Mr. Appliance® experts explain common signs of a broken washing machine, including failure to drain, loud noises, leaking, or not turning on at all. When to call a pro: Loud noises and “walking” can signal a serious issue with the drum or suspension rods, while a leak could be from a bad hose, door seal, or valve. Any electrical problem or internal component failure is dangerous and should be diagnosed by a professional. DIY vs. professional: Attempting a DIY repair can save money on labor, but it risks further damage, purchasing unnecessary parts, and creating a safety hazard. Many manufacturer warranties are also voided by unauthorized repairs. Professional experts can provide a quicker repair with an accurate diagnosis and upfront pricing.

There are few sounds more frustrating than the thud, whir, or complete silence of a washing machine that has decided to call it quits mid-cycle. Before you start thinking about hand-washing or, worse, buying a brand-new appliance, it’s important to understand the common issues behind a malfunctioning washing machine—and when a professional can help you save money.

In this guide, Mr. Appliance® expert and 36-year washing machine repair veteran Stuart Pyburn explains the many reasons behind the sounds and symptoms of a broken washing machine, as well as when to call a professional for qualified repairs.

Common Broken Washing Machine Symptoms and What They Mean

A washing machine is a large, complex appliance. Many components can become loose, malfunction, or break entirely, requiring home washing machine repair.

The washer isn't draining

Clothes sitting in a pool of water after a cycle is one of the most common issues with home washing machines. The cause can be as simple as a kinked or clogged drain hose, a dirty filter, or a faulty drain pump.

While a homeowner can often check the hose and filter, a damaged drain pump usually requires a professional's touch.

The machine won't spin

The spin cycle removes excess water from the clothes. After a full cycle, clothes should be wet, not soaked. Mr. Appliance and industry expert Stuart Pyburn explains that the most common reasons a washing machine won’t spin include “a lid lock, broken wire, bad board, bad motor, or bad sensor.”

If your washer is leaving a sopping mess, the issue could be an unbalanced load, a broken lid switch, or a problem with the motor or drive belt. An unbalanced load is a quick fix, but anything involving the internal mechanics is best left to an appliance professional.

Loud noises, shaking, or “walking”

A washing machine should be relatively quiet. If yours is making loud clunking, grinding, or banging noises, or is shaking so violently it seems to be “walking” across the floor, it's a clear sign of trouble.

Stuart Pyburn explains that there are “many reasons” for a loud washer, including “bad supports, uneven load, washing things that should not be washed in a residential machine, and more.” 

Loud noises, shaking, or walking can be caused by something as simple as an uneven floor or an unbalanced load, or by something more serious, such as a worn-out drum bearing or suspension rods.

The washer is leaking

A puddle around your appliance is a major red flag. According to 36-year washing machine repair expert Stuart Pyburn, leaks can originate from a variety of sources, including “a bad hose, hose clamp, worn-out door seal (on a front-loader), bad valve, or clogged drain.” 

Promptly addressing a leak is essential to prevent costly water damage to your home. It’s always best to contact an appliance professional to diagnose leaks and schedule prompt washing machine repair.

The machine won't turn on

When a washing machine won’t turn on, it can be a sign of a complex electrical problem. 

First, check that the power cord is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. If those aren't the issue, the cause could be a faulty door lock, a problem with the control panel, or an internal electrical failure, all of which will require a qualified appliance service professional.

DIY vs. Professional Washing Machine Repair: Know When to Call an Expert

A quick search online provides countless tutorials for DIY washing machine repair. While tackling a simple fix can be tempting, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

• DIY: You may save on labor, but risk causing further damage, wasting money on unnecessary parts, and creating a safety hazard. 
• Professional expert: Pros have a potentially higher upfront cost, but provide reduced stress, an accurate diagnosis of the problem, and a quicker repair time. Additionally, many manufacturers' warranties are voided if an unauthorized person, including the appliance's owner, performs a repair.

A wide variety of issues can affect your washing machine’s performance. According to appliance expert Stuart Pyburn, the best approach is to have a “service professional do a complete diagnostic on your washer and determine what happened and what the right course of action is.”

Washing Machine Broken? Trust a Mr. Appliance Expert

When your washing machine is on the fritz, you need a fast and reliable solution. The experienced service professionals at Mr. Appliance can help. 

Here's what sets us apart:

• Expertise and experience: Our service professionals are highly trained to diagnose and repair a wide range of washing machine issues for all major brands. We have the knowledge and specialized tools to get the job done right the first time.
• Upfront, flat-rate pricing: We believe in transparency. After a thorough assessment, we provide an upfront, flat-rate quote for the work needed. You'll never be surprised by hidden fees.
• Professionalism and trust: We arrive on time, in uniform, and with the professionalism you expect from a Neighborly® company. We handle all repairs with the utmost care, ensuring the work is done correctly.

A broken washing machine doesn't have to ruin your week. By understanding the problem and knowing when to call a professional, you can get your laundry routine back on track. For reliable, honest, and high-quality washing machine repair service, contact your local Mr. Appliance today to schedule a service that fits your busy life.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.