My Washing Machine Is Very Noisy
All washing machines make some degree of noise, of course, this varies widely but the noise we’re talking about isn’t the soothing hum of a wash cycle. No, it’s a louder more irritating sound and one that can have many causes.
So, if you notice your washing machine suddenly making a loud noise we can help you uncover the cause. Most noises will be emitting from the drum of the washer but there’s a multitude of possible reasons why.
Whatever you do, don’t ignore the noise because whatever is causing the problem is unlikely to resolve its-self. Below we’ve outlined the most common causes for noisy washing machines, some you’ll be able to fix on your own but others will require the assistance of a professional repair technician. At Repair Aid we have plenty of experience with emergencies repairs and can help with any washing machne make and model.
Caught Debris
Debris like coins and other small objects are much more common additions to a wash cycle than many people likely realise. Sometimes they can go through a cycle without issue but they can also get caught in your washing machine’s inner drum and they make a lot of noise when they do.
If you’re lucky the coin (or other small objects) may fall into the sump hose or filter which will make it easier to remove. But to save time and potential damage to your appliance you should try to manipulate the object into falling.
You can do this by turning the drum slowly till the object falls. It might take a while but eventually, you should be able to remove the obstruction. The noise trapped debris causes can vary but it’s commonly a loud rattling noise.
Draining Noise
If you notice a strange noise when your washer is draining water then it is usually going to be a problem with the pump. Check the pump filter to see if any obstructions are blocking it and remember a build up of lint or fluff can also cause the drainage pump to get blocked. So, make sure you clean out the filter regularly to avoid this issue.
Drum Bearings
If your drum bearings are worn or damaged then a loud rumbling noise will be heard during the wash cycle. You can test this in a number of ways but one of the easiest ways is to hold the top of the drum from inside and try to move it up and down.
Ordinarily, you should only be able to move the drum a little bit each way, if you find the drum easy to move around then it’s a sign your bearings are worn. Another common symptom or worn bearings is a build up of rust under the bottom of the machine.
The loud noise caused by worn or damaged bearings can sometimes be alleviated by using a gentle washing cycle but unfortunately, it’s a difficult problem to fix. And with some models of washing machine, it might not even be fixable. If you carried out our tests and think your washing machine has damaged or worn bearings then your best move is to call in a Repair Aid technician.
Scraping Noise
It might not seem like it but bras can cause a lot of trouble with washing machines, if you notice a scraping sound during your washer’s cycle then a bra is usually going to be the culprit. Bra wire has an annoying habit of getting stuck in a washing machine’s drum, thankfully the noise makes this problem easily identifiable.
Removing the wire can be tricky but if you’re lucky it will be poking through one of the holes in the drum which will make pulling it out easy. If it’s not then you might be able to get it by manipulating the drum and removing the dispenser hose to give you better access to the drum. You might also be able to remove it through the sump hose.
If you can’t get to it then a technician will have to be called in to remove it for you by taking out parts of the appliance and then resembling it. Although if the wire is short and not doing damage to the drum, and you can live with the noise then you can leave it. Just make sure you carry out regular inspections. Always call a qualified Repair Aid washing machine engineer when work on your electric appliance is needed.
Damaged Drums
Finally, another possible cause of noise is a damaged drum, unsurprisingly this is one of the most serious problems and can only really be fixed by repairing or replacing the drum. The back of the appliance can usually be opened up to show the drum spider.
The drum spider is a large three-pronged component that spins the drum with each turn. If the spider has become corroded it can break. Small breaks may cause more noisy washing cycles but the washer will still work, while larger breaks can cause a lot of noise and ultimately a lot of damage.
You will be able to feel around the drum to check for breaks and by removing the back panel you will be able to get a more detailed look at the spider. If your spider is more severely broken then your only options will be either finding a replacement part of getting a new washing machine.
However please remember that it is not safe to repair electrical appliances without having adequate professional knowledge, training and experience. Please use skilled and professional engineers for all your washing machine repairs.