Washer problems

A washer that smells or stinks usually has dirty water and residue trapped somewhere. The usual places are the rubber door seal on a front-loader, a clogged drain pump filter holding old water, or a drain hose that lets sewer gas back up from the standpipe.

A rotten-egg smell usually comes from bacteria growing in residue inside the tub and the drain pump filter. If your hot water smells too, the source is the water heater, not the washer.

A sewer smell is usually gas coming up the drain. The usual causes are a drain hose pushed too far into the standpipe, a dry or missing drain trap, or a clogged drain pump filter.

When the taps and drain hose are fine, the usual causes are a clogged drain pump filter, a drain pump that has failed, or a door lock or lid switch that doesn't confirm it's closed, so the washer won't drain.

A washer that won't spin is usually stopped by a safety part or the drive. The usual causes are a failed lid switch or door lock, a worn drive belt or motor coupler, or water that hasn't drained first.

Unplug the washer (or switch off its breaker) for about a minute, then plug it back in. On many Whirlpool top-loaders, then open and close the lid six times within 12 seconds to reset the motor control. If the problem comes back, the usual causes are the lid lock, the motor control board, or the main control board.

Unplug it for about a minute, then plug it back in. On LG washers, press and hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds while it's unplugged. A reset clears a stuck cycle, but if the same error comes back, a part has failed, often the door lock, drain pump or control board.

Heavy shaking during the spin usually comes from worn shock absorbers or suspension rods, worn drum bearings, or a washer that isn't level.

The usual causes are a leaking drain pump or pump hose, a torn door seal on a front-loader, or a failed tub seal and bearing.

With the taps fully open, the usual causes are a failed water inlet valve, clogged inlet screens, or a failed water level sensor or lid switch.

Grinding during the spin usually means worn drum bearings. Other usual causes are a coin or object caught in the drain pump, or a worn motor coupler.

The usual causes are a lid lock that doesn't confirm it's locked, a failed motor control board, or the main control board. If the display is dark, check the outlet and breaker first.

On front-loaders, the usual causes are a failed door lock, a motor rotor position sensor, or the drive motor. On top-loaders, it's often the clutch or shifter (the parts that switch from wash to spin), or a drain pump that leaves water in the tub.

On top-loaders, the usual causes are a failed lid lock, a worn shifter or clutch, or a broken motor coupler. On front-loaders, it's usually the door lock, the drive belt or the motor.

If it happens with normal loads, the usual causes are worn suspension rods (top-loaders), worn shock absorbers (front-loaders), or worn drum bearings.

The door stays locked while there's water in the drum, so the usual causes are a drain problem (drain pump filter or drain pump), a failed door lock assembly, or the control board.

Usually yes when the failed part is a pump, valve, lock, belt or sensor, and the washer is otherwise in good shape. Worn drum bearings or a cracked tub on an older machine are when replacing makes more sense. Your diagnostic report shows which it is.

It depends on the part, so we don't show prices online. Your technician gives you a price after seeing the washer. The diagnostic fee is waived when you go ahead with the repair.

Start with what it does:

• Won't drain: drain pump, its filter, or the door lock.
• Won't spin: lid switch, door lock, belt or coupler.
• Won't fill: inlet valve or screens.
• Shakes: suspension or bearings.
• Smells: door seal, drain pump filter or drain hose.

RepairNow connects you with vetted, independent technicians in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lakeway, Bee Cave and Dripping Springs. Start with a free online diagnosis, then book: before 2 pm for same-day service; after 2 pm, we'll get someone to you within 24 hours.