Washing machines remove the bulk of water from your clothing by spinning around quickly. But what if your washer reaches the "spin" part of the cycle and does not ever start spinning? In some cases, it may just turn off at this point. In other cases, it might spin, but so slowly that no water is extracted from the washing chamber. This is not that unusual and does happen from time to time with washing machines. Luckily, there are steps washing machine repair contractors can take to fix most issues that cause a washer to stop spinning. Keep reading for a closer look at the causes of this problem and how they're addressed.
Possibility #1: The drain line is clogged
Most washers will not spin if the water can't make it down the drain line. Modern washers will detect the water coming back into the washing chamber and will shut off the spin cycle at this point. This makes sense since if the washer spins around quickly and water can't go into the drain line, the water will splash all over the place. Most drain line blockages are easy to repair. If there's a clog of hair, soap scum, or other grime, a washing machine repair tech can use a special, auger-like tool to remove it. If the drain line is collapsed or squished, they may have to replace the drain line, but this is still a fairly easy repair they can do in an hour or two.
Possibility #2: The washing machine motor is struggling
Spinning requires a lot more "work" out of the washing machine motor than operating at a lower speed. So, it's possible that the washing machine's motor is struggling and can't spin. Common causes of motor failure include worn ball bearings and torn belts. A washing machine repair contractor can replace a ball bearing or belt to get the motor working again. However, if they find there is a bigger issue with your motor, they might recommend simply replacing the whole washing machine. It is possible to replace the entire motor in a washing machine, but it's an expensive repair and not usually worth making unless the machine is under warranty.
If your machine is no longer spinning, contact a washer repair company. They can come to see what's underlying the problem and tell you whether repairs are worth making. In the case of a blocked hose or worn ball bearing, they very often are.
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