Archive for the ‘washing machine’ Category
6 Signs Your Washing Machine Is Broken
July 7th, 2022
When your washing machine isn’t working right, it can make your whole life much more difficult. In this post, we’ll explore some common washing machine issues and what you can do about them.
Loud Noises
If it sounds like something is trying to break out of your washing machine, it needs immediate attention. Loud noises, particularly combined with machine movement, usually indicate an imbalanced load or a problem with the position of the washer drum. Open the lid of the washer to interrupt the cycle and try to rearrange the clothing inside. If that doesn’t fix the problem, call the experts at Dave’s Appliance. We’ll evaluate the drum and make any repairs necessary.
Drum Doesn’t Turn
If the drum doesn’t turn while the machine is in operation, the problem is one of two things. The most likely cause is an issue with the belt. It may be damaged, loose, or missing. The other possibility is that the lid sensor may be damaged. Either way, the friendly repair people at Dave’s Appliance will be able to fix it quickly.
Water Not Draining
Almost always, water in the drum is an indication that a small piece of clothing has gotten jammed into the drain line or associated hoses. If you can see the blockage and reach it, remove it, and it’s fixed. If you can’t see it, call Dave’s Appliance. While this is not a difficult repair, it does require specific tools and expertise in using them.
Leaking Water
Washing machines can leak from a variety of places. Usually, the leak comes from the drain line. If the problem is a loose drain line, your owners manual should be able to guide you through the repair. If it is the result of a crack in the hose pump or a poor seal on your washer drum, the experts at Dave’s Appliance will be able to assess and repair it quickly. If the leak comes from another area, we’ll be able to evaluate the problem and talk through all your options with you.
Door Won’t Unlock
Front-load washing machines are superior in many ways when compared to older top-load models; however, most front-load machines use computerized sensors to operate a door locking mechanism. If your door remains locked post-wash, it’s likely that the computer needs work or the washing machine door is obstructed—in some cases this problem can also arise in conjunction with a draining issue, as water present in the drum will keep the machine from allowing the door to open. No matter what the cause may be, this is a case for the professionals at Dave’s Appliance.
Washing Machine Trips Breakers
Today’s washing machines may be more efficient than the ones of even ten years ago, but they still demand a significant amount of power (an average of 500 watts). This means that electrical issues can cause breaker trips. If it happens once, then just flip the breaker and restart your machine. However, if it happens again, that indicates that there is an electrical issue that needs immediate attention. Call Dave’s Appliance and we’ll deal with it.
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Is Your Washing Machine Worth Fixing?
May 1st, 2022
You don’t realize how essential your washing machine is until something goes wrong. Then, you may be tempted simply to replace it immediately to avoid the inconvenience of dirty washing accumulating or trips to the launderette. However, it may be worth considering whether repair is the better option. In this post, we’ll explore the factors you should think about to decide whether your washing machine is worth Fixing
How Old Is It?
All home appliances wear out eventually, and for washing machines, the expected lifespan is about 10 years. So if you’ve had your machine for 10 years or more, replacement is probably the best choice, unless it’s a very simple problem to repair. The other consideration here is how much use your washing machine gets. If you do washing every day, then the 10 years of service may well be reduced. The general rule here is to replace the appliance if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new machine. The other factor in favor of replacement is the warranty that accompanies a new washing machine. With an older model, you bear the costs of all the repairs, and the older it gets, the more frequently those repairs are likely to occur. Of course, you can only make this decision if you know how much the repair is going to cost. The experts at Dave’s Appliance can help with that.
How Much Will It Cost To Repair?
Even a relatively new washing machine can develop problems. If it’s within the warranty period (which differs by make/model and part), it may not cost you anything to repair. If it’s older than one year, you should ask one of the professionals at Dave’s Appliance to diagnose the problem. We’ll be able to tell you how much the replacement parts and labor would be too. Knowing the cost of the repair is really essential information for you to decide if you should fix your washing machine or not.
Can You Fix It Yourself?
There are some washing machine repairs that you can do yourself. Especially if there are videos showing how to make simple repairs to your particular make and model of machine, you might try to do it yourself. Some parts, such as pulleys, pumps and seals, are inexpensive. You can get these replacement parts from Dave’s Appliance and install them yourself. Just make sure that you’re repairing the actual problem; again, having the experts at Dave’s Appliance diagnose the issue is essential.
Is Your Washing Machine Using Too Much Energy?
Even if your washing machine isn’t 10 years old, chances are that it is not particularly efficient if it is over 5 years old, unless it has been getting regular maintenance. If you’re using an older model, your water, energy and detergent consumption may be higher than with a newer model. If you have a front-loading machine, it is more efficient than a top-loading one. A washing machine with an Energy Star rating will use as much as 33% less water than a non-rated model. Regular maintenance makes a big difference here; ask about the service agreements that Dave’s Appliance offers.
What Is Washing Machine Maintenance?
Washing machine maintenance includes regular cleaning and servicing twice a year. Cleaning your washing machine often can improve its performance and extend its lifespan. Simply wipe down the interior of the drum, clean the seals with warm soapy water, and apply a thin layer of vaseline if the seals need it. When the experts at Dave’s Appliance do a service on your washing machine, all the parts that need cleaning (that you can’t get to) will be cleaned; all those needing lubrication will get that. The drum will be balanced and the motor checked.
The answer to whether or not your washing machine is worth fixing isn’t as straightforward as you might think. These are some of the factors you should consider. Contact Dave’s Appliance to get the best advice about your particular situation.
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Fixing an Unbalanced Washing Machine
September 14th, 2021
When your washing machine starts vibrating madly it can be alarming. But is it actually an indication of a problem? Yes, it is. The problem may be something easily dealt with or it may be an indication of something more serious. In any case, if your washing machine is shaking, thumping, and threatening to walk out of its place, you need to pay attention.
Distribution in the Drum
When your washing machine gets off balance only occasionally, the cause may well be the distribution of the items in the drum. Sometimes a particular item may be much heavier than others and its presence can make the machine start to shake, especially during the spin cycle. For instance, if you are washing your bath mat along with your bedding, the material of the bath mat absorbs much more water than the cotton sheets. The difference in weight between that single item and the others is enough to throw the washing machine off balance.
Overfilling
Another reason that your washing machine may get off balance sometimes is overfilling. When too many items are in the drum, the agitation and the spin cycles of the machine are compromised. You may think that you’re saving time, energy, and water by filling your washing machine beyond capacity, but you’re not. If the clothes can’t be vigorously agitated, they can’t be cleaned properly. If they can’t move around enough for the spin cycle to be effective, it will take much longer for the dryer to dry them. So now you’ll have several problems instead of the one issue of your washing machine being off balance.
What To Do
You may be tempted to just ignore your washing machine if it gets off balance once in a while. Don’t. Every time your washing machine goes off balance, it is straining and potentially damaging the internal workings. If you hear it thumping and shaking, you need to act. If the problem is unequal distribution, remove the heavier items and spin them separately. If the problem is overfilling, take some of the items out and restart the washing machine to be sure your clothes get clean. Doing this may cause some inconvenience, but it may save your washing machine.
Machine Not Level
Both of the examples above result from specific laundry loads causing the machine to go out of kilter. If your washing machine vibrates and shakes every time you use it, there’s something else going on. It may be that your machine is not actually level. All buildings settle and it’s entirely possible that your laundry room floor is not completely level. In order to determine if this is the issue, simply place a level on top of your washing machine. If it indicates that there’s a problem, then adjust the feet of the washing machine until the level shows true.
None of the Above
When you have eliminated all of the above causes and your washing machine is still threatening to walk out on you, it’s time to call in the experts at Dave’s Appliance. It’s probably an issue with the internal parts of the machine. Anything from loose or displaced screws or bolts to a broken belt could be the culprit. In any event, it’s important to get the problem resolved. Just as driving a car that has no oil can ruin the entire motor, ignoring an off balance washing machine can ruin the whole machine.
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Washing Machine Off Balance?
May 13th, 2021
When your washing machine starts vibrating madly it can be alarming. But is it actually an indication of a problem? Yes, it is. The problem may be something easily dealt with or it may be an indication of something more serious. In any case, if your washing machine is shaking, thumping, and threatening to walk out of its place, you need to pay attention.
Distribution in the Drum
When your washing machine gets off balance only occasionally, the cause may well be the distribution of the items in the drum. Sometimes a particular item may be much heavier than others and its presence can make the machine start to shake, especially during the spin cycle. For instance, if you are washing your bath mat along with your bedding, the material of the bath mat absorbs much more water than the cotton sheets. The difference in weight between that single item and the others is enough to throw the washing machine off balance.
Overfilling
Another reason that your washing machine may get off balance sometimes is overfilling. When too many items arein the drum, the agitation and the spin cycles of the machine are compromised. You may think that you’re saving time, energy, and water by filling your washing machine beyond capacity, but you’re not. If the clothes can’t be vigorously agitated, they can’t be cleaned properly. If they can’t move around enough for the spin cycle to be effective, it will take much longer for the dryer to dry them. So now you’ll have several problems instead of the one issue of your washing machine being off balance.
What To Do
You may be tempted to just ignore your washing machine if it gets off balance once in a while. Don’t. Every time your washing machine goes off balance, it is straining and potentially damaging the internal workings. If you hear it thumping and shaking, you need to act. If the problem is unequal distribution, remove the heavier items and spin them separately. If the problem is overfilling, take some of the items out and restart the washing machine to be sure your clothes get clean. Doing this may cause some inconvenience, but it may save your washing machine.
Machine Not Level
Both of the examples above result from specific laundry loads causing the machine to go out of kilter. If your washing machine vibrates and shakes every time you use it, there’s something else going on. It may be that your machine is not actually level. All buildings settle and it’s entirely possible that your laundry room floor is not completely level. In order to determine if this is the issue, simply place a level on top of your washing machine. If it indicates that there’s a problem, then adjust the feet of the washing machine until the level shows true.
None of the Above
When you have eliminated all of the above causes and your washing machine is still threatening to walk out on you, it’s time to call in the experts at Dave’s Appliance. It’s probably an issue with the internal parts of the machine. Anything from loose or displaced screws or bolts to a broken belt could be the culprit. In any event, it’s important to get the problem resolved. Just as driving a car that has no oil can ruin the entire motor, ignoring an off balance washing machine can ruin the whole machine.
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Is Your Appliance Worth Repairing?
May 13th, 2021
Appliances help us keep our lives on track. Where would we be without our refrigerator/freezer, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, microwave, and garbage disposal? When any one of these stops functioning, it can quickly turn from an inconvenience into a disaster. Your immediate impulse might be to replace the appliance that is broken. But is that always the right option? Here is a quick guide to help you decide whether your appliance is worth repairing.
How Much Would It Cost?
Generally, the larger the appliance the costlier it is. So if your stove breaks, you’re looking at a major investment to buy a new one. But if your microwave goes, you can purchase one for under $75. Consumer Reports advises that if the cost to repair your appliance is greater than half the cost of a new one, it makes sense to replace it. Obviously you won’t know how much the repair would cost without consulting an appliance repair service. At Dave’s Appliance, our experts can diagnose your appliance’s problem and give you an estimate for the repair. With all of that information, you can make an informed decision.
Which Appliance Is it?
Other than cost, you have to consider how much you value your current appliance. Your refrigerator/freezer may have external ice and water dispensers, pull-out shelving, and other features you really appreciate. Your washer and dryer may fit just perfectly into the space in your utility room. Maybe you love to cook and bake and your stove suits you perfectly. It might even be that your appliances coordinate with your decor. These are definitely legitimate reasons to hesitate about replacing them when they break. Again, a visit from one of the friendly members of Dave’s Appliance team will help you understand the extent of your problem.
How Old Is It and Is It Still Under Warranty?
Major appliances like refrigerators or chest freezers often last from 10 to 20 years. Other appliances like trash compactors have an average life span of about 6 years. Most appliances also come with warranties, and often those can be extended if you choose to do so. When an appliance breaks down, it would be a good idea to find out if its warranty is still in force. If it’s not, check to see what the average life span is for your brand of that particular appliance.
What’s The Environmental Impact?
Often, the environmental impact of repairing or replacing isn’t considered at all. But perhaps you should think about it. If your appliance is old and inefficient, it may be using a lot of electricity. That’s bad for the environment and bad for your utility bills. If your appliance was made after 1992, it should have an Energy Star Rating to let you know how efficient it is. You can compare it to current appliances’ efficiency. On the other hand, your old appliance can’t just be thrown out. Major household appliances are banned from landfills in Wisconsin and the state urges that they be reused or recycled. In many places in Wisconsin, appliances are not picked up at the curb with other recyclables, nor are they accepted at many general recycling drop-off sites. It may be the more environmentally-responsible choice to repair rather than replace.
Whatever your appliance concern, the experts at Dave’s Appliance will be able to tell you what the problem is and help you decide whether or not it’s worth repairing. Give us a call.
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Washing Clothes During Coronavirus: What’s the Safest Way?
April 28th, 2020
The COVID19 pandemic is especially lethal for several reasons: it attacks the lower respiratory system immediately, and it is extremely contagious. While there is still a lot that the scientists do not know about COVID19, the general agreement is that it is spread through droplets that settle on surfaces and can remain contagious for up to 72 hours. Different surfaces have different time frames, however, and experts are not yet certain how long COVID19 can remain on fabric. What we do know is that ordinary soap and water can destroy the virus on the skin. And the same science applies to laundry.
The Science of Soap
Almost all viruses consist of three key elements: ribonucleic acid (RNA), proteins and lipids. There are no strong covalent bonds holding these units together, which means you do not need harsh chemicals to split them apart. The weakest part of the virus is the lipid or fatty layer. Soap dissolves the fat membrane and the RNA and proteins go their separate ways, no longer a threat. Laundry detergent works on the same principles. The surfactants (surface active agents) in laundry detergent have molecules that have two ends: one to attach to lipids (grease and dirt), and one to attract water. So during the wash cycle, the laundry detergent would work on the lipids in the COVID19 virus, breaking them down, and then rinse it all away in the rinse cycle.
Laundry Strategies to Combat COVID19
Knowing that simply doing your laundry can help prevent this disease gives you substantial power over it. While it is not necessary to do your laundry any differently from normal, you may choose to wash clothes at a higher temperature or use a detergent that specifies that it’s good on grease. Other key considerations to minimize the spread of COVID19 are these:
· Do not shake out dirty laundry. You may be in the habit of shaking out your dirty laundry before putting it in the machine. Now is the time to break that habit. Shaking your dirty laundry creates the potential for the COVID19 virus to travel from the fabric to your skin, or some other surface where it can remain infectious.
· Separate towels for household members. Each person should have their own hand towel and bath towel, and they should be washed more frequently than usual. The hand towel especially will be used more frequently because everyone should be washing hands multiple times a day.
· Cloth Face Masks and Gloves. The CDC is now recommending that everyone wear cloth face masks when out in public. They are also clear that you should not diminish the supply needed for medical professionals. It is easy to make or create your own cloth face mask. Similarly, cloth gloves don’t take away from the disposable gloves needed by medical professionals and protect you against COVID19 as well. It is important that you put these cloth face masks and gloves into the washing machine as soon as you enter the house after a public excursion. They need to be washed after every use.
· Wash some items on the hottest setting. Fabrics that have been in contact with bodily fluids should be washed at the hottest setting possible for the cloth. For instance, anything that has had vomit or feces on it (including diapers) should be washed on hot. Sports wear, too, should be washed in water as hot as the fabric can withstand. And of course, towels should be washed on hot.
Your washer is your ally in the fight against COVID19. It’s designed to deal with grease and grime, and COVID19’s fatty layer can be destroyed in your washer as well. Use it frequently to keep yourself and your family safe during this pandemic.
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Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washer: Which is Better?
April 17th, 2020
A washing machine is a major purchase, and before you buy, you should be fully informed. Not only are there a lot of different brands, there are different types of machine, so the first decision is whether to get a front-load or top-load machine. Which is better? That depends on what you’re looking for. In this blogpost, we will look at a number of different factors that you should consider. Then you can decide what is best for your family.
Cost
The majority of washing machines in the U.S. are the top-loading type, including the newer GE models that don’t have the center-post agitator. Unsurprisingly, top-loaders are usually less expensive than front-loaders. However, because of other factors, front-loaders may well save you money in the long run. So if your major concern is the initial outlay, a top-loader would be your choice, while if you want long-term savings, a front-loader is best.
Time
Traditional top-loading washers have run times between 35 and 65 minutes, and the newer HE top-loaders have cycles from 60 to 80 minutes. Front-loader cycles are substantially longer, between 75 and 120 minutes. That’s because the laundry needs to rest in the shallow pool of water and detergent periodically rather than being immersed in water constantly.
Cleaning Effectiveness
Front-loaders are better at cleaning fabrics in general, and in getting stains out of clothes without pre-treating. That’s true even when compared to the newest models of top-loading machines. The reason is simple: front-loaders work with gravity. The clothes in a front-loading machine are pulled up by the rotation of the drum, then fall against each other as they come down. This tumbling action is much more effective than the twisting motion of top-loading machines. But you should think, too, whether you require intensive cleaning action. Are your clothes regularly very dirty? Do you hate pre-treating stains? If cleaning effectiveness is your main objective, the answer is easy; if not, read on.
Water Conservation
Top-loaders work by filling the drum with water (and detergent) and then agitating the clothes in a twisting motion. There needs to be enough water in the drum to fully immerse all the material. In a front-loading machine, there is a shallow pool of water at the bottom of the drum and the clothes are dragged through it repeatedly by the action of the drum. Compared with a typical HE top-loader, front-loaders use about 5 fewer gallons of water per cycle, or around 2,000 gallons per year based on estimates for average use. That’s a lot of water you can save by having a front-loading machine.
Energy Use
Front-loaders are more energy efficient. Obviously using less water translates into less energy since that means less water needs to be pumped in (and out) and heated. Also, front-loaders extract a lot more water out of the laundry, so if you use a dryer rather than hanging your clothes out, that translates into an energy savings since you’ll need a shorter cycle on your dryer. Overall, front-loaders use less than half the electricity of a standard top-loading machine.
Maintenance
The maintenance of a top-loader is easier than that of a front-loader. Front-loaders have been known to smell, and unless maintained properly you can have a problem with mold in your machine. Front-loaders
have a tub-clean feature that should be run on a regular basis and some basic cleaning habits can mitigate this issue.
Design
Finally, you should consider what design works better in your house. Front-loading machines are usually stackable, so your washer and dryer take up less floor space.
Think about all of your family needs when choosing whether to go with a front-loader or top-loader. Once that decision is made, you can begin comparing brands.
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Washer Won’t Drain?
How to Fix a Washer that Won’t Drain
December 3rd, 2019
If you reach into your washer expecting to take out damp clothes and instead find sopping wet clothes, you have a problem. When your washer won’t drain properly, something needs to be done quickly. We all know how fast dirty laundry can pile up! Let’s look at some of the most common reasons why a washer won’t drain and how to deal with them.
Before doing anything to your washing machine, it is vital that you turn off the electricity to the machine, either by unplugging it or flipping the appropriate circuit breaker. Obviously, if there is standing water in the tub of the washer, you will need to bail that out as well.
Clogged Hose
The hose that carries the water from the back of the washer to the drain may be clogged. It could be as simple as a kink in the hose; sometimes when the washer is pushed too close to the wall, the exterior hose becomes jammed or kinked and the water cannot flow out freely. In that case, the solution is simple: move the washer away from the wall and make sure the water can move through the hose. If there are no apparent kinks in the hose, there may be a clog somewhere. In that case, you will need to disconnect the hose, find the obstruction, and remove it. Have a bucket handy when you disconnect the hose for excess water. Then shine a flashlight into the hose to determine where the clog is. If it is beyond easy reach, use tongs, and if it is too deep for that to work, take the hose outside and try using a garden hose. The force of the water may dislodge the obstruction. Then reconnect the hose to the machine, and run a quick cycle to determine if the problem is completely eliminated.
Clogged Drain
If the hose is not the problem, then the reason a washer won’t drain may be the drain. This would also be a relatively simple repair. The drain is the likely culprit is there is water on the floor, or remaining in the tub. Use a plumber’s snake to clean out the drain. Hopefully, that will clear any obstruction. Again, run a short cycle to see if the problem is fixed.
Damaged Pump
When a washer won’t drain, there may well be an issue with the pump. If so, that is a more difficult repair to do on your own. You may want to call one of the experts at Dave’s Appliance. Different washing machine manufacturers have different kinds of pumps located in different places in the machine. Perhaps the screen on the pump is just too full of debris. In that case, the screen can be removed, cleaned, and replaced, and that will solve the problem. It may be a problem with the fan blades, or with the casing of the pump; if so, you may need a new pump.
One of the best ways to avoid a washer that won’t drain is to be vigilant about emptying pockets before washing. Coins and other small objects can get caught in the pump or other washer components, causing draining difficulties. If you hear unusual noises during a wash cycle, it may be a forgotten item banging around in the tub. If you have a top-loading machine, interrupt the cycle and take out the object before it can create any draining problems.
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How to Fix a Washer that Won’t Drain
Ignore These 6 Washing Machine Repair Warning Signs and You’ll Be at the Laundromat
May 23rd, 2019
The washing machine is one of modern society’s greatest conveniences. It’s an appliance that you probably take for granted until it fails to work one day. Getting a long life from your washing machine is easy. Your washing machine has several components that must work together seamlessly, and those parts will eventually wear out or stop working properly if regular maintenance isn’t done on the machine. Here are six warning signs that your washing machine needs repairs:
#1 Drum Doesn’t Fill with Water
No, your washing machine didn’t turn into a high-efficiency (HE) appliance since your last load of laundry. Although HE washers are designed to use less water than regular washing machines, your conventional washing machine’s drum must have an adequate amount of water to thoroughly clean your clothes. A washer that has a blockage will have no water or a low amount of water in its drum. A reputable washer repair technician has the tools and skills to inspect, clean, and fix washer hoses, pipes, and filters. (more…)
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Add Your Home Appliances to Your Spring Cleaning Checklist
April 23rd, 2019
Not just the porch! Appliances need spring cleaning too.
Springtime is an excellent time to clean your whole home. With fresh air blowing through your windows, you have an excellent opportunity to get rid of odors, dust and dirt that may have built up on your rugs, upholstery, hardwood floors and furniture. In addition, be sure to take your cleaning to the next level by including your home appliances on your spring cleaning checklist.
Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Your dishwasher is probably filled with bits of food as well as hard water deposits from frequent use. Thoroughly clean the screens and filters on the bottom of the dishwasher and also wipe down the sprayer arms. You may even want to use a shop vac to get rid of food debris. For very difficult-to-remove lime or calcium deposits, consider cleaning with a commercial cleanser, such as CLR or Lime-Away. (more…)
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