Common Washer and Dryer Problems We Fix

Washer Will Not Drain

You open the lid to find your clothes floating in a tub of gray water. This is one of the most common washer failures we see.

• Clogged drain pump filter
• Obstruction in the drain hose (coins, socks)
• Failed drain pump motor
• Broken lid switch assembly
• Worn drive belt

How we diagnose it:
We listen to the pump to hear if it is humming but stuck. We clamp the drain hose and check for physical blockages. We also test the lid switch, as many washers will not drain if they think the lid is open.

What you can do right now:
Check your drain hose for kinks behind the machine. If you have a front loader with a front access filter, open it carefully (have a towel ready) and check for trapped debris.

Dryer Is Not Heating

The dryer spins, but the clothes come out damp and cold. This happens frequently with both gas and electric models.

• Burnt out heating element (electric)
• Failed igniter or gas valve coils (gas)
• Tripped thermal fuse
• Broken thermostat
• Timer or control board failure

How we diagnose it:
For electric dryers, we test the element for continuity. For gas dryers, we observe the ignition sequence to see if the glow bar heats up. We also check the thermal fuse, which is a safety device that blows if the vent is clogged.

What you can do right now:
Check your circuit breaker. Electric dryers run on a double breaker; if one side trips, the motor might run but the heater will not. For gas dryers, ensure the gas supply valve is fully open.

Washer Is Leaking Water

Water on the floor is a panic inducing sight, especially for those living in apartments above other units.

• Cracked or loose fill hoses
• Worn door boot seal (front loaders)
• Leaking drain pump housing
• Tub seal failure
• Oversudsing from using wrong detergent

How we diagnose it:
We remove the front or rear panel to run a test cycle and watch for drips. We inspect the rubber door gasket for small tears or trapped objects. We also check the water inlet valves for rust or moisture.

What you can do right now:
Turn off the water supply valves behind the washer immediately. Wipe up the water to prevent floor damage. Check if the leak comes from the hose connections at the wall.

Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry

If you have to run the dryer two or three times to get a load dry, it is wasting energy and stressing your clothes.

• Clogged dryer vent ducting in the wall
• Blocked lint screen
• Weak gas flame
• Moisture sensor failure
• Blower wheel obstruction

How we diagnose it:
We measure the airflow leaving the dryer. If the airflow is weak but the dryer is hot, the issue is almost always the venting. We also test the cycling thermostat to ensure it is maintaining the right temperature range.

What you can do right now:
Go outside and check the vent hood while the dryer is running. You should feel a strong, warm breeze. If the airflow is weak, your home’s ductwork likely needs cleaning.

Washer Shakes or Bangs Violently

A washer that “walks” across the room or sounds like it is taking off is often a suspension issue.

• Worn suspension rods or springs
• Broken shock absorbers
• Tub bearing failure
• Loose concrete counterweight
• Uneven leveling legs

How we diagnose it:
We push down on the tub to test the recoil of the suspension rods. We listen for the distinct “jet engine” roar that indicates worn bearings. We also check the leveling feet to ensure the machine is stable on the floor.

What you can do right now:
Try to redistribute the load inside the tub. Washing a single heavy item like a comforter often causes imbalance. Ensure the machine feet are firmly touching the floor on all corners.

Washer Will Not Spin

The water drains out, but the clothes are still soaking wet because the final high speed spin never happened.

• Broken motor coupler or belt
• Failed door latch or lid lock
• Worn clutch assembly
• Motor control board failure
• Carbon brushes worn out (motor)

How we diagnose it:
We check the error codes first. Then we inspect the mechanical linkage between the motor and the drum. On top loaders, we inspect the plastic motor coupler which is designed to break to protect the motor.

What you can do right now:
If it is a heavy load, remove some wet items and try the “Drain and Spin” cycle again. An overloaded machine often triggers a safety stop.

Dryer Making Loud Noises

Squealing, thumping, or grinding noises from a dryer are signs of mechanical wear that will get worse if ignored.

• Worn drum support rollers
• Frayed or cracked drive belt
• Idler pulley failure
• Worn drum glides or bearings
• Object stuck in the blower wheel

How we diagnose it:
We disassemble the dryer cabinet to inspect the rollers and pulleys. We manually rotate the drum to feel for resistance or flat spots on the rollers. We check the blower housing for loose change or pens.

What you can do right now:
Check the inside of the drum for any loose buttons or zippers hitting the metal. If the noise is a high pitched squeal, stop using the unit to prevent the belt from snapping.

Washer Smells Like Mildew

A foul odor coming from the washer, especially front loaders, transfers to your clean clothes.

• Mold growth in the door gasket
• Clogged drain pump filter
• Buildup of detergent and fabric softener
• Stagnant water in the drum

How we diagnose it:
We inspect the folds of the door boot seal for black mold. We check the drain pump to ensure water is evacuating completely after every cycle.

What you can do right now:
Leave the washer door open between cycles to let it dry out. Run a “Tub Clean” cycle with hot water and a washer cleaning tablet or bleach.