Few things are as disruptive to a household routine as a malfunctioning washing machine or dryer. Piles of dirty clothes or damp laundry can quickly pile up, causing frustration for homeowners and tenants across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). While some appliance issues require expert hands, understanding common problems and performing basic checks can often help you diagnose the issue and know when it’s time to call for professional repair in the GTA.
This guide will walk you through some frequent washer and dryer troubles and what might be causing them.
Understanding Your Laundry Appliances
At their core, washers and dryers work through a combination of mechanical parts, electrical components, and water/air flow systems.
When any part of this complex system fails, your laundry cycle can come to a grinding halt. Knowing the basic functions can make troubleshooting easier.
Common Washing Machine Problems & What to Check
Washing machine issues can range from minor inconveniences to complete operational failure.
Here are some frequent complaints:
1. Washer Won’t Turn On
- Possible Causes: No power supply, tripped circuit breaker, faulty door latch, control panel issue.
- What to Check:
- Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a working outlet.
- Check your home’s electrical panel for a tripped breaker dedicated to the laundry area.
- Make sure the washer door or lid is fully closed and latched – most machines have safety switches.
2. Washer Not Draining or Spinning
- Possible Causes: Clogged drain hose or pump filter, kinked drain hose, faulty drain pump, lid switch issue.
- What to Check:
- Check the drain hose behind the machine to ensure it’s not kinked or blocked.
- Inspect the drain pump filter (if accessible on your model) for lint, coins, or other debris. Be prepared for some residual water when opening this!
- Ensure the lid is closing properly and activating the lid switch (if applicable to your model).
3. Washer is Leaking
- Possible Causes: Damaged door seal (gasket), loose hoses, cracked tub, clogged soap dispenser, faulty water inlet valve. The most common washing machine problem is leaking.
- What to Check:
- Examine the rubber seal around the door for cracks, tears, or trapped items. Clean the seal if it looks dirty.
- Check the water supply hoses at the back of the machine and where they connect to the wall for tightness and signs of wear.
- Inspect the soap dispenser for clogs or buildup.
4. Washer Making Loud Noises or Vibrating
- Possible Causes: Unbalanced load, machine not level, foreign object in the drum or pump, worn drum bearings.
- What to Check:
- Pause the cycle and redistribute the laundry inside the drum, especially if washing large items.
- Use a level to check if the machine is sitting flat on the floor and adjust the leveling feet as needed.
- Carefully inspect the drum for any loose items like coins or keys.
Common Dryer Problems & What to Check
Dryer issues often involve heating or airflow problems. Here’s what to look for:
1. Dryer Not Heating
- Possible Causes: Tripped thermal fuse or breaker, faulty heating element, issues with the gas valve (for gas dryers), control board problem.
- What to Check:
- Ensure the dryer is plugged in and check the circuit breaker. Electric dryers often use two breakers.
- Check the lint filter – a clogged filter can prevent the heating element from working effectively.
- Ensure the vent hose isn’t crushed or blocked, restricting airflow.
2. Clothes Not Drying (But Dryer is Running)
- Possible Causes: Clogged lint filter or exhaust vent, faulty heating element, overloading the dryer, choosing the wrong cycle.
- What to Check:
- Clean the lint filter before every cycle.
- Check the exterior dryer vent cap to ensure it’s not blocked by lint, snow, or debris.
- Reduce the size of your laundry load. Ensure clothes are properly spun in the washer to remove excess water.
3. Dryer is Overheating
- Possible Causes: Severely clogged exhaust vent, faulty thermostat or thermal fuse, lint buildup inside the dryer cabinet.
- What to Check:
- Clean the lint filter thoroughly.
- Inspect and clean the entire dryer vent run from the back of the dryer to the exterior wall cap. Clogged vents are a major cause of overheating and a fire hazard.
- Ensure there’s adequate space behind the dryer for airflow.
4. Dryer Making Strange Noises
- Possible Causes: Worn drum rollers or idler pulley, worn drum belt, foreign object in the drum or blower wheel.
- What to Check:
- Carefully check the drum for any loose items that might be tumbling around.
- Listen to determine where the sound is coming from (e.g., tumbling, squealing, thumping).
DIY vs. Calling a Professional
Attempting basic troubleshooting steps like checking power cords, clearing accessible lint filters, and ensuring hoses aren’t kinked can sometimes resolve simple issues.
However, for most washer and dryer problems involving internal components, electrical parts, or complex mechanics, attempting DIY repairs can be dangerous and may cause further damage.
You should call a professional technician if:
- The issue involves electrical components or wiring.
- You suspect a problem with internal parts like the motor, pump, heating element, or control board.
- You’re uncomfortable disassembling parts of the appliance.
- The problem persists after basic checks.
- There’s a strong burning smell or visible sparks.
Professional appliance repair technicians in Toronto and the GTA have the specialized tools, knowledge, and experience to accurately diagnose complex issues safely and effectively.
Repair or Replace? Making the Decision
When faced with a malfunctioning washer or dryer, a key question arises: should you repair it or buy a new one? Consider these factors:
- Age of the Appliance: Washing machines typically last 10-14 years, while dryers last 10-13 years. If your appliance is nearing the end of its average lifespan, a costly repair might not be the most economical choice.
- Cost of Repair: Get a professional diagnosis and estimate. If the repair cost is more than half the price of a comparable new appliance, replacing might be a better investment.
- Energy Efficiency: Newer models are often significantly more energy-efficient, which can save you money on utility bills over time.
- Frequency of Repairs: If your appliance has needed frequent repairs recently, it might be a sign that more issues are likely to arise.
A professional technician can also help you weigh these factors based on the specific problem and the appliance’s condition.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Simple, regular maintenance can help prevent many common washer and dryer problems and extend their lifespan:
- Clean the Lint Filter: Clean your dryer’s lint filter after every load to maintain airflow and prevent fires.
- Clean the Washer Drum and Dispensers: Run cleaning cycles as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean detergent and fabric softener dispensers regularly.
- Check Hoses and Cords: Periodically inspect water hoses (washers) and power cords for signs of wear or damage. Replace rubber hoses every 3-5 years or switch to braided stainless-steel hoses.
- Avoid Overloading: Don’t stuff too many clothes into either machine, as this can strain components and lead to unbalanced loads or poor performance.
- Keep the Area Clear: Ensure the space around both appliances is free from clutter to allow for proper ventilation.
Need Expert Help in Toronto & GTA?
While troubleshooting can be helpful, some problems require the expertise of a trained professional.
If you’re dealing with a complex washer or dryer issue in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Oakville, Milton, Pickering, Ajax, or anywhere in the surrounding GTA, Everyday Repair is here to help.
Our team of insured technicians specializes in diagnosing and fixing a wide range of appliance issues across all major brands.
We use genuine parts and back our work with warranties on both parts and labor, ensuring a reliable, long-lasting repair.
We pride ourselves on prompt, transparent service and clear communication, so you understand the issue and the solution.
Don’t let laundry pile up. When DIY isn’t the answer, trust the local experts.
Conclusion
Dealing with a broken washer or dryer is never convenient. By understanding common problems and knowing what basic checks you can perform, you can often get a clearer picture of what’s wrong. Remember, while simple fixes are sometimes possible, complex issues require the skill and safety knowledge of a professional technician.
For reliable, transparent, and expert washer and dryer repair services in Toronto and the GTA, trust Everyday Repair to get your laundry routine back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it better to repair or replace a broken washing machine or dryer?
A: The decision depends on the appliance’s age, the cost of the repair versus a new unit, and the appliance’s overall condition. If the repair cost is high relative to the cost of a new appliance (especially if the appliance is older than 10 years), replacement might be more cost-effective in the long run, considering potential future repairs and increased energy efficiency of new models.
Q: What should I do first if my washing machine or dryer isn’t working?
A: First, check the power supply. Ensure the appliance is plugged in and check your home’s circuit breaker. For washers, make sure the door or lid is securely closed. For dryers, clean the lint filter and check the exterior vent for blockages. If these simple checks don’t resolve the issue, it’s often best to call a professional for diagnosis.
Q: What are the most common faults in washing machines and dryers?
A: For washing machines, common issues include not draining or spinning, leaks (often due to door seals or hoses), and failure to turn on. For dryers, common faults are not heating, clothes not drying properly (often due to clogged vents), and strange noises.
Q: How long do washing machines and dryers typically last?
A: On average, washing machines last about 10-14 years, and dryers last about 10-13 years. Regular maintenance can help extend their lifespan.
