A washing machine that acts up leaves you with wet clothes and no good options. Most washer problems come down to a few common causes — here's what to look for.
Washer Not Spinning
If your washer fills and washes but won't spin, the clothes come out soaking wet. The most common causes:
- Unbalanced load — redistribute the clothes evenly and try again
- Broken drive belt — the drum turns but the spin cycle has no power
- Faulty lid switch (top-loaders) — the machine thinks the lid is open
- Worn motor brushes (front-loaders) — the motor loses power during the spin cycle
Quick check: Run the spin cycle with an empty drum. If it spins empty but not with clothes, it's a load balance issue. If it won't spin at all, it's a mechanical problem.
Ready to get it fixed?
Book a Washer Repair
Washer Leaking Water
Water on the floor around your washer usually comes from one of these:
- Door seal / boot gasket (front-loaders) — cracks or tears in the rubber seal around the door
- Loose hose connections — the fill or drain hoses at the back have come loose
- Pump seal failure — less common, but water leaks from underneath
Photo of front-loader door boot gasket — showing wear and tear
Washer Not Draining
If water is sitting in the drum at the end of the cycle:
- Clogged pump filter — most front-loaders have a small filter behind a panel at the bottom front. Clean it monthly.
- Blocked drain hose — check the hose behind the machine for kinks
- Failed drain pump — if the filter and hose are clear, the pump may have failed
Photo of front-loader pump filter access panel at bottom of machine
Washer Making Loud Noises
- Banging during spin — usually an unbalanced load or worn drum bearings
- Grinding or squealing — worn bearings or foreign objects (coins, buttons) trapped in the drum
- Clicking — small items in the drum or pump
Photo of drum bearing location — rear of washing machine
When to Call a Professional
You can clean the pump filter and check hoses yourself. Drive belt replacement, bearing replacement, pump replacement, and motor repairs should be handled by a certified technician.
FixWell Appliance Repair serves San Francisco and Marin County — same-day service available.
FAQ
Why does my washer smell bad?
Front-loaders are prone to mildew buildup in the door seal. Run a hot empty cycle monthly with washing machine cleaner, and leave the door open between washes.
Can a blocked pump cause a washer not to spin?
Yes — most washers won't spin until the drum is fully drained. Check the pump filter first.
How much does washer repair cost in San Francisco?
Most repairs range from $220–$380. FixWell provides transparent upfront pricing before any work begins.