This Is the Worst Time for Your Washer to Die

With sports starting back up and warmer, heavier outfits taking center stage, back-to-school time is when you rely on your washer and dryer the most. This would be the worst time for these appliances to break down!

To ensure your washer and dryer keep running like normal, implement certain maintenance and troubleshooting tips. Then if needed, you can schedule washer and dryer repair with Mr. Appliance®.

Washer and Dryer Maintenance Tips

Replace water supply hoses

These hoses can become brittle over time. If they weaken enough, water can leak out and flood your laundry room. To prevent this, check your washer hoses for cracks, stiffness or kinks. Then replace worn out rubber hoses with stronger steel-braided hoses.

Prevent and remove odors

Bacteria and mold can thrive in your washer if the drum never has a chance to fully dry. For top-loading washers, leave the lid up to help the machine dry out faster. For front-loading models, towel-dry the washer drum after your final batch and leave the door cracked. If odors have already set in, remove them with washing machine cleaner.

Clean the dryer vent

You should clean the lint tray after every load to speed up drying times and prevent a fire hazard. Then every three to six months, you should clean the vent itself. Disconnect the exhaust pipe and vacuum the vent with a flexible hose to remove as much lint as possible.

Check what material the dryer vent is made of

While you’re vacuuming out the dryer vent, pay attention to its construction. If you have outdated white vinyl dryer vent tubing, you should replace it with aluminum tubing to meet federal fire safety standards.

Troubleshooting Washer and Dryer Problems

The washer rattles during the spin cycle

An unbalanced load can cause occasional jiggling, but intense shaking and rattling during the spin cycle means the washer may not be sitting level. Check this by setting a carpenter’s level on all four sides of the top of the washer.

If you discover it’s not level, you need to adjust the washer’s feet with a wrench or pliers. For access to the feet, pull the washer away from the wall and lift it onto a block of wood. Adjusting the feet perfectly will require a little trial and error.

The washer leaks

Front-loading washers need a tight seal to prevent water leaks. If you notice water pooling in front of the washer, the gasket isn’t sealing tightly. Try cleaning it to remove buildup that could be impacting the seal’s water tightness. If the leak continues, replace the gasket.

The washer or dryer won’t turn on

This problem could simply be caused by lack of power. Check for tripped breakers and reset any you find. If you know the machines are receiving power, be aware that constant use can cause the motor to overheat. Give them a break and they should start working again. If not, schedule washer and dryer repair.

The dryer produces little heat

Low airflow is a common reason for poor dryer performance. Avoid putting too many clothes in the dryer at once, and check that the settings match the type of clothes you’re drying. A broken heating element, igniter or thermal fuse could also be to blame, all of which require professional repair.

Schedule Washer and Dryer Repair with Mr. Appliance

We repair many types of washing machines, including top-loading, front-loading and combination units. We also repair gas and electric dryers. We even offer dryer vent cleaning for a thorough, trustworthy job well done. To schedule washer and dryer repair, please contact Mr. Appliance today!