrations

Likely Culprit: Damaged tub bearings due to a compromised seal.

• DIY Fixes: Check for an unbalanced load and redistribute the load to eliminate banging and vibration noises. If the load is too large, remove some garments and spin them separately.
• Technician Needed: Replacing tub bearings is a complex process that requires disassembling parts of the machine, best handled by a washer repair professional.

Problem #2: Washer Fails to Run or Stops Mid-Cycle

Likely Culprit: A faulty door or lid switch.

• DIY Fixes: Ensure the door or lid is closing properly. Remove any obstructions that are preventing the door or lid from closing.
• Technician Needed: If the switch is defective and there's no continuity, replacing the door or lid switch requires electrical work best performed by a skilled technician.

Problem #3: Water Doesn’t Drain

Likely Culprit: The drain pump might be due for replacement or obstructed.

• DIY Fixes: Inspect the house drain for the washer to see if water drains properly through the stand pipe. If not, clear the stand pipe with a plumber’s snake or call a plumber to clear the drain. Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Clear clogs from the washer drain hose using a wet/dry shop vacuum if necessary.
• Technician Needed: If the pump is damaged or fails to operate after removing obstructions, a technician should replace it.

Problem #4: Washer Doesn’t Fill

Likely Culprit: The fill valve assembly may be defective and needs replacing.

• DIY Fixes: Check the water supply faucets behind the washer to make sure that they’re open. Turn off the water supply faucets and disconnect the water fill hoses from the back of the washer and place the hose ends in a bucket. Open the faucets and check for flow through the fill hoses. Have a plumber fix the washer water supply if no water flows through the fill hoses.
• Technician Needed: If the water fill valve assembly doesn’t work, a technician should replace it to make sure that water hoses and wiring is connected to the replacement part properly.

Problem #5: The Basket Is Slow or Fails to Spin

Likely Culprit: A failing motor coupler, possibly due to frequent overloading.

• DIY Fixes: Reduce load sizes to prevent overloading.
• Technician Needed: Replacing a motor coupler involves accessing the motor and transmission, requiring specialized knowledge and tools.

Trust Sears Home Services for Expert Washer Repairs

While some issues may have straightforward DIY fixes, most require the expertise and tools available only to professional technicians. Should your DIY troubleshooting not yield the results you hoped for, rest assured that Sears Home Services is ready to help.

With a proven track record of resolving complex washer malfunctions, our experienced technicians are well-equipped to repair your appliance swiftly and effectively. From a mysterious mid-cycle stop to an unusual noise that just won't quit, we've got the expertise to tackle it all. Remember, a functioning washer is crucial to your daily routine, and we are here to ensure that any disruptions are quickly and conveniently addressed.

Don't let washer woes disrupt your life. If you find yourself facing a laundry crisis, let Sears Home Services restore harmony in your home. Schedule a washer repair service appointment with a Sears technician today and wave goodbye to your washer problems. Trust in the experts who repair over a million washers each year, and get back to enjoying a smooth-running laundry room without delay.

Even if you’ve tried the outlined solutions, some persistent washer problems demand a trained eye and the right tools. That’s where a certified repairman for washing machines steps in—ready to handle complex concerns like faulty control boards or damaged belts, so you can avoid a full appliance replacement.