Parts In A Washing Machine
Everyone loves their washing machine when it comes brand new out of the box. We marvel at the controls and admire the way it cleans our clothes. However, after eight or nine years, telltale signs begin to appear:
- Your clothes aren’t getting as clean as they used to be
- The drum isn’t filling up with water the way it’s supposed to
- Leaks begin to appear from the washer
- Excessive noise or strange noises coming from the machine
- It smells mildewy
These signs are the washer’s way of telling us it’s time to get a new washing machine. Or it could simply be saying it’s time to have the machine repaired. Perhaps all the machine needs is a new replacement part. All washing machine parts are subject to normal wear and tear. If it moves, chances are it will eventually wear down.
Agitator / Impeller (whichever you have depends on the model of your machine). The agitator/impeller sits inside the inner tub of the washer. Their back-and-forth motion is what makes the clothes rub against each other, causing dirt and stains to lift and separate.
Circuit Board. The circuit board is the brains of the washing machine. Although you can’t see it, it is the most integral part of the washer. It controls various things, including the water temperature, water levels, wash and rinse cycles, controls the agitator speed and identifies any errors as they occur.
Control Panel. The control panel is the hub of the washing machine. It’s where all the wash cycle settings, from water temperature to load size, are located.
Drive Belt. This runner belt links the motor to the agitator and drum so that the washing machine works.
Heating Element. A heating element heats up the water when the cycle is set to warm or hot water temperature. This feature isn’t available on every model.
Motor. The motor sits at the back or the bottom of the washer. It’s commonly belt driven or direct driven and it powers the agitator or impeller.
Timer. Often found on the control panel, the timer sets the wash cycle time for your laundry. Timers can be adjusted either manually or automatically, but they’re not on every washer model.
Tub/Drum / Wash Basket. The tub/drum (on a front load washer) or wash basket (on a top load washer) is the perforated inner basket that holds the laundry. On each machine, this is surrounded by a stationary outer tub or basket that provides support and holds the wash water that’s to be drained out.
Water Level Controller Sensor. The water level controller sensor measures the water level that’s inside the tub or basket during the wash cycle.
Water Pump. The water pump circulates the water throughout the wash cycle and then drains the water out of the machine once the wash cycle is complete. Depending on the type of model, this pump is all-in-one, while in other models it is two separate pumps.
Water Inlet Valve. This valve regulates the flow of hot and cold water that enters the tub during a wash cycle.
Common Washing Machine Problems and Easy Fixes
Sometimes what looks like a major problem turns out to be not that big of a deal. When that’s the case, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Simple problem? Simple fix.
The tub isn’t spinning — If the tub is overloaded, remove some of the clothes. A tub that has too much in it won’t run. That’s why you don’t stuff huge comforters in residential washing machines unless it can handle the capacity.
Dancing washing machine — If the washing machine vibrates so much that it dances better than you do, it could be that it's not on level ground. Check to see if the machine has adjustable legs on it. If so, adjust them until the machine is level. If not, add a shim at the bottom to level it out or move the machine to a different location where it's level.
The washing machine doesn’t turn on — Sometimes the machine will mysteriously stop working. It may be a loose power connection Try unplugging it and plugging it back in.
The door is stuck on lock — Power down the machine, then check your manual for a reset button.
What's that smell? — When clothes start to smell, it could be time to run the cleaning mode for a cycle on your washing machine.
Remember, these are simple fixes to minor problems. If these don’t resolve your problems, check your washing machine owner’s manual or call a professional.
What To Do If Your Washing Machine Is Acting Up
If you have trouble with more complex elements of your washing machine, check the machine’s owner’s manual before attempting to make any repairs yourself. If you’re a DIYer (do-it-yourselfer), you may be able to make minor repairs. However, if you’re not comfortable making repairs or lack the skills, you could cause even more damage to the machine or void your machine’s warranty, in which case you should contact a professional.