Who Do You Call When your Washing Machine Fails?

Every day you have several chores to get done around the house. Many of these chores are made easier by certain appliances. For instance, washing a load of dishes is much easier if you can load them into a dishwasher rather than having to wash them by hand. And, cleaning your carpet is easier and more efficient if you can use a vacuum cleaner.

Some of the appliances that you use every day are connected to both your electrical and plumbing systems. In these instances, it can be difficult to know how to call when you have a problem with the appliance.

In the case of your washing machine, there are actually three people that you might call; an electrician, a plumber, and an appliance repair person. Here are some troubleshooting tips for you to follow to help figure out which is responsible for your particular situation:

1. If the washing machine does nothing when you turn it on. The first thing to check is whether or not the door or lid is closed all the way. Many washing machines have a safety feature that prevents them from turning on unless the lid or door is fully engaged. Next, try various settings on the washing machine dial. If there is a problem with the appliance, some cycles might work while other do not. But, if the problem is electrical, none of the cycles will work. Your washing machine has a special electrical plug and other appliances should not be plugged into the outlet to test it. Instead, call an electrician to have your outlet checked for problems.
2. If the washing machine does not drain. This could be either a plumbing issue or a problem with the appliance.
   1. On your washing machine is a drain hose that is meant to catch the dirty water that is coming out of the tub and then carry it to the drain pipe that is in the wall. The drain pipe then carries the used water to your sewer or septic system. If the drain has a clog, you need to contact a plumber to check the drain hose and pipe.
   2. If there is not a clog in your drain hose, then the problem is the pump inside of your washing machine and you will need to contact an appliance repair person to have the pump repaired or, replaced.

Any issue with your washing machine is a hassle. Not only does it mean you will have to pay for some kind of repair but, it means that the tasks you need to get done are interrupted. Follow these simple steps to get the problem fixed faster.