What parts fail in a washing machine?

Author: Miss Hettie Schinner  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

10 Parts That Often Need Replacing in Washing Machines
  • Drive Belt. ...
  • Pump. ...
  • Motor Coupler. ...
  • Door or Lid Switch. ...
  • Water Inlet Valve. ...
  • Drain Hose. ...
  • Drum Bearings. ...
  • Door Boot Seal (Gasket)

What usually fails on a washing machine?

A broken motor coupler, failed lid switch or bad timer could also prevent this type of washer from spinning. On top-load, vertical modular washers (washers whose lid is always locked during the entire wash cycle), a failed shifter assembly or worn drive belt can prevent the washer from spinning the wash load.

What is the most expensive part to replace on a washing machine?

Drum. Unfortunately, the drum is the most expensive of all the possible washing machine replacement parts. Expect to spend at least $400 on a washing machine drum replacement. Water Inlet Valve.

What is bad for your washing machine?

Any loose items such as coins and buttons, clips that the pocket contents. That can damage the washing mechanisms. Suits, Embellished garments, Clothes with delicate elasticity, sneakers with leather accents, delicate tie and lace garments, small washcloths which can get stuck in a washing machine's hoses and vents.

What is the average life of a washing machine?

Typically a washing machine lasts 10-13 years. Top-loading washers typically last a few years longer than their front-loading brethren. If you use a stacked washer/dryer combo, you may have to replace both if one starts acting up. Proper maintenance will likely help your washer last for over 15 years.

10 Most Common Problems With Laundry Washing Machines

Is it worth repairing a washing machine?

If you do only few loads of wash each week, your washer can last for several years beyond the average lifespan — especially if you've kept up with yearly washer maintenance. In that case, you can reasonably expect your middle-aged washer to last another 8 to 10 years, and repairing the washer is a safe bet.

What brand washing machine lasts the longest?

Brand-by-Brand Lifespan Comparison
  1. Speed Queen (20-25 Years) Speed Queen is in a league of its own regarding longevity. ...
  2. Miele (15-20 Years) Miele sets the gold standard for premium washing machines. ...
  3. Bosch (12-15 Years) ...
  4. Maytag (10-12 Years) ...
  5. Whirlpool (10-12 Years) ...
  6. Kenmore (10-12 Years) ...
  7. LG (10 Years) ...
  8. Electrolux (10 Years)

What damages your washing machine?

Metal objects such as coins, keys, and screws can damage the inner drum and outer tub of your washing machine. Gum, tissues, and cash can clog your washer drain. Any of these items that make it inside your dryer are going to cause damage to the inner workings there, too.

Can I put vinegar in my washing machine?

Vinegar should not be placed directly in the washing machine. However, it can be beneficial to use it to treat stains and odors prior to washing. Just make sure you thoroughly rinse the items before placing them in the washing machine.

Is it bad to use fabric softener?

Additionally, fabric softener can be potentially harmful to clothes over time as it may leave behind residues that can reduce the absorbency of fabric and contribute to the breakdown of fibers, says Cohoon.

What brand washing machine has the least repairs?

LG has consistently emerged as the best washer brand, often vying for the top spot with Speed Queen in Consumer Reports. This reputation cements LG's status as one of the best brand washers. A key factor in LG's popularity is its impressively low repair rates, making it a reliable choice in the appliance market.

Is a 10 year old washer worth fixing?

All home appliances wear out eventually, and for washing machines, the expected lifespan is about 10 years. So if you've had your machine for 10 years or more, replacement is probably the best choice, unless it's a very simple problem to repair.

Why do washing machines break down so much?

There are a number of root causes for common washing machine breakages. If your washing machines are constantly breaking down, it's worth checking that they're fully installed, that your water supply isn't too hard, and that you're not overloading them with clothes or detergent!

What is the most common problem with a washing machine front loader?

The most common problem for front-load washing machines is a moldy smell, which isn't something you want in a machine that's supposed to clean the clothes you wear.

Which washing machines blew up?

We have now heard of these explosions happening to 14 different models made by Indesit and its sister company, Hotpoint. There was a link to the BBC site, but it's been removed, but there are plenty of appliance recall and accidents online. Google “exploding washing machine” and you will see.

What is the coin trap on a washing machine?

The coin trap is a plastic tray with holes in it that lets water go to the drain but catches coins and other small items before they can come in contact with the drain impeller. Other models of washers will have a rectangular lower panel that spans the entire width of the front panel below the washer door.

What happens if you mix vinegar and laundry detergent together?

Before going further, we have to warn you: adding vinegar or baking soda to the wash along with your laundry detergent increases the risk of poorer cleaning performance, as detergents are optimized for a specific pH level, which is altered by the presence of these two household additives in the wash.

How to get white laundry white again?

Use white vinegar:

Vinegar is also a great alternative to chlorine bleach. Add half a cup of white vinegar to your white laundry. This can remove the grey or yellow hues from your white clothes and restore their original color.

What does baking soda do for laundry?

Baking soda can be a beneficial laundry aid as it offers stain removal, odor elimination, fabric softening and detergent boosting potential. It's versatile and eco-friendly, and using a small amount in your wash load may leave your clothing cleaner, fresher and softer.

Can you give two examples of common problems in washing machines?

- The drain hose or pump is clogged with a small item of clothing, residual gunk or other debris. - The washer is malfunctioning and not engaging the drain/spin cycle properly. It may present with an error code - check with your product manual or give the manufacturer a call to clarify what this refers to.

What throws a washer off balance?

While overloading can strain and unbalance the drum, underloading can cause items to cluster on one side during the spin, creating a lopsided situation. So, to keep things balanced, stick to the recommended load size, which is usually about three-quarters full!

What breaks if you overload a washing machine?

The Risks of Overloading Your Washing Machine

Strain on the Motor: When the drum is overloaded, the motor is forced to work harder, increasing the risk of overheating or early failure. A burned-out motor can be expensive to repair or may even require replacement.

What brand of washer has the least problems?

If you're looking for a washer and dryer that will last a long time, Samsung is right up there with LG and Whirlpool in terms of longevity. Like Maytag, Samsung appliances typically require fewer repairs. The highly rated Korean brand started making washing machines in the '90s.

Are Maytag and Whirlpool the same?

Since 2006, Whirlpool has owned Maytag, but they are independent appliance manufacturers.

Why do old washers last longer?

The truth is that older appliances were often built with sturdier materials, like good ol' fashioned metal, instead of flimsy plastic. This means that they can withstand wear and tear much better than modern appliances.

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