Dealing with a damaged or broken washing machine can be an intensely frustrating experience. Depending on the size of your family, your washer may receive a substantial amount of use, and the absence of a working washing machine is liable to impact every member of your household. However, while washer mishaps can be a royal pain to remedy, many washing machine issues can be avoided altogether with a little bit of knowledge and effort. Anyone ready to say goodbye to costly repair bills is advised to take the following measures when caring for their washing machine.
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Have Small Issues Addressed Forthwith
When a washing machine – or any appliance, for that matter – begins exhibiting small problems, many people take a “wait and see” approach. As long as the issue isn’t causing any noticeable defects in the short term, it’s easy to place it on the back burner and hope the problem sorts itself out. Over time, however, seemingly inconsequential issues can turn into large (and very costly) problems. In some respects, hesitancy to contact professional repair services is perfectly understandable. After all, no one relishes spending money on appliance repairs. Still, even the most frugal among us would agree that spending a small amount in the short term is preferable to shelling out an exorbitant sum in the long run. So, the next time you find yourself faced with a potential issue, no matter how small, get in touch with a dependable repair service like https://www.canduhome.com/services/washer-repair/.
Adhere to Recommended Load Sizes
Many of us won’t hesitate to cram as many clothes into the washer as possible. This saves us the time and hassle of tackling multiple loads and helps us get the job done quicker. Unfortunately, in reality, overloading not only results in insufficiently cleaned clothes, but it can also cause tremendous damage to some of your washing machine’s most vital components. Unreasonably heavy loads place an undue strain on spindle bearings, motors, pulleys, and drum belts.
To avoid the various problems associated with overloading, make a point of sticking to the load size recommendations outlined in your washer’s owner’s manual. This may involve breaking up larger loads into multiple smaller ones, but your efforts will pay off in the form of an efficient, well-maintained washing machine.
Regularly Check the Hoses
Keeping a watchful eye on your washer’s hoses will help ensure that you’re able to stay on top of potential leaks. When carrying out a hose inspection, make sure the inlet hoses are properly and securely connected to the water source and that no cracks or leaks are present. Should you come across cracking or leaking, have the affected hose(s) replaced posthaste. Similarly, make sure to regularly check the outlet hose (also known as the drain hose). Dirty water, fabric particles, and lint are drained through this hose, and the resultant build-up can sometimes create drain pipe blockage.
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Make Sure the Washer is Level
When a washing machine isn’t placed on a level surface, the damage is likely to occur. If your washer tends to vibrate and shake back and forth, there’s a good chance its legs aren’t level. Although some machines are equipped with self-adjusting rear legs, dirt build-up, rust, and other elements can prevent them from working properly. The more pronounced the rocking and vibrations become, the more damage can be done to your washer’s internal components. Rocking washers can also be safety hazards, particularly to pets and small children.
For your washer to be level, all four of its legs must be securely touching the ground. If your washer can be rocked back and forth diagonally from corner to corner, the device’s feet are neither secure nor level. If your washer’s legs aren’t self-leveling, they may need to be adjusted with a wrench or by hand. If you’re unclear on how to perform this task, consult your washer’s owner’s manual. Additionally, if you’re not comfortable carrying this process out manually, enlist the aid of a seasoned pro.
Large-scale washing machine issues can be stressful on a number of fronts. For starters, your family is sure to be inconvenienced by the temporary absence of a functional washer. Secondly, the more serious the problem, the costlier the repairs are likely to be. Furthermore, if the problem is severe enough to warrant a replacement, you can expect to spend at least several hundred dollars on a new washer. Fortunately for cost-conscious households, a sizable percentage of washing machine problems can be nipped in the bud with preventative maintenance measures.
