Washing machines are an essential appliance in many Malaysian households. But what happens when your washing machine breaks down? It’s not easy to repair it yourself due to the electronics involved.

Before you call in a professional to do the job, it would be good to narrow down the reason for the breakdown as this would give you a sense of the cost. It would also help you determine if the machine needs to be replaced altogether.

There are many ways a washing machine could indicate problems.

1. Leaks

Be sure to note which part of your washing machine the leak is coming from. Leaks could be due to clogged or loose hoses. Unplugging the hose and reconnecting it, or unclogging them could do the trick.

If the hose itself is punctured, have a repairman replace it.

2. Dead motor

It could be that the washer transmission – a gear that agitates the drum of the machine, causing it to spin – needs replacing. Call a professional.

3. It just won’t start

The lid of the washer usually functions as a trigger to start the machine, so if the lid switch isn’t working or is incorrectly positioned, it will not activate.

Also consider that the power outlet could be faulty, in which case, it is recommended you call an electrician.

4. Crash, boom, bang

If the washing machine is making too much noise during its cycle, it might be the drive belt or the direct drive motor coupling at fault.

When the drive belt slips out of place or the coupling wears out, it causes the parts inside the machine to bang against each other.

Alternatively, it could be that your washing machine is not level and needs to be repositioned.

5. Water woes

When the laundry round doesn’t stop and the water isn’t draining or begins to overflow, this could be due to a broken water level switch.

Its function is to detect the level of water filling the machine, so a faulty one would mean the machine is not alerted when to stop filling or draining water.

6. Not draining

This might be caused by a blocked drain pump. One solution is to disconnect the hoses to see if something is stuck inside, but if the problem persists, the pump may need to be removed and inspected.

If the pump is damaged, it needs to be replaced.

7. Can’t push its buttons

For washers with advanced displays, faulty circuits could cut off connections to most functions of the machine. Since testing the board is tedious work, it usually gets replaced altogether.

Modern washing machines with printed circuit boards (PCBs) offer multiple functions for more efficient and smarter use.

So, repair or replace?

How do you know whether it’s time to fix your washing machine or to just get a new one? Here are a few questions to consider:

1. How bad is the problem?

If it’s a small matter that you could manage on your own, such as repositioning a loose drain hose or replacing a faulty lid switch, then there is no need to get a new washing machine.

If the job requires expert diagnosis, call in a professional to troubleshoot the problem.

Severe damage, such as a cracked tub or constant breakdowns after getting it fixed more than a few times, would certainly call for a new machine.

2. How much does the repair cost?

Determine if the repair cost would take up less than 50% of the price of a new washing machine. If so, repairing it would be a good move. Otherwise, it would be more cost-effective to get a new one.

3. How long is your washing machine going to last?

If your machine is a decade old, rattles in place and occasionally doesn’t turn on, getting a replacement would be the ideal. But repairing it is still an option if the warranty is still valid.

If forking out a small sum is required, compare it with the price of getting a brand-new appliance.

Also note that outdated washing machines may no longer be accepted for repair due to the lack of spare parts.

Additional considerations

To avoid additional hassle, tick these off your list before proceeding:

• Check the validity of the machine warranty. This could potentially save on repair costs or prevent you from getting an unnecessary replacement. Also check if your warranty covers labour costs.
• Make sure any major repair works that require special permits or permission from the authorities have been approved before proceeding.
• Ask your technician to break down the cost of repairs. It prevents making assumptions, overcharging, or overlooking any concerning aspects.
• Describe the issues clearly and precisely when speaking to your technician to save time and energy.

Other FAQs

1. Does resetting my washing machine work?

For machines with a PCB, a master reset function is viable if the problem is a digital one. In most cases, however, this solution is only temporary.

2. Should I regularly service my washing machine even without any issues?

Servicing appliances is generally good practice to increase their lifespans.

Servicing washing machines, however, is not necessary, although the occasional maintenance is recommended if your machine does not have a self-cleaning mode to prevent mould and other fungal growth.

Washer maintenance cleans out bacteria buildup and enhances its overall performance.

3. Does my washing machine have to be level?

Yes, it is crucial for the washer to be on level ground. Uneven flooring could cause the machine to shake and jump violently, which can not only be extremely loud but could lead to serious damage over time.

This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform. Recommend.my offers a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.