Why Is My Washer Not Spinning? Troubleshooting Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
22 min read

Why is my washer not spinning after I find the soaking wet clothing at the conclusion of the wash cycle? There are a slew of possible explanations. Read this article to learn how to solve these problems. You’ll probably be able to fix the washer’s problem on your own by the time you’re done reading this.

In today’s environment, laundry is a simple task. Sort the clothing by color and toss it in the washing machine with some detergent.

The washer will sound an alarm when the load has finished washing to remind you to remove it from the machine. The discovery of wet clothing can be a source of frustration. A lack of space for drying wet laundry is a common problem for those who live in small apartments. The washer needs to be taken care of properly. Damage to the washer may be irreparable if you are rough with it or ignore minor issues.

Reasons Why Your Washer Is Not Spinning

How do I get my washing machine to start up? Listed here are the five most prevalent issues, and the answers to them.

Reason #1. Overfilling of the drum

if your garments are still damp at the end of the wash cycle or if your washing machine is broken. Overfilling the washing machine causes it to malfunction. It’s common for folks who don’t enjoy doing laundry to throw all of their items into the washer at once.

Spin Cycle Not Working on Washer | ThriftyFun

Solution:

Every washer has a different capacity, so you’ll need to divide your load before putting it in the machine. If you’re lucky enough to have a 5-kg capacity washing machine at your disposal. Make sure you divide your clothes into portions and don’t wash it all in one go. ‘ The spinner in your washing machine could be damaged if the clothing is not evenly distributed in the drum.

Reason #2. Washing heavy duty items

Adding bulky objects like coats, blankets, or carpets is the most typical source of frustration. During the course of a wash cycle, the washer will malfunction. Damage to the spinner is frequently caused by water-absorbing materials such as carpets and comforters. Bulky goods like these are frequently found dripping wet in the washing machine.

Solution:

If you’re going to wash anything bulky like a comforter, like a huge towel or another comforter, put it in the washer with something else large to level out the load. Make certain, however, that you do not overfill the cistern. That’s assuming that the washer doesn’t stop mid-spinning We advise you to turn off the machine, drain the water, and remove the laundry before continuing. After that, reposition the laundry and restart the washer. Your washing machine will soon be back in action. You must know how to balance a washer.

Reason #3. Unbalanced placement of the washer

If the machine won’t spin, make sure it’s leveled properly on the ground. This can lead to excessive vibration and noise during the spinning cycle if the washer is not set properly on the floor or surface where it is being used. It is also possible that an uneven washer will damage the spinner and the drum due to the numerous issues it will cause.

Solution:

If your washer isn’t level, you can tweak the shipping bolts to make it so. The machine will vibrate if your floor is uneven or rough. We recommend that you put plywood under it. Reduces vibration by leveling the machine.

Reason #4. The lid is not closed

In order for the washing machine to function, the machine’s lid must be closed. When you close the lid, you’ll hear a clicking sound. The washer’s lid must be securely closed in order for it to operate. With no beeps and no functioning washing machine, you have a lid switch problem. Because of this, the load will not be spun in the washer.

Solution:

Unplug and unload the washer for your own safety’s sake. Using a screwdriver, remove the upper panel from the washer. Make sure you find the faulty switch by inspecting the upper panel. After that, loosen the clamp on the old switch and remove it. Replace the faulty switch with the new one and discard the old one. The new switch can be purchased at any hardware store. If you are unable to change the switch, have it done by a professional. For washer lid switches, you may find it useful to learn about where to acquire them.

Reason #5. Blocked drainage line

All of the water in the drum must be drained before you can begin spinning the load. The drainage line is usually at blame if water isn’t draining from the drum. A curved or clogged disposal pipe is a common cause of water discharge problems. Things clog the drains, such as stray threads from a sweater, missing buttons, or even coins.

Solution:

Remove the washing machine from the wall and align any bends and twists in the drainpipe. Remove the obstructed material from the drainage pipe before proceeding. Changing it out is an option as well. Drain pipes can be found practically everywhere that sells hardware. Educating yourself on the subject of washer drain hose installation or washing machine drainage issues may also be beneficial.

Solved! What to Do When the Washer Won’t Spin

Why were my clothes sopping wet when I transferred a load into the dryer? It’s not clear why the washing machine didn’t spin the water out. Is it time to hire a professional to fix my problem?

The answer is no, not quite. In some cases, a washer that won’t spin indicates a problem that has to be fixed by a professional, but in others, a simple fix can get your washing machine running again. Here, we’ll help you figure out what’s causing your washer issues and what you can do to fix it yourself. The washing machine’s rear panel may need to be removed for inspection of internal components, so make sure it’s unplugged and the water supply has been switched off before attempting any of these fixes.

Washer Not Spinning - How to Reset Motor (Easy) - YouTube

Redistribute an off-balanced load of laundry.

One of the most prevalent causes of a poor spin cycle is an uneven laundry load. When clothes accumulate on one side of the drum, the washing machine’s action is thrown off. When washing large and heavy things, such as comforters or bulky jackets, this problem is most common. Newer machines may also have trouble reaching high speeds with unbalanced loads, which results in damp clothing. Try rearranging your clumped-up wet laundry and running the spin cycle again if you suspect a distribution problem.

Level an off-kilter washer.

When the adjustable pedestal of your washer is positioned unevenly, it will not spin effectively. Make adjustments to each leg of the washer until it is perfectly level, looking for other indicators of an unlevel machine such as excessive noise and vibration throughout the washing operation.

Check the power source.

Double-check that the washer is connected in, even if it seems obvious. It’s possible that the plug slipped out of the outlet during a jolt or wobble in the middle of the cycle, and a simple re-plug could get you back to work. You should check your home’s circuit panel to see if the power cord is properly plugged in.

Stop using an extension cord.

An extension cord should not be used to plug in your washer’s heavy-duty power cord. An overheated washer motor can result from using an extension cord that doesn’t have enough power to run the machine. After the engine has cooled, the washer should work normally again, but the problem is likely to recur. Extension cords can also affect the life of a washing machine. Do not use an outlet that is too far away from the washing machine because it can’t be moved closer.

Inspect the spin switch.

For your protection, when you close the lid on a top-loading washer, you’ll feel a switch depress as a small protrusion under the lid depresses. The switch may not operate as intended if the protrusion is bent out of shape.

Demonstrate your hypothesis by opening the lid of your washer, selecting spin, and then depressing the switch manually with your finger. A simple re-bend of the protrusion will ensure that the machine spins normally.

When you manually turned the washer on, did it not begin to spin? The switch may be defective, causing the issue. Fortunately, depending on the make and type of your washing machine, you may be able to replace a damaged spin switch yourself. For more information, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Stick to high efficiency detergent with a front-load washer.

The majority of front-loading washers require low-foaming high-efficiency (HE) detergents, which you may not be aware of until you use one. Non-HE detergents, on the other hand, may produce an excessive amount of suds, causing the washer’s sensors to interpret the washer as being overflowing. If this is the case, your clothes will come out of the washer dripping wet since the washer won’t reach high enough spin speeds.

Undo any kink in the hose.

This could result in a washer that begins the spin cycle but never gets up speed and does not drain water, resulting in a malfunctioning appliance. Pull out the washer to examine the hose for kinks, then gently reinstall the appliance so that you don’t accidently crimp the hose again.

Track down a blockage in the drainage system.

The hoses that connect the washing machine to the drain pump might become clogged with small objects like pennies, keys, buttons, or clothes clips that have fallen out of pockets or clothing. The machine eventually grinds to a halt because of the obstructed drainage. The drain pump (usually placed in the back of the washer, near the floor) can be reached in some washers without removing the back of the washer, but in others, the back of the washer must be detachable. To get model-specific instructions, go to the owner’s handbook Clamps that hold hoses in place must be removed before you can clear any obstructions.

Replace or readjust the drive belt.

For example, the drum may remain stationary throughout the spin cycle even while a broken drive belt or one that has come loose from its pulley wheel is agitating. Remove the washer’s back and visually check to see if the belt is still on the pulley to see if this is the case. If this is the case, you may need to have the drive belt replaced. Make sure you buy one that is particularly designed for your washer model and brand.

If still stumped, call in the pros.

Expertise in the following areas is needed when dealing with these issues:

  • When water won’t drain, the drain pump may be to blame. The drain pump’s motor connections can be checked using a voltmeter to see if they’re still functional. However, this is the extent of the do-it-yourself project; a repairman must replace any drain pumps that do not work.
  • Conduct this simple test to see if the washer’s motor coupler (a little rubber and plastic item positioned between the washer’s motor and transmission) has broken. Turn on your washer’s wash cycle dial and let the water drum fill up. Agitation should commence as soon as the water reaches the desired level. A faulty coupler is the likely cause of your machine’s inability to rotate the agitator when the motor is turned on. There is no need to spend more than $20 on a new one, but this repair can only be done by people who are knowledgeable in tiny motor repair.
  • A washer won’t spin if the motor doesn’t run at all despite being properly connected to the power source and breaker. Carbon brushes in some motors wear down with time, but they may be changed for a relatively low price. It’s impossible to determine for sure without disassembling the motor and doing diagnostics on it whether the issue is limited to a worn carbon brush. Repairing induction-type motors with capacitors, even while the washer is unplugged, can give you a nasty electric shock.
  • Leaking washing machines can be caused by worn-out transmission shifters or clutches in some machines. A repairman is needed for this problem as well.

FAQs

Why is my Washing Machine Not Spinning?

1. Is the load unbalanced?

The sensors can be affected if you’ve washed a lot of thick bath towels. To keep things running smoothly, wash a variety of items, both large and tiny, at the same time.

After determining that your machine isn’t overflowing or unbalanced, the next step is to see if it’s draining properly.

2. Are the outlet pipes blocked?

No, the spin cycle will not begin if your outlet pipes are clogged. If your washing machine smells, it may be due to clogged drainage pipes. Use these steps to clean up your washer.

It’s a good indicator if the drum is draining the water successfully. Your washing machine, on the other hand, may continue to believe that there is water in the machine even if there is none. Make a move forward.

3. Is the pressure switch faulty?

YES: The machine is informed that the water has been drained by the pressure switch. By blowing into the tube and listening for a ‘click’ sound, you can test your switch.

Calling an electrician is a good option if the pressure switch appears to be working normally and an inspection of the machine reveals a problem.

My Washing Machine Won’t Turn On

1. Is the washing machine plugged in?

It is a good idea to unplug the plug and plug a separate item into the same socket to make sure everything is working properly if the plug is fully inserted.

Not necessarily: Even though it may seem evident that plugs can loosen over time, this is not always true. Remove your machine from the wall and firmly reinstall the plug.

2. Is the washing machine door shut?

Do you think your washing machine won’t start if the door is tightly closed? If so, the machine’s electrical supply may be the problem. The issue can be resolved by contacting an electrician.

Because of the increased risk of spills and injuries, many washing machines will not run if the door isn’t closed tightly enough.

3. Has the fuse turned black?

Either you or a professional electrician can replace the blown glass fuse in your home’s electrical system if you notice that the fuse has become black.

Call an electrician if you can’t figure out why your washing machine won’t start. Attempting to do electrical repairs on your own is a recipe for disaster.

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Why is my Washing Machine Making Loud Noises?

1. Has the machine moved out of place?

Overfilling your washer or washing a heavy load might cause your machine to “walk” forward, generating a loud noise as it goes about its business.

Balance issues are not likely if your washing machine is still in the same position as it was when you loaded it, and it may indicate an issue with the internal motors.

2. Is the machine stable when you nudge it?

YES: Before contacting a technician, make sure the washing machine’s four feet are firmly planted on the ground and look inside the drum for any evident problems.

Doesn’t matter: If your washing machine is teetering on its edge like an unstable table, it could be making a lot of noise throughout its spin cycle. Keep your machine on a flat surface.

3. Are there any loose objects inside the drum?

Is it necessary to spin the drum with your hand to see whether there are any loose items, such as coins or tiny toys, that have dropped out of pockets?

If you can’t find the source of the noise, there may be an issue with the machine’s internal workings. Make an appointment with an expert.

My Washing Machine Is Not Filling with Wate

1. Is the washing machine door shut properly?

Yes, if the door is shut and the lock is engaged (if your machine has one), this indicates that the problem is related to the water pipes or water supply.

If the door is not properly latched to prevent leaks, many machines will not take water in. Restart the cycle when you’ve properly closed the door.

2. Are the pipes connected securely to the water supply?

IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE WATER PIPES IN YOUR WASHING MACHINE MAY BE BLOCKED? If so, you should follow the directions in your owner’s manual to clean them.

There is no need to connect the cold water supply to the blue supply valve and the hot water supply to the red supply valve. Make sure there are no leaks under the machine, as well. A plumber should be called in as soon as you notice a leak.

3. Are there blockages in the pipes or valve filters?

IS THIS TRUE? To clear the valve filter of debris, carefully use flat pliers to remove as much of the blockage as possible without damaging the filter. Cleaning clogs can be tricky, so check your machine’s handbook for guidance.

NO: Call a plumber to double-check your water supply if your pipes and filters appear clear and you are unable to identify the source of the problem.

Is there anything you can tell me about repairing a washing machine at home? Leave them in the comments section below.

It’s A Wrap!

If your washer won’t spin, use the above-given tricks to resolve almost all the issues regarding the spinning drum of your washer. The washer is the most used item of any household. The proper maintenance of the washer is necessary to keep it running smoothly for years. If you do not manage to troubleshoot problems independently, it is always best to seek professional help. Now, you know why is my washer not spinning. You may also want to know the proper wash cycle.

You can use the above-mentioned methods to fix practically any problem with your washer’s spinning drum. The washer is one of the most often used appliances in any home. Keep your washer in good working order with regular cleaning and maintenance. The best thing to do if you can’t figure out the situation yourself is to get professional aid. Now you know why my washing machine isn’t working properly.. Another thing to consider is the appropriate wash cycle.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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