Have you ever reached into the laundry room and found that your clothes are smelly, wet, or come out half-clean? If so, the cause of this is probably because your washing machine won’t spin, which can happen for a number of reasons. Here are some possible reasons why this happens, as well as steps for solving it.
There are many reasons why your washing machine won’t spin or drain: it could be as simple as loading too much laundry, or there may be an issue with the power supply cord. Whatever the case may be, this article will give you some helpful tips on how to troubleshoot and find a solution for your specific problem!
Washing Machine Won’t Spin – Possible Causes and Solution
If your washer is not spinning at all or not seeming to spin enough, then something will have to be done. The first step in troubleshooting the problem is checking the laundry load and water supply lines for any possible blockages like clothes that may have twisted into this spot. Let us look at all the steps below.
Overloaded or Jammed Clothing
It’s possible that clothing has somehow been left in the machine after it was washed, and then the drum is not spinning to get the water out. If this is the case, you will need to open up your washing machine cabinet door, remove any obstructions from around the spin mechanism, close it back up and wait for a cycle or two before seeing if things have gone back to normal.
Check to see if the clothes are jamming or are unbalanced in the drum. If so, this is the problem. The balance might be off because you loaded something incorrectly or if a load of clothing from one side to another got caught in the spin cycle and then was left behind.
When clothing gets jammed into the mechanism, check for socks and shirts, among other items that may have twisted into this spot. it can prevent the drum from spinning.
The next step is to reach inside and see if you can remove anything that’s interfering with the washer’s ability to spin. Turn off power before reaching into any machine, so you don’t get an electric shock.
Unbalanced Load
One of the most common reasons for this issue is when clothing has been placed in the washer unevenly. It means that it’s either bunched up against one side or stacked on top of the other at different heights.
When clothing is evenly distributed around the drum, it allows water and detergent to circulate properly through every item in your load. And this will keep clothes cleaner and fresher longer.
Your washing machine won’t spin properly if the wash load is unbalanced. That means that if the clothes are not distributed evenly around the drum, some parts may still contact another laundry while others will have free-flowing space. This can cause problems with a too-thick load or an oddly shaped one like bedding.
The load should be a manageable size and have enough space between pieces to allow for free movement. Remember, The more laundry is in the washing machine, the lower its spinning speed will be.
Check the Lid Switch
A lid switch is a safety feature designed to stop the washing machine from operating while the lid is open. This excellent safety feature not only prevents the machine from burning down, but it also protects our clothes.
The lid switch on a top load washing machine prevents the machine from accidentally operating when the lid is open.
Once the lid switch is faulty, it no longer gives the signal. As a result, your washing machine does not spin.
Were you unable to close the lid? If so, a broken plastic tab could be the culprit! Check to see if there is indeed a broken plastic tab on the lid switch and if it catches when you close the lid. If it doesn’t, the switch needs to be replaced and your washer customer service team can help you.
Drain Pump/Hose Clogged
If your washer is not spinning fast or failing to spin, it might be because of a lack of or inadequate drainage. As a general rule, washing machines don’t spin by themselves unless the laundry load has been drained of water (and then only if the controls are turned on correctly).
Why is it already wet in the washing machine? If you notice that your clothes are already wet, there’s a good chance that the washing machine didn’t spin yet again.
- Check the pump filter and clean it if clogged with foreign objects.
- Inspect the hose, be sure that it is not kinked or too small for a load of clothes to pass through easily, check your drain filter and replace it if needed.
- Ensure that your washer has been plugged in securely as well as there are no loose connections or power breakers in the circuit breaker box.
The problem is typically caused when kinks or clogs develop in the appliance’s washer drain line. Small objects such as pebbles, buttons, and coins can lead to serious and expensive problems. So, we advise you to fix it as soon as possible.
Faulty Drive Motor/Belt
The drive belt connects the drive motor to the transmission in some top load washers or the drive motor to the laundry basket in most front load washers.
The problem often starts with a damaged drive belt. If your washing machine has a drive belt that is not working properly, it will stop spinning and not do its job. The drive belt may need to be tightened or replaced.
A belt can make or break the carriage on a washing machine. A burnt-out drive is just as bad, if not worse. So you’ll want to get that fixed as soon as possible. And you never want to get a bad drive due to a broken or worn-out belt.
1) Unplug the machine and plug it back in.
2) Make sure the drain filter is not obstructed.
3) Ensure the washer has been plugged in securely.
4) Replace belt or motor if necessary.
5) Tighten connection.
Clutch Assembly
Some top-loading washers have a clutch mechanism that locks the transmission shaft to the spin basket drive during the washing cycle. The problem with this feature is the transmission clutches wear out with frequent usage. Broken transmissions can be frustrating for customers and expensive repairs. Replace a clutch assembly that appears worn or broken.
When the clutch is attached to the driveshaft, friction can cause the clutch to wear down over time. With a worn-out clutch, the starter motor can also wear out and start to make a grinding or dragging sound at low speeds or when shifting into neutral.
A worn clutch should be replaced to ensure that it is functioning at full potential. If a worn clutch is not addressed, too much water will be left in the washing machine, causing longer cycles and more energy consumption. The spin speed will also slow down, which will cause your clothes to be wet after the wash cycle is complete.
Wax Motor
A broken wax motor would prevent a machine from spinning. The machine would not receive that the door is locked signal, so it would never spin on its own.
Use a multi-meter on the wax motor’s circuit to test continuity. Of course, there are other ways to check if a wax motor is working correctly (e.g., visual inspection with a mirror or flashlight). However, this method is definitive in determining whether the wax motor is still working.
Hi there! I’m Sam Hendricks, and I’m a repair technician and expert. I created this website to help people like you save money and time by fixing your own appliances.
Over the years, I’ve seen people spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. That’s why I decided to share my expertise and create easy-to-follow guides for fixing appliances on your own.