How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won’t Spin
Picture this: You load up your washing machine with a big pile of dirty clothes, add detergent, and press start. But instead of hearing the familiar sound of your machine starting to agitate, you’re met with…nothing. Your washing machine won’t spin properly, leaving you with a pile of soaking wet clothes and a major laundry dilemma.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many homeowners have encountered this frustrating issue as well.
But before you panic and start pricing out new machines, the experts at All Appliance & Refrigeration want to share a few tips. We have helped countless residents of the greater Bryan and College Station, TX, and the surrounding areas with their broken washing machines, and we’re here to help you, too.
So, let’s get started:
Common Causes of a Washer Not Spinning
There could be a variety of reasons why your washing machine spin cycle is no longer working. Some of the most common causes we see include:
1. Overloading
If you overload your washing machine, the weight of all those wet clothes can put too much strain on the washer spin cycle and cause it to stop working. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for load size.
Older machines are especially susceptible to this issue, as the belts and motor can wear out over time. So, if your machine is more than a few years old, this could be the culprit.
2. Unbalanced Load
Similar to overloading, an unbalanced load can also cause your washing machine to stop spinning. This usually happens when heavy items like towels or jeans are on one side of the drum and lighter items are on the other. The uneven weight distribution can throw off the balance of the machine, causing it to stop spinning.
3. Faulty Lid Switch
Some washing machines have a safety feature that prevents the wash cycle from starting if the lid is not securely closed. If this switch malfunctions, your machine won’t spin. You can test this by manually pressing down on the lid to see if it starts spinning. If it does, then a defective lid switch is likely the issue.
4. Worn Out or Broken Drive Belt
The drive belt is responsible for turning the drum in your washing machine. Over time, this belt can become worn out or even break, causing the spin cycle to stop working. We see this a lot in older machines, but it can also happen in newer ones.
If this is the cause, you may notice a burning rubber smell if the belt has slipped out of place and started rubbing against other components.
5. Poor Drainage
If the water is not draining properly from your machine, it can also cause the spin cycle to stop working. This could be due to a clogged drain hose, pump filter, or even an issue with the drain pump itself. It’s important to regularly check and clean out these areas to ensure proper drainage and prevent this issue.
6. Burnt-Out Motor
The drive motor is the heart of your washing machine and is responsible for powering the drum and spin cycles. If the motor burns out, your machine won’t be able to spin. This can happen due to overloading or other issues that put too much strain on the motor. If you suspect a burnt-out motor, it’s best to call a professional for repairs.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps to Fix a Washing Machine That Won’t Spin
Now that we’ve discussed some common reasons your washing machine is no longer spinning properly – let’s go over some troubleshooting steps to help you fix the issue:
Step 1: Lighten or Rebalance the Load
It may sound so simple, but we have saved many of our clients from future headaches by advising washing smaller loads. If you’ve noticed your machine becoming increasingly noisy or vibrating during wash cycles, it’s likely time to lighten the load.
Alternatively, if you have a top-loading machine, it’s important to evenly distribute the load inside the drum. An unbalanced load can throw off the spin cycle and cause your machine to stop working properly.
Step 2: Check the Washing Machine Drain Hose
As mentioned earlier, poor drainage can also be a cause of spin cycle issues. To check the drain hose, you’ll want to unplug your machine and pull it away from the wall. Look for any kinks or clogs in the hose that could be preventing water from draining properly.
If you notice any issues, try gently straightening out the hose and removing any debris. This may require using a plumber’s snake or wire to push through any stubborn blockages. Once you’ve cleared the hose, plug your machine power cord back in and run a test cycle to see if the issue has been resolved.
Step 3: Investigate the Lid Safety Switch
For top-loading machines, the lid safety switch acts as a safety mechanism to prevent the machine from spinning if the lid is open. If this lid switch becomes damaged or faulty, it could be causing your machine to not spin.
To check the lid safety switch, you’ll need to locate it on your washing machine and test it for continuity using a multimeter. If you find that the lid switch is broken or malfunctioning, you can easily order a replacement part online and replace it yourself. Yet, if you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs, it’s best to call a professional for help.
Step 4: Replace the Drive Belt
One of the most common causes of a washing machine not spinning is a broken or worn drive belt. If your machine has a rubber belt connecting the motor to the drum, it’s possible that it has become stretched or damaged over time.
To check the drive belt, you’ll need to locate it on your machine and visually inspect it for any signs of wear. If you notice cracks, fraying, or stretching, it’s likely time to replace the belt.
We strongly advise calling a professional for this task, as it can be tricky to access and replace the drive belt on your own. It’s easy to make the issue worse if you’re not familiar with washing machine repairs.
Step 5: Check the Motor
If none of the above steps have resolved the issue, it’s possible that there is a problem with the motor itself. A faulty motor can prevent your washing machine from spinning, and unfortunately, this is one of the most costly repairs to make. According to Fixr, the average cost to replace a washing machine motor is between $300 to $500.
You’ll need to unplug your machine and access it from behind or underneath to check the motor. It’s best to consult your machine’s manual for specific instructions on how to access and test the motor. If you find that it is indeed malfunctioning, you may need to call a professional repair service or consider purchasing a new washing machine altogether.
When to Call a Professional
While some washing machine spin problems can be easily resolved with a DIY approach, there are certain situations where it’s best to call in a professional for help. This includes:
- If you’re not comfortable working with electrical components or handling heavy machinery.
- If you’ve attempted to troubleshoot and repair the issue yourself but have been unsuccessful.
- If the problem seems more complex than just a simple fix like removing a blockage in the drain hose.
In these cases, it’s better to leave it to the professionals who have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to safely and effectively resolve the issue. Attempting to fix a washing machine without proper expertise can result in further damage or even injury.
The Wrap Up
Dealing with a washing machine that won’t spin can be frustrating, but hopefully, this guide has helped you troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Remember to always unplug your machine before attempting any repairs and to take safety precautions when working with electrical components.
If you’re unable to fix the problem yourself or feel uncomfortable doing so, the team at All Appliance & Refrigeration is here to help. Our experienced technicians can diagnose and repair any issue with your washing machine and are certainly no strangers to spin problems.
Don’t let a malfunctioning spin cycle leave you with piles of dirty laundry – contact us today!
