There is no ideal time for your washing machine to start acting up, especially if you have a large household. From refusing to turn on to unexplainable leaks, issues with your washing machine can severely impede on the running of your household. While a malfunctioning washing machine may usually require professional appliance repairs, there are several things that you can do to try to determine what is impeding its performance. This article explains some of the ways that you can troubleshoot washing machines.

Your washing machine is not turning on

Obviously, the first thing to check if your washing machine is not turning on is whether it is connected to the power. However, if everything seems to be connected appropriately but the washing machine is not responding to your prompts, you should investigate a few other things. On some occasions, the washing machine might refuse to work if its motor is overheated. If this is the first time that this has happened, all you need to do is allow the washing machine cool down before you can embark on cleaning another load of laundry.

But if the motor is persistently overheating, it is mandatory to seek professional appliance repairs before the extra heat can affect other components. The second reason why your washing machine may not turn on is if the lid is not fully closed. New models have an inbuilt mechanism that prevents the washing machine from working if the lid is not tightly shut.

Your washing machine is experiencing draining problems

There are a few things that will cause your washing machine to stop draining. Nonetheless, just because this is a common problem does not mean it should go ignores as drainage problems could quickly escalate into flooding and subsequent water damage in your home. A typical cause for drainage problems is a clogged drain hose. These clogs could stem from the accumulation of dirt or even foreign objects being caught inside the hose. Extract the drain hose and try to inspect it for blockages. You can then use your garden hose to try to flush out the clogs.

If the drain hose seems to be in good condition, the drainage problems may lie with the drain pump. Inspecting the drain pump is a tad trickier as you have first to drain the entire washing machine before you can investigate for blockages in the pump. Ensure that you also examine the pump's inlet as it could also accumulate grime. If your washing machine is still not draining normally, it is definitely time to call on professional appliance repairs.