Having a washing machine in your house is a blessing considering it washes multiple clothing items at the same time. Not only does it remove manual effort but also takes relatively less amount of time to get done with multiple batches. But washing machines run into complications as well like any other machine. One of the most common happens to be turning off mid-cycle. While it can be a frustrating issue, we will share some important tips that will help you troubleshoot the issue and get your machine running back to normal. However, if you want to get it fixed quickly, call in an appliance repair technician.
Power Supply Issues
The very first thing you are going to do if your washing machine is turning off mid-cycle is to check the power supply. If the washing machine happens to be old, it might be that the power supply cord has experienced cracks or damage with time and is not allowing proper flow of electricity.
On the other hand, it could also be the power socket that is causing the problem. You can perform a close inspection of the power socket to observe any signs of burning or damage. If there is a black smoke-like appearance on the power socket, it means it has burned and it needs to be replaced.
But, if the power socket does not show any obvious signs, you might want to plug the machine into another power socket and check it. If the machine turns on and runs properly, it means the power socket is the problem and will need to be replaced.
On the other hand, if the power cord happens to be a problem, you will simply need to replace it. However, if everything checks out to be normal and the machine is new, you will have to consult the manufacturer to fix the issue by claiming the warranty.
Clogged Filters
Washing machines come with filters that help trap dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Since washing machines deal with water, it is normal for the filters to become clogged over a period of time. You have to keep in mind that filters come in different varieties depending on the price you are willing to pay for the machine.
Modern washing machines come with high-quality filters that can block microscopic toxicants and contaminants, helping maintain the quality of the clothes. If these filters become clogged, the washing machine may shut down mid-cycle as part of the safety feature.
Talking about safety features, new advanced washing machines are loaded with safety features that shut down the machine if there is something wrong. This is done to keep the washer from experiencing expensive or permanent damage.
That said, you must keep an eye on the filters and make sure your washing machine doesn’t have to run with blocked filters. Cleaned them at least once a month. And, if the washing machine happens to be old, you should replace the air filter with the exact type from the manufacturer.
Hose Blockage
Hose blockage is another reason your washing machine may be shutting down mid-cycle. A washing machine produces residue from the laundry detergent that can build up and block the hose located at the back of the machine. This could damage the pressure switch.
For the time being, you will be able to fix the issue by cleaning the pipe yourself but if the water continues to back up, you will soon find yourself in the same problem. Check for any water leakage or pools of water underneath the machine.
To fix the issue, consult an expert. Fortunately, fixing a blocked hose does not require replacing any parts. All it needs is a thorough cleaning to ensure the water flows without any interruptions.
This issue is common in commercial appliances like dishwashers and steamers as well so before consulting commercial appliance repair Fairfax services, clean the drain lines and hoses.
Pump Failure
A washing machine comprises several different components that work together as a team to carry out the washing process. An important part of the process is the washing pump, which could cause the machine to stall as it carries out the washing cycle.
A malfunctioning pump could upset the pressure within the machine and prevent it from draining. The problem is that modern machines tend to contain self-containing pumps that are more prone to breaking. It could be that the pump is blocked by a small piece of debris causing it to burn out.
If you observed that the machine was making strange noises before it turned off, the recirculation pump may be problematic. But if the noises come up during the draining step, it most likely points to a fault in the drainage pump.
Pump failure can be a bit tricky to diagnose. So, you will need to consult an expert who will thoroughly check the machine and fix the main issue.
Lid-Switch Malfunction
The lid switch may be a small part of the machine but plays an important role in the washing cycle process. The switch is usually located on top of the machines and signals the washing machine to start the washing cycle as the door is closed.
Since this part experiences a lot of wear and tear, it is prone to breaking. If you observe that the switch is sagging, it means it is most likely broken. Similarly, you can also check the spring underneath the switch to see if it is working properly.
Simply press the switch and see if it gets stuck or struggles to come back up again. If that is the case, it means the switch is malfunctioning. To remove and replace the lid switch, you will need to consult the user manual. Make sure to unplug the machine to prevent electric shock.
How To Care For Your Washer?
One crucial factor that is always undermined is maintenance. No matter how much it is stressed, some people still won’t realize the importance of maintenance. Washing machines like other household appliances require maintenance too. The reason is that water contains a lot of contaminants and residue buildup along with many other factors can cause blockages and other issues.
Ignoring these problems can create serious problems for the washing machine and you might end up paying for expensive repairs and replacements. This is why you need to invest in an expert who will not only thoroughly inspect and clean the machine inside out but also look for potential issues and fix them before they can turn into serious ones.
Furthermore, the user manual is not to be ignored either but carefully understood. You might think that minor factors won’t affect the machine that much until it breaks down. For instance, using the wrong detergent can regularly block the machine and result in complications.
You cannot use different types of detergents for your washing machine but only the type recommended by the manufacturer. This goes a long way in terms of keeping your machine running smoothly.
Conclusion
Most of the washing machine issues are a result of our failure to maintain them and act on unusual signs and symptoms as soon as we hear them. On top of that, we ignore the importance of professional care, which adds to the problem. Considering the information mentioned above, you should always hire a washer repair Alexandria expert for fixing any issues and get the machine maintained at least once a year or more depending on the usage frequency.
