Washer Dryer FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are some of our most common washer dryer FAQs:

Why is my washing machine leaking?

Wet floors are hazardous and even a small leak can cause floor damage and be annoying to clean up. In general, washing machine leaks are common to all models and can be found by a novice. A close inspection of your washing machine can help you find the leak. If you cannot find the leak the problem is more likely an internal, mechanical part failure and you will need our expertise to diagnosis and repair.

We Suggest this 6-Step Diagnosis Process:

  1. Turn the washing machine off and unplug it. This will prevent you from getting a shock while you are looking for the leak.
  2. Inspect the seal around the door of a front load machine. Leaks can manifest from cracks or holes in the seal.
  3. Examine the fill hoses and be sure they are secured properly, loose connections can leak. Hoses that are cracked, kinked or crushed can develop leaks. Many manufacturers suggest that fill hoses need to be replaced every five years.
  4. Look over the gasket or seal inside the hose, between the tap and hose, if you've completed step three and the tap is still leaking. If the seal is worn it may cause a leak.
  5. Check the strainer or valve screen inside the hose connection of the fill hose for clogs. Not all machines have strainers in their hoses.
  6. Inspect the drain hose for clogs, cracks or leaks and be sure it is attached to the drain facility correctly.

To read more about our 6 Easy Steps to Diagnosis your Washing Machine Leak, please read the full article on our Blog - here.

My washing machine won't drain and/or spin?

If your washing machine will not drain or spin, you may wish to perform some troubleshooting efforts. This may help identify the source of the issue and possibly help determine a solution.

How to Troubleshoot Why Your Top Load Washing Machine Isn't Draining:

  1. Open the washer lid and move the clothing items around so the load is evenly distributed, as the washing machine may not be able to spin or drain properly if the items are not balanced. Do not under - or overload - the washer, and maintain moderate load size.
  2. Avoid connecting the washing machine to an extension cord, as most extension cords provide insufficient power supply and may result in problems with the washer spinning or draining.
  3. Lower the drain hose if the end of the hose is set more than 8 feet above the ground. This can redirect water back into the washing machine instead of draining as expected.
  4. Clean and straighten the drain hose. Make sure the washing machine is only operated in above-freezing temperatures, as the pipes may freeze when the weather is extremely cold.
  5. Open the lid and look closely to see if a clothing item has gotten stuck in between the inner and outer tubs inside the washing machine. If so, turn off and unplug the washing machine and remove the item with a pair of pliers.
  6. Contact an authorized service technician for assistance if the methods described here do not resolve the problem, as other potential reasons for the issue (such as a broken pump pulley or motor coupler) may require professional.

To read more Helpful Hints on why a washing machine won't drain, please read the full article on our Blog - here.

Why does my front load washer have water in it?

First, do not panic; this is a common occurrence with front load washers. More than likely, the machine is not broken. Front load washers have a very efficient basket, pump and pulley system that needs to be cleaned out occasionally. Front load washers also have sensors that recognize when there is water in the machine, so if there is anything clogging the water pump, the washer will not complete the cycle.

If you are not sure what the problem is, get a professional opinion before you spend money on an unnecessary repair or a new machine. The experienced repair technicians at Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair can distinguish whether the problem is mechanical, operational, or both. We are confident that we can identify and diagnose the problem in your particular machine, and take care of it efficiently and effectively.

To find more info on this issue and to read the full article Help! My Washing Machine Won't Drain, please visit our Blog - here.

Do I need to change the water hoses on my washing machine?

Manufactures recommend that the inlet hose, which pumps water into the machine, be changed every five-years. As a preventative measure, make sure that the hoses attached to your washer are burst-proof to avoid flooding.

Bursting washing machine hoses cause nearly 150 million dollars of damage a year in the United States and Canada. Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair carries the highest quality brands of burst-proof hoses at a fair price.

To schedule an appointment with a professionally trained technician, go to our Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair contact page – here.

Why won’t my top load washer finish the cycle?

Customers who ask this question are often concerned that their washing machine may need to be replaced. This is a very common occurrence with top load washers, and, most likely, the problem can be easily fixed. Each brand of washing machine has its own typical manufacturing-related mechanical problems; however, the most common explanation is the safety switch mechanism.

It is best to get a professional opinion before spending money on unnecessary repairs or a new washer. The experienced repair technicians at Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair can distinguish whether the problem is mechanical or related to the safety switch mechanism. We are confident that we can identify and diagnose the problem in your particular machine, and take care of it efficiently and effectively.

Don't wait to schedule an appointment with a skilled technician, speak to a professional right away and go to our Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair contact page – here.

Why does my dryer not tumble?

The first thing to establish when troubleshooting the clothes dryer is whether the dryer will start or not. If it won’t, first check the outlet and the circuit breaker. Should the breaker trip or the dryer not start this is often indicative of a bad motor.

If the dryer will start but the drum refuses to turn, there are three possible causes; it will be due to problems with the belt, pulley or motor. Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair's multiple-point inspection is able to make the diagnosis and provide an ethical and reliable estimate.

And lastly, if the dryer makes a humming noise but the drum won’t turn, the problem is often the motor.

To read the complete article Why Doesn't My Dryer Tumble, visit our Blog - here.

How do you clean a dryer?

Cleaning your dryer vent is more than just a chore, it’s a safety must. The lint that builds up in your dryer’s vent can cause a clog, which is a fire hazard. Dryer fires are a serious issue, and the way to prevent them is to make sure your vent is kept clean and clog-free. You can clean the dryer vent yourself if you have the right tools, but it’s probably best to call a professional.

Try this simple 3-step process to check if your dryer vent is clogged:

  1. Check your lint screen. If there isn’t much lint on it and you’ve been doing laundry, it’s possible the lint may have been caught in the vent instead of the lint screen, which means you have a clog. Lint in the area around where your dryer is can also be a sign of a problem.
  2. Time your dryer cycle. If it’s taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, or if you are having to run each load more than one time, you may have a stopped-up vent. Items that are still damp after repeated drying cycles is a sure sign of a clog.
  3. Feel your clothing and the actual dryer. Clothes just out of the dryer that are extremely hot or an excessively hot dryer can signal a clogged vent.

Aside from following the instruction manual’s recommendations for general upkeep and lint removal, Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair recommends that Kenmore, Whirlpool, Speed Queen, Maytag, Frigidaire, and General Electric dryers receive a regular professional cleaning every 18 months.

Unmaintained dryers can cause excessive lint and heat build-up that could become a potential dangerous fire hazard in some models. The experienced repair technicians at Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair can distinguish whether the problem is mechanical, related to a clog in the dyer duct, or both.

To read more Tips on Cleaning a Dryer, see our blog - here.

Why is my dryer taking so long to dry clothes?

If your dryer won't heat up, it's possible that it is not being supplied with the proper voltage.

Try these easy 3-steps to make sure power is getting to your dryer:

  1. Check your lint screen. If there isn't much lint on it and you've been doing laundry, it's possible the lint may have been caught in the vent instead of the lint screen, which means you have a clog. Lint in the area around where your dryer is can also be a sign of a problem.
  2. Time your dryer cycle. If it's taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, or if you are having to run each load more than one time, you may have a stopped-up vent. Items that are still damp after repeated drying cycles is a sure sign of a clog.
  3. Feel your clothing and the actual dryer. Clothes just out of the dryer that are extremely hot or an excessively hot dryer can signal a clogged vent.

To read more info on dryers, please read our helpful Dryer 101 article on our Blog or to read the full post on this topic - click here.

Do your replacement parts come with a warranty?

Yes, Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair offers a 90 day warranty on all replacement parts. We use only authentic brand name parts and components, ensuring the best service possible.

To schedule an appointment with a professionally trained technician, go to our Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair contact page – here.

Why isn't my washer getting any cold water?

Washing machines have an electrically operated valve in them called a "water mixing valve." This valve has separate solenoids for the hot and cold water. It's very possible that the cold water solenoid isn't working. Besides the cold water solenoid on the water mixing valve not working, it could also be that the shut off valve to the machine's cold water supply hose is closed or that the filtration screen in that supply hose is clogged up.

Visit our Blog for more Helpful Hints on why your Washing Machine isn't getting any Cold Water.

Why are my clothes dripping wet after the spin cycle?

First: If you using a high-efficiency washer, check to be sure you are you using the right type of soap.
Next: Check the owner's manual.

If you are not sure what the problem is, get a professional opinion before you spend money on an unnecessary repair or a new machine. The experienced repair technicians at Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair can distinguish whether the problem is mechanical, operational, or both. We are confident that we can identify and diagnose the problem in your particular machine, and take care of it efficiently and effectively.

To read more Helpful Hints on why a washing machine won't drain, please read the full article on our Blog - here.

Why is my washing machine shaking?

When your washing machine goes into the spin cycle, and it begins to shake, rattle and thump; either the machine isn’t properly leveled, the clothes have gone out of balance, there is part failure or excessive wear. Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair has some Helpful Tips to use when dealing with a shaking washing machine.

To read our Helpful Tips on a Shaking Washing Machine, please read the full article on our Blog - here.

Why is my washing machine so noisy?

A noisy washing machine is not just lod and annoying, it is often very difficult to diagnosis as well. With the over 30 years of trusted appliance repair service, Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair are experts at diagnosing noisy clothes dryers.

Because the impending issue can stem from a number of reasons, we highly suggest reading our informative Blog article, Washing Machine is Noisy to help narrow down the cause of the sounds.

Do not continue to use a noisy dryer, it is best to get is serviced my an appliance repair specialist right away. To schedule an appointment with a professionally trained technician, go to our Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair contact page – here.

Help! My dryer smells like it is burning!

We at Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair strongly suggest when there is a burning smell coming from your dryer to immediately stop using it and to contact a professional. Burning smells in your clothes dryer can signify a simple, easily-fixed problem, or something much more serious.

Important Dryer Fact: problems with dryers often start house fires. For this reason, it is important to promptly identify and solve any problem that causes a burning smell in your dryer.

Don't wait to schedule an appointment with a skilled technician, speak to a professional right away and go to our Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair contact page – here.

There are several common things that can cause a burning smell to emit from your dryer. To learn more about these, please read the complete Blog post, Burning Smell In The Dryer.

Why are my clothes still soapy after washing them?

With over three decades fo hard-earned experience maintaining and repairing home appliances, Paul’s Washer and Dryer Repair has come across this issue many times. Most often we are asked about spoay clothes or white residue appearing on clothes being very noticeable, especially on darks, after washing. While this is a very annoying problem,  there are generally three culprits to considser.

  1. Too much detergent.
  2. Type of fabric softener.
  3. Overloading the washer with clothes.

To read more details and tips about Clothes Still Soapy, please read the full article on our Blog - here.

 

 

Why is my dryer so noisy?

One of the most common calls we receive is for a noisy dryer. Each dryer manufacture has its particular reasons for suddenly making unnecessary noise, which is why our trained technicians are your best bet in resolving this annoying problem.

There are several reasons why a dryer may squeal and squeak when it is running. One of the most common causes is the idler pulley that places tension on the belt and the circular drum of the dryer bearing wear making that annoying squeal. Or often it is caused by a part that needs to be replaced.

This is a list of the most common parts we replace:

  • Rollers
  • Idler pulley
  • Glides
  • Rear drum bearing
  • Blower wheel

To read more info on noisy dryers, please read our helpful Noisy Dryer article on our Blog or to read the full post on this topic - click here.