Appliances • RepairRiot

Washer Troubleshooting & Repair Guides

Find the closest washer symptom and open the guide that matches what is happening before you replace parts.

Find The SymptomUse The Right GuideAvoid Guessing
Washer appliance in a home repair setting

Find your washer problem

Start with the symptom you can see. If two guides seem close, choose the one that matches what changed first.

Water and draining

Washer won’t drain water

Water remains in the tub or clothes are left soaked.

Washer not filling with water

The cycle starts but little or no water enters.

Washer leaking

Water appears under, around, or behind the washer.

Spin and noise

Washer not spinning

The washer fills and washes but will not spin.

Washer not spinning out completely

Clothes are still too wet after the final spin.

Washer making noise when spinning

Banging, grinding, squealing, or roaring during spin.

Door, lid, and start issues

Washer door won’t unlock

A front-load washer stays locked after the cycle.

Washer lid won’t lock

A top-load washer will not sense a locked lid.

Washer won’t start cycle

The washer powers up but will not begin washing.

Shaking and balance

Washer shaking

The washer moves, bangs, or shakes during spin.

Washer off balance every load

Even normal loads trigger off-balance problems.

Washer walks across floor

The machine moves out of position during spin.

Smells and detergent

Washer smells bad

Musty, sewer-like, or sour smells remain in the washer.

Washer not dispensing detergent

Detergent stays in the drawer or dispenser.

Soap left on clothes

Clothes come out with suds, residue, or detergent marks.

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