How to Fix Washer Not Draining or Spinning

You would have probably asked the question above after discovering that your Washing Machine is not draining or spinning. Minor oversights to more complex impairments can cause your machine to stop spinning or draining.

You can fix spinning or draining failures resulting from minor oversights. Also, you may have to contact a technical expert when the impairments result from complex fractures or breakdown of critical components.

We will take you through a range of causes and triggers for that draining or spinning error in your washing machine and ways you can fix them.

How The Washer’s Draining System Works

A sophisticated plumbing system made up of the pump and drain facilitates the draining process in your washing machine. The washer drains through the front and back shifts of the pump. When you switch on your washer, the pump shifts and moves in short rhythmic steps.

This movement creates a force around the water in the drum channeling it into a hose. The hose moves up and then down, forcing the water into the tube. The circus continues as your washer continues to spin.

The Drain Hose

The drain hose performs a critical function in the plumbing system. Based on its design, it loops and coils up to the top of the washing machine and is directed back into the bottom of the drain.

It acts as a supply channel for bringing water into the washing machine. It also serves as an evacuator where wastewater is carried away into the sewage.

The Pump

The pump is the centre of the plumbing system. It pumps water out through the drain line or returns it into the wash tube. How does the pump’s design enable it to determine when to channel the water to the drain line or to return it to the wash tube?

The clockwise and the anti-clockwise movement of the pump help exchange and distribute the water between the washtub and the drain hose, preventing wastewater from being recirculated into the device.

Why Your Washer is Not Draining

Several factors could be responsible for a washer that is not draining. When your washer stops spinning, it may not drain. The spinning process aids in evacuating and distributing water to the necessary components of your washer.

Sometimes, your washer may continue to spin and still not drain. Whether your washer spins or not, general faults can stop your washer from draining.

A Blocked And Clogged Drain Hose

During a washing cycle, your device pumps water from the depths of the machine and sends it to the drain hose for draining. The drain hose maintains a water balance in the washtub and, at the same time, loops outward to the top to fill the washtub and drain out wastewater.

When the drain is blocked or clogged with dirt, plastics or any object, your washer may not drain. A blocked or clogged drain hose affects the entire laundry process. The device may not handle your clothes properly. The machine keeps recycling wastewater making the whole process sickening.

The Lid Switch Factor

GE washer lid switch

Another reason your washer may not be draining is the lid switch factor. The Lid Switch is a built-in safety feature. The Lid switch detects last-minute errors in the washing cycle. For instance, your machine will stop working if the lid switch is open. The device may not drain or spin.

Water Level Control

The water level is another crucial factor in your device’s drainage system. Water level sensors control the amount of water and load reserved in the machine to prevent overfilling and underfilling. It helps manage the pressure system in your washing device.

Overfilling or underfilling your device can affect your device draining system because it can increase the pressure on the pump and how effectively it distributes water across the various parts of the device.

A Clogged And Faulty Drain Pump

Your device will stop draining if there is a clog in the drain pump. The drain pump helps distribute water to the various parts of the device. It is an integral part of the draining process. If it is faulty or blocked with dirt, lint, or other sediments, your machine may not drain.

Your Washer’s Spinning System

Every Washer comes with a motor pulley and the transmission pulley. Both are connected and joined together by the drive belt. When you switch on your washer, the motor pulley drives the transmission pulley enabling it to spin and process your load.

Why Your Washer is Not Spinning

Various factors can stop your machine from spinning. These factors vary from minor twists and faults in some parts of the device to more complex ones that may require a technician. Below are factors that stop your device from spinning.

A Loose Broken Belt

The belt connects the motor pulley to the transmission pulley. If it is loose or broken, your washer cannot spin.

A Clogged Or Kinked Drain Hose.

The spin cycle and the plumbing system are intertwined. Every spin cycle occurs when the device is drained. If your drain hose is clogged or kinked, the drainage system will be affected, making your device stop spinning or not commence spin cycles.

Unchecked Lid Switch

As a safety measure, your device will not spin if the lid is opened. An unclosed lid can cause damage to the user. Hence, it prevents the machine from beginning a spinning cycle.

A Clogged Or Faulty Drain Pump

Your device stops spinning when the pump is clogged or develops a fault. A dysfunctional pump will always hamper the draining system hence the machine’s spin cycle.

Water Level And Overloading

Overfilling, underfilling, and overloading are equal factors in your device’s spin cycle. It weighs on the draining process. Also, overloading can drag on the device’s capacity, causing it to stop spinning.

Cramped, Broken, And Worn-out Bearings

These are more technical aspects of the spinning fault. When your bearings are no longer functioning, it will impair the spinning mechanisms of your device.

How To Fix Spinning And Draining Dysfunctions In Your Washer

Draining and spinning mechanisms are related systems. A fault in any of the systems can affect how the other works. If your device does not drain well, the spinning mechanism may be impaired. Use the outlined methods below to fix impaired spinning and functions in your device’s wash cycle.

Clear Your Drain Hose

Ensure that they are not clogged with dirt, lint, or other sediments. If your drain hose is twisted or kinked, straighten it. You can get your device to start spinning and draining when you unblock your drain hose from clogs and sediments.

Check And Clear Your Pump

Regularly clean your pump of clogs and sediments and lint. It will improve the efficiency of the draining mechanism hence a seamless spin cycle.

Check Water Level And Don’t Overload The Device

Excess water can affect the plumbing system. Always check the amount of water you pump into your drum. Do not overfill or underfill the washing drum. Ensure that you don’t insert more clothes than necessary; it will flash the UE error and stop working.

Check Lid Switch

When preparing for a wash cycle, ensure that the lid of your device is closed. If it is, your washing machine will not spin or drain.

Check Belts And Bearings.

Belt and bearings are two essential accessories in the spinning and draining process. A loose or broken belt will stop your washer from working. Cramped and damaged bearings make it difficult for your washer to drain or spin. Replace worn-out belts and bearings.

Maintaining And Caring For Your Washer’s Spinning And Draining Systems

  • Frequently wash, clean and drain your washer.
  • Remove all clogs, lint, and sediments on the pump and drain hose.
  • Always check the water level and don’t overload the device.
  • Change and replace worn-out belts and bearings. You may have to contact a technician to replace them.
  • Your lid switch should always be closed when set for a new washing cycle.
  • Vent your device. Uncleared moistures and detergents can cause a foul smell and cram the draining system.
  • Consult a technician when necessary to help you fix spinning and draining impairments.

The draining and spinning systems in your washer are interdependent components. You can provide a quick fix for minor breakdowns in any element. Consult a technician when the impairments are deeper.

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