So, it’s laundry day again – you load the machine with a week’s worth of dirty laundry, adjust the settings, and press the start button, only to realize that the washing machine won’t spin!
What do you do now? Do you call in the professionals right away or try to get it working on your own? Either way, it’s essential to understand why your washing machine won’t spin.
The good news is that in most cases, diagnosing the problem with a washing machine is easier than you may have imagined. Here are the top 6 reasons why your washer may stop spinning and how you can solve the problem.
Problem #1 – Overstuffed Washer
If you are not a fan of doing laundry, you probably put it off needlessly. As a result, when you finally get down it to it, you will likely stuff the washing machine with clothes. While filling the washer to the top often works seamlessly, sometimes, it can cause the washing machine to stop spinning altogether.
Luckily, this problem is easy to fix. All you have to do is fish out some soggy clothes from the overstuffed washer and try again. The chances are your washing machine will work perfectly fine.
Our advice— don’t procrastinate next time and avoid overstuffing your washing machine.
Problem # 2 – Drainage Issues
Drainage problems are another reason why your washing machine might stop spinning. Generally, the washer won’t spin until the laundry load has been drained. An easy way to get to the root of the problem is to drain the washing machine when it’s not spinning. If the water flows out freely, you can cross drainage issues off the list of reasons why your washing machine won’t spin.
However, if you notice inadequate or no drainage, you may find a clogged drainage hose on your hands. If you want your washer to spin again, try unkinking the hose. If that doesn’t work, you may have to detach and unclog the pipe leading to the drain pump.
Problem # 3 – Faulty Lid Switch
Have you ever noticed that most top-load washing machines don’t start spinning until the lid is closed?
It is because these machines feature a special switch that senses when the lid is open and keeps the washer from spinning until you close the lid. Over time, this switch can become loose and signal the machine that the lid is open even when it’s closed. As a result, the washing machine won’t spin.
If you enjoy taking up DIY projects around the house and have a basic know-how of how washing machines work, replacing the lid switch at home shouldn’t be a problem for you. You can use a multimeter to test if a faulty lid switch is keeping your machine from spinning.
Problem # 4 – Defective Drive Belt
This problem is prevalent in front-load washing machines that spin due to a drive belt off the motor. Over time, the belt can wear out, becoming loose or frayed. As a result, your washing machine may stop spinning.
Remove the panel of the washing machine to inspect the drive belt closely. Run your fingers along the belt to feel for cracks and tears in the belt. If you find any, you may have to replace the belt. On the other hand, if the drive belt has merely loosened with constant use, tightening should be enough to get your washer spinning again.
Keep in mind that drive belt issues stem from overloading washing machines. So, avoid overstuffing the washer every time you do a load of laundry to ensure the longevity of the drive belt.
Problem # 5 – Motor Coupling Issues
Motor couplings are designed to connect the drive motor with the washer’s transmission. The purpose of these motor couplings is to fail in case of overloading. The goal is to protect the motor and gearcase, as these parts are much more expensive to fix or replace as compared to the couplings.
If you think that faulty motor couplings are the problem, you will have to visually inspect the motor couplings. If a coupling is broken or worn out, you can easily replace it at home to solve the issue at hand.
Problem # 6 – Motor Issues
Despite motor couplings and other mechanisms placed to protect the motor, sometimes, the motor gets damaged. Motor issues are a serious cause of concern because fixing the driving motor generally requires expert knowledge and experience.
Plus, fixing or replacing a motor can be a pricey affair. If you think that the driving motor of the washing machine is broken, it is better to call in the professionals than fiddle with the motor yourself unless you are highly experienced and confident.
The Bottom Line
A washing machine may stop spinning for several reasons. Before you start diagnosing problems with the washer, make sure you double-check the power source.
Also, even out the load in the washer as an uneven load of laundry can sometimes cause washing machines to stop spinning. You must also make sure that the washing machine is placed on an even surface because an unbalanced washer is unlikely to work.
Now that you know why your washer won’t budge, you may be able to take care of the problem at home. However, keep in mind that it is always better to let the professionals tackle the job for you, especially when you are unsure about the source of the problem.
