Why Is My Washer Not Spinning?
John Turpin is our resident home service repair expert here at Service Direct. He’s got the knowledge and experience to help homeowners like you make sense of most home repair issues. And with Service Direct, we connect you with top-tier service professionals to help with any repairs needed.
Don’t Panic if Your Washing Machine Is Not Spinning
A washing machine not spinning can be a frustrating problem. It can cause clothes to remain wet and creates a lot of extra work for you. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue and get your washing machine spinning again.
In this article, we’ll discuss possible causes that could be preventing your washing machine from spinning and provide tips on how to fix them. Want to know “why has my washer drum stopped spinning?” Read on to find out!
Signs That Your Washing Machine Is Not Spinning Correctly
It is hard to pick up the signs of a clothes washer that won’t spin if it’s placed somewhere secluded, like the basement or garage. But if you do notice them, you probably still wonder if they really mean that something is wrong with your appliance.
Either way, it’s essential to know the signs of a washer drum not spinning so you’ll know when it needs a repair. Here are some of these signs:
- Clothes come out still soaked
- The heavier loads don’t come out clean
- You don’t see, hear or feel the spin cycle
- There is a mildew odor coming from the washer
Once you notice these things, you should inspect your appliance more closely to know for sure. Or, you can let a professional evaluate your washer and even fix it at the same time. The advantage of hiring a professional is that they can save you a lot of time and effort.
Our resident home repair guru, John Turpin, has provided a list of common reasons why your washer might not be spinning, along with some suggested solutions and DIY tips to fix it.
Common Reasons Why Your Washing Machine Is Not Spinning
If your washing machine is not spinning, it could be due to a number of different reasons. Below are some of the most common reasons why a washing machine may not be spinning:
- It is not properly plugged into the outlet
- Its lid or door is not closed
- It is too full
- Its load isn’t properly balanced
- It is unbalanced
- It has poor drainage
- It has a broken drive belt
- It has a faulty or burnt-out drive motor
If your washing machine is not spinning, we recommend checking the above issues to see if they are the cause. If you are still having trouble, please contact a qualified appliance repair technician for further assistance.
Steps to Diagnose and Fix the Problem
There are a few things you can do to try to diagnose and fix a washer that isn’t spinning. First, check to make sure that the washer is turned on and that the door is closed. If the washer is on but the door is open, the washer will not spin.
Next, check the washing machine’s Spin Cycle settings. If the washer is set to a very low Spin Cycle setting, there’s a good chance it will not spin. Try setting the Spin Cycle to a higher setting and see if that works.
If the washer still isn’t spinning, there may be something blocking the washer’s spinning mechanism. Check the washer’s manual to see if there is anything that could be blocking the mechanism.
You can also try to fix the problem with the troubleshooting tips we will mention in the next part of this article. But if your washing machine still won’t spin, you may need to call a repair person to take a look at your appliance.
Troubleshooting Tips for a Washing Machine Not Spinning
How to fix a washing machine that won’t spin? Try these tips before you call for backup.
Check the Plug and Breaker Box
It’s an obvious troubleshooting tip, but make sure to double-check that the washer is plugged in. If you’re sure it is plugged in, next check your circuit panel and make sure that the breaker wasn’t accidentally tripped.
Ensure It’s Not Overloaded
Ensure that the washer isn’t overloaded. If the washing machine is not spinning, try taking some clothes out and then restart the cycle. When clothes settle on only one side of the drum, it can throw off the washer’s motion. Redistributing or rearranging the clothes should solve the issue.
Check All Drain Hoses
See that the water drains properly from the washer. If it doesn’t drain out, it could be why your washing machine drum is not turning. Check for kinks or clogs in all drain hoses by doing a visual check once you disconnected them.
Level an Unbalanced Washer
If the washer is not placed evenly, that could also be why it’s not spinning. Besides not spinning, you will notice signs like excess vibration or noise, which indicates an unbalanced washer. Fix this by adjusting the legs higher or lower until it is perfectly level.
Don’t Use an Extension Cord Anymore
The washer’s power cord must be plugged into an outlet directly and not into an extension cord. The latter doesn’t conduct enough electricity for the washer, so the appliance overheats and then shuts off. Your washer might work properly again if you stop using an extension cord.
Ensure the Spin Switch Isn’t Bent
On the underside of the lid, there’s a small protrusion that depresses a switch whenever you close the washer. It’s called the spin switch, a safety precaution for when the lid is closed. If it’s bent or defective, you will need to replace it. Fortunately, it can easily be a DIY project.
Readjust or Replace the Drive Belt
Is your washing machine not spinning but making a noise? The problem is possibly a broken drive belt or one that slipped off the pulley wheel. Confirm it by removing the back of the washing machine and then checking the belt. If it’s not on the pulley, it may need to be replaced.
How Long Do Washing Machines Last?
Most top-load washing machines last 10 to 13 years while front-load washing machines typically have a 10-year life expectancy. Besides the average lifespan of the machine, it also helps to know about the manufacturer’s warranty included with the appliance. Most new washers today have a 1-year warranty, but Samsung and LG are known to offer a 2-year warranty.
Is It Worth It to Repair a Washing Machine?
It depends on the current condition of your washer. If it is still relatively new (just a few years), it probably doesn’t need that many repairs after it has been fixed once. If it’s a new washer, it may still be within the manufacturer’s warranty. Besides the age, the cost of repair and the extent of the issue are two matters to consider in whether it is worth it to fix your washer. If it’s too damaged and the cost of repair is more than 50% of the original price, it is best to just buy a new washer.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Washer?
The average cost of fixing a washer ranges from $150 to $500. But to know the exact price, you will need a professional to perform an evaluation. If you want to know how much exactly it will cost you to get a washer that’s not spinning fixed, we suggest calling a professional for an estimate. They can diagnose the root cause of the problem, and provide expert advice on whether to repair or replace your appliance, as well as how much it will cost.
What Brands Do Professionals Service?
Most professional appliance repair technicians service most major brands. Some of these brands include Kenmore, LG, GE, Maytag, Samsung, Beko, Ariston, Amana, Estate, and Hotpoint. But to be sure if they can service the specific brand of your washer, don’t hesitate to call and confirm with the technician you are thinking of hiring.
Hire a Local Appliance Pro
The methods above are effective DIY tips to investigate, diagnose, and fix why your washer may not be spinning. But if you need professional help, then don’t hesitate to contact a local appliance repair pro using the phone number or form on this page.