By Evelyn Auer | Published Sep 21, 2022 11:34 AM

A: It’s incredible how much a washer not working can inconvenience an entire household. At best, residents will be stepping around piles of laundry for days. At worst, they’ll be running back and forth to the local laundromat to do emergency loads. Either way, homeowners will want to get their washer back up and running as soon as possible.

You’re wise to avoid trying to repair the machine on your own. Unless the fix is as simple as straightening out a kinked hose or redistributing the machine’s load, washing machine repair is a job best left to the professionals. Those without appliance repair expertise risk worsening the problem or injuring themselves.

It’s understandable that homeowners who have never needed washer repairs would have questions about who to call. So, who can fix a washing machine? Is there such a thing as a “laundry repairman”? Does the technician come to the home, or do they have to take the machine to a washer repair shop?

Depending on the nature of the problem, repairs may need to be made to the machine or to the home’s plumbing or electrical systems. Homeowners will likely need to contact one of three professionals: an appliance repair technician, an electrician, or a plumber.

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When a washing machine stops working, it can seem almost impossible to determine what repair is needed, let alone how to go about fixing it. Luckily, appliance repair technicians have years of experience troubleshooting washer repairs. If there is a malfunction with a part of the machine, a top-load or front-load washer repairman will know where to get a replacement piece and how to install it. If the problem is not the machine itself but instead the plumbing or electric, a technician for washing machines will still likely be able to get to the bottom of what is causing the issue and advise the homeowner on next steps. Search “washer technician near me” to find someone who performs local washing machine repairs. For best results, don’t settle for cheap washer repairs—find the best appliance repair services available nearby.

If the washing machine is not turning on at all, this may be an indication that it isn’t getting power. First, inspect the outlet to make sure the machine is still plugged in. Sometimes, the vibrations from a washing machine will cause the plug to come out of the socket over time. If the machine is plugged in but still won’t turn on, the next thing to check is the circuit breaker. Check that the switch that provides power to the machine’s outlet is in the “on” position. If the circuit breaker has tripped, then it’s wise to have an electrician investigate the problem.

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Drainage problems in a washing machine can be the result of faulty or clogged plumbing. Homeowners may notice the washer not spinning or find their clothes sitting submerged in water. First, try removing the drain hose to inspect for blockages. Running some water through the hose should clear away any obstructions.

Another common cause of a washer not draining is improper drain height. Washing machines need their drains to be slightly elevated in order for the water to be propelled out of the drum. A plumber can diagnose whether the drain height needs adjustment or if there are any blockages in the plumbing.

If the washing machine is not getting water or is filling incompletely, then there is likely a water supply issue. As is often the case when a washer is not draining, the culprit is probably a blockage in the plumbing. First, inspect the hoses that supply water to the machine for kinks or clogs. If the machine still won’t fill with water, try manually turning on the taps for the washing machine water supply. If they do not turn on or the water pressure is lower than usual, a plumber will need to investigate the issue more thoroughly.

A washer not working is a huge inconvenience that can interrupt the flow of daily life. Sometimes appliances break for seemingly no reason, and it’s not always possible to predict an imminent washer failure. But it is possible to make one less likely with regular maintenance. One way that homeowners can maintain their machine themselves is to keep it clean by running an empty cycle with warm water and bleach every few months. Additionally, paying attention to any slight changes in the washer’s function can help homeowners get ahead of future issues. For example, if the washer is making an unusual noise or shaking more than usual mid-cycle, it’s a good idea to research “washer maintenance near me” and have a washing machine mechanic check it out before the problem worsens.

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