Diagnostics Guide of Different Washing Machine Noises
You never truly understand how much time and energy your at-home washer saves until you’re pushing a heavy, overflowing cart to your neighborhood laundromat. So, if you’d rather avoid such inconveniences, you shouldn’t ignore that new washing machine noise you’re hearing.
Here are the top three washing machine noises that let you know it’s time to call for professional washer repair in Wichita, KS, from experts like Rick’s Appliance Service.
Banging
Noises are sometimes inevitable during cycles. For instance, you’re likely to hear a light clanking noise from zippers and buttons tapping on a frontloader’s glass door or sneakers tumbling around in the drum. However, if these types of sounds frequent your washing cycles, you may be unevenly loading your washer.
Your machine’s manual relays a maximum load weight and suggestions on how to load it correctly. For example, it may tell you to wash larger pieces of fabric like bedspreads and blankets together, with smaller clothing articles separately. Evenly distributing the clothes into the washer and dryer when loading them also helps create a balance so that the load doesn’t spin unevenly.
If you notice persistent banging and it’s not an uneven load distribution, turn off your system and call a professional. They’ll ensure all anchoring parts, like bolts, pins, and straps, are secure. They’ll also remove anything that’s slipped between the drum and tub, which could otherwise cause severe machine damage or lead to flooding.
Grinding
Sometimes, a washing machine noise like grinding doesn’t indicate that an appliance repair is in order, especially if it only lasts momentarily. Brands like GE release a brief grinding sound upon startup; others briefly make a rummaging sound when the spin direction changes. However, you shouldn’t hear grinding during agitation, and definitely not throughout the washing cycle.
If the noise happens during agitation, it might be worn or slipping agitator dogs within the center column or a broken motor coupling. If it occurs throughout the cycle, check the following:
- A worn-out drum bearing that prevents proper rotation
- A faulty drive belt or drive pulley
- An unbalanced load or unlevel washer
- Lodged parts in the assembly that require a professional to check the pump or motor
Squealing
As with most washing machine noises, the issue can derive from an overloaded washing machine that causes the clothes to spin unevenly. For example, under pressure, your front-loading washing machine’s tub bearings may squeal or squeak. Similarly, a heavy load strains the drive pulley and belt.
If you don’t call for immediate assistance, prolonged force will wear down the components or cause the machine to overheat. You may also have a water pressure issue if the squealing occurs as the unit fills with water, so call a professional as soon as possible.
Wichita’s Finest For All Your Appliances!
Since 1964, our locally owned and operated company has provided services to those in Wichita, KS, and surrounding areas. Our highly trained technicians arrive punctually and offer over 5,000 pieces alongside discontinued parts for most appliance brands. Whether it’s fixing a noisy washing machine or addressing a washing machine leak, you can rely on Rick’s Appliance Service to resolve any appliance issue promptly.