Advice and tips regarding moving washing machines, working on them, and proper checking techniques after DIY repairs have been carried out

Can I fix my own washing machine?: Some people can, and some people shouldn't even try. It depends on your competence, and understanding of electricity - especially DIY safety issues. Many washing machine breakdowns though are not serious, and can be repaired pretty easily - if you just know what to do.

You must be aware that electricity can and does kill - even qualified engineers. Never work on an appliance that is not totally unplugged. DIY repair safety and tips The following washing machine repair help contains general advice only. It may help to solve some basic washing machine faults that don't require an engineer, or to give an idea of how serious a fault may actually be. Never work on a washing machine that is still plugged in! Using this advice is at your own risk.

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DIY washing machine repair tips

• What's the best way to pull a washing machine out?
• Can I turn the washing machine upside down?
• Do I need any special tools or equipment?
• Is it possible to introduce new faults while repairing or installing a washing machine?

 

What's the best way to pull a washing machine out?

The best way to pull a washing machine out, is to open the door and get hold of the door opening at the top of the door seal. Then lift the washing machine up and pull it forward. Before trying to do this, make sure the feet haven't stuck to the floor by tilting the washing machine back slightly.

Don't attempt it if you have back trouble though.

If the door wont open due to a fault, then you may be able to get some purchase by taking the soap drawer out or by lifting from the underneath the front of the machine and pulling it forward. But without access to the door opening it can be tricky - especially if the washing machine is also full of washing and water. In this scenario, if you can take out the drain hose, you should be able to siphon the water out using the procedure here The washing machine won't pump water out

If the washing machine is underneath a kitchen work top, once it is out a foot or so, make sure the back feet don't catch under the floor covering if it wasn't fitted all the way underneath the washing machine (which is extremely common) If they are going underneath the floor covering, try tilting the machine forward onto its front feet or it will rip the floor covering.

Also, make sure the fill hoses are long enough to allow the washing machine to come out.

Tips:

Avoid damage to the flooring by using on old towel under the feet. This also helps the machine slide around easier. Some people like to put their washing machine (or other appliance) on trolley wheels (as long as there is enough height available to raise the washing machine)

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Can I turn the washing machine upside down?

Don't turn a washing machine upside down. Gain access to parts underneath by laying the machine down on its front or back. If the washing machine still has water inside it needs draining out or water can run inside and short out components. ( Instructions on how to drain a washing machine can be found within this section - Washing machine won't empty water )

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Do I need any special tools or equipment?

Newer washing machines often have the star-shaped heads on screws which need special drivers. These tools are easy to buy from DIY stores or even supermarket tools sections. (you can often unscrew these with a flat-bladed screw driver as long as you choose one carefully. Be careful not to use one too small that slips inside and damages the star-head.)

Comprehensive DIY fault-finding on a washing machine for electrical faults needs a continuity test meter. Without one, your fault-finding abilities will be limited, although with the right knowledge, you can still check and repair many faults.

To ensure electrical safety, a washing machine should be tested for earth continuity and for insulation leaks to earth. The latter can only be done with a megger or 500 volt DC insulation meter. Therefore, without a megger, you cannot check for insulation leaks (which trip the electrics or blow the fuse - as long as the washing machine is earthed.)

The absolute minimum, is to check for good continuity between the earth pin on the plug and the metal on the casing (preferably the door hinge) Also, to check that the socket a washing machine is plugged into is adequately earthed. If these two points are OK, then a low insulation fault on the washing machine should trip the electrics or blow the fuse.

If you aren't qualified to do this, you must get someone who is, to check the washing machine.

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Is it possible to introduce new faults while repairing or installing a washing machine?

• If you lay a washing machine down, or move it about, sometimes you can dislodge coins or other obstructions that were inside the washing machine's tub and were maybe lodged somewhere. These potential obstructions would sooner or later have caused problems, but what can happen is that during the next few washes, one or more of these obstructions can get sucked into the water pump causing it to stop emptying the water. If this happens, help is here The water won't pump out of the washing machine
• If you have stripped anything down, make sure you test properly for leaks.
• Also, never lay a washing machine on its side if it has water in it or water can leak into components and short them out.
• After a DIY washing machine repair, follow the procedures found here What do I need to watch out for after repairing a washing machine?