Washing Machine Noises: An Audible Guide To Problems & Potential Repairs
If you've stayed in your laundry room for a basic washing cycle, then you understand the wide assortment of sounds that can occur. While a lot of these sounds are normal, it's important to differentiate the good sounds from the bad ones. Once you have the ability to recognize the bad sounds, you can call a repair technician and have your washer fixed quickly. Once you get used to the basic cycle of a washing machine, there are five key sounds to be alert to. If you notice any of the following problems, it's a good idea to call for help and get it repaired before the problem gets worse.
Bang-Bang-Bang
If you hear the sound of someone trying to break down a metal door, this isn't your dirty socks trying to escape. Loud bangs inside your washer are actually the drum slamming against the outer frame of the washer. This happens in top load washing machines more often than front loading ones. Loud and repetitive bangs are typically a sign of a malfunctioning motor or a loose drum. If the load was overfilled, then remove some of the clothes and attempt to run the cycle again. If the same problem repeats, then it's time to make the repair call. Continuous use of the washer with the loud banging can result in a broken drum or further motor damage.
Gurgling Noises
Draining noises are common as the washer transitions to the rinse cycle, but a slow gurgling noise could be a sign of trouble. One of the main problems could be a clog in the drain pipe for the washer. Lint, hair, and small debris can easily build overtime and cause a clog in the drain pipe. A washing machine repair specialist has the ability to snake the drain pipe, remove the debris, and keep the drain pipe clean for future use. They may also find a main source of blockage and eliminate the problem from occurring in the future.
Splish-Splash
Towards the end of your cycle, the rinse, draining, and spinning is supposed to get the majority of liquid off your clothes. If you hear the splish-splash sound of soaking wet clothes, then there may something wrong with the spin cycle. If your clothes are left splishing and splashing in an excess amount of water, the transmission used for the spin cycle on the washing machine may not be operating correctly. During the spin cycle, you may notice that the drum of the washer is spinning slowly or not at all. If this is the case, then a repair technician can inspect the washer, replace parts, and run test cycles. Typically, if the spin cycle fails, a fault code will appear on the washer. This is common for washers with LED screens. By looking up the fault code, you can determine if that is the problem and report it to a technician.
Grinding Noises
Belts are used to help move the drum and agitator on your washing machine. If the belts are strapped tightly or rubbing up against something, then you may notice a loud grinding noise. When this occurs, you should shut off the washer and wait for a repair before turning it on again. If you continue to run the grinding noise, the problems with the washer could get worse. A repair technician has the ability to replace or adjust the belts on the washer. This will keep the motor and transmission running smoothly for all your future loads.
Drip-Drop
When you're first running the washer, it should have steady stream of water that pours into the load. If that water has been replaced with a drip-drop and low water amount, then there may be an inlet problem. The water inlet pipes could have a blockage or leak. The washer's inputs may also have a problem that is preventing water from getting inside. If you're noticing low water pressure into the washer, then you should turn off the load. Examine the bottom of the washer and back area to check for any leaks or puddles. Shut off the water supply if there is a continuous water leak and contact a repair specialist. The person can help you eliminate any problem and return normal water pressure to the washing machine.
By having a good ear, you can recognize these problems early, have your washing machine fixed, and return the regular cycle sounds that you hear for every load.
