The washing machine has made everyday life much easier since it’s invention in 1937. The designs, features, and operation have all evolved to increase the cleaning power and convenience, but when your washing machine won’t spin, it can create a major problem.
Before you begin to panic, there are many reasons why your appliance has stopped spinning. If you’ve noticed your clothes coming out soaking wet, full loads aren’t as clean as they should be, there’s a mildew smell coming from your machine, or you haven’t heard the spin cycle working, it’s time to troubleshoot.
What are Common Reasons that a Washing Machine Won’t Spin?
There are a few things that may have you searching the internet for “why my washing maching won’t spin, and not all of them are mechanical. It is possible that you can resolve the problem with a few simple steps or a small part replacement. Check out these possible issues:
Washing Machine Full
If you put too many clothes in your machine, or overload it, you could exceed the weight limit of your appliance. It can stress the machine and may shut the spin cycle off entirely in order to protect the washer from damage. Remove some clothes and restart the machine.
Washing Machine is Improperly Balanced
Occasionally, you may not equally distribute clothing in the washer. If you put all the jeans on one side or too many absorbent sweaters in one load, the drum will become imbalance. This can lead to major machine rocking and vibration. If the washer is unlevel, it will also have problems spinning properly resulting in a pile of wet clothes. Try balancing the load with fewer clothes or moving them around. Also put a level on top of the machine and adjust the legs if needed.
Lid Switch is Broken
The lid switch senses when the lid is closed correctly. This safety feature stops the washer from spinning if the lid is open. If you can see that it is closed but still not spinning, check to see if the switch is making contact or if it may be bent out of position. You may be able to bend it back into place. If it still doesn’t work, the switch may need to be replaced.
Motor Damaged
If your spin cycle stops after just a few seconds, your drive motor may be the problem. It may have mid-cycle issues where the machine fills with water and may even agitate, but the tub will not spin and drain. The motor should be replaced by a professional.
Belt is Faulty
The drive belt is attached to a pulley system at the back of the washer and helps the drum spin. If the belt is broken or falls off, the machine won’t operate properly. You can check the belt by removing the back of the washer. If it is worn or broken, you can replace it yourself.
Drain System is Blocked or Damaged
The drain system is an integral part of the spin cycle and if the hose is blocked or kinked, the washer won’t drain or spin. You can check it by disconnecting it from the back of the machine and using a drain snake to remove any obstruction. Tip: Make sure the washer is unplugged and you keep a bucket underneath to catch any water that leaks out.
Age of Washing Machine
It’s hard to believe how fast time flies especially when it comes to the age of your appliances. When they are reliable and trouble-free for a number of years, it’s easy to believe that they will last forever. However, if your washing machine is nearing or over 10 years old, you may start to notice some issues. Obvious signs of wear and tear include a noisy machine and water leaks. From years of overloading, seals and other components start to break down. The spin cycle may work intermittently or stop entirely. Replacing the appliance with a new model is the best course of action.
Blown Fuses
Fuses in a washing machine are used to protect the components from overheating. If it is overloaded, the fuse will blow to stop it from being damaged. If your washer stops spinning mid-cycle, you might have a bad fuse. You can test the fuse with a multimeter. If there’s no continuity, the fuse is bad and should be replaced.
Wax Motor
A wax motor is used in some front load washing machines to operate the door lock assembly. The wax motor pushes a pin to lock the door when the spin cycle starts. A wax motor failure will not engage the door lock and the machine will not spin. The wax motor will need to be replaced.
When to Call a Puls Professional
While there are many washing machine repairs you can do yourself, if you feel the project is beyond your capabilities or you just want to enlist the services of a professional, Puls is ready to help.
Scheduling an appointment with a Puls technician is fast and easy. All appliance repair specialists are fully vetted for your protection and are skilled at troubleshooting problems with your washing machine. Schedule an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you, even same day if needed.
All parts and labor are guaranteed for 90 days so you can be sure any further problems will be covered. For even more peace of mind, become a Puls member with an Appliance Protection Plan. All appliance are covered for repair or replacement for a low monthly fee.
How Much Can Washing Machine Repairs Cost?
Washing machine repairs to fix your spinning problem will range from $85 for a new lid switch to as much as $450 for a new motor. If you’re searching for reasons why “my washing machine wont spin,” and need repair work done, contact Puls. Appliance repair starts at $80. Puls members get a discount with prices starting at $72. If the cost of your repair is more than 50% of the cost of a new machine, it’s time to start shopping.
Conclusion
It’s really inconvenient when your washing machine stops working properly. Instead of heading to the laundry mat, you can troubleshoot the issue yourself or hire a professional to fix it quickly. If you work on it yourself, always remember “safety first” - unplug the washer before doing any work to prevent electrical shock or electrocution. Keep your washing machine operating at peak performance by doing regular maintenance, don’t overload it, and address minor problems before they become major ones.
FAQ
What does it mean when a washing machine won’t spin?
There can be a few issues causing the washer to stop spinning such as overloading, improperly balancing the load, an uneven washer, a broken lid switch, a broken belt, or a broken motor.
Can you replace the washing machine belt yourself?
Yes, unplug the power source first. Remove the back of the washer to locate the drive belt. If the belt has slipped off the pulley system, you can try to put it back on yourself. If it is worn or broken, consult your owner’s manual for the proper part number.
How to identify if the washing machine needs replacing?
If your machine is more than 10 years old or the repair is more than 50% of the cost of a new washing machine, you should replace the machine.
What parts usually fail on a washing machine?
Washing machine drain problems are the most common reasons for failure. The drain hose gets clogged with lint, item of clothing, or other debris. This will typically cause the machine to stop spinning.
How much will it cost to fix a washing machine that doesn’t spin?
It will cost between $80 and $450, depending on the problem, to repair your washing machine that doesn’t spin.
