A broken washing machine needs to be fixed or replaced. However, some problems washing machines run into don’t necessarily mean it’s broken. Many households go out and spend hundreds on a new machine and later discover that their washing machine wasn’t broken, but it just needed some attention. If you’ve recently run into problems with your machine, before you go out and buy a new one, here’s how to check if your washing machine is actually broken and whether it needs to be repaired/replaced.

Are Your Water Leaks Really from Pipework/Corrosion?

Just because a washing machine leaks, it doesn’t mean it’s broken. Some households have found that it’s not the back of the pipework that’s causing the leaks, nor is it due to corrosion. Some households have found that it’s simply the door washer that needs some attention. If you do at least one load of washing per day, that’s 365 times a year that you’ve had to put a load of dirty laundry through the door. It’s very easy for clothes to become attached to the water seal around the door and loosen it slightly. Simply pushing the door washer back into place is sometimes the only thing you’ll need to do to prevent future leaks. It’s not always this simple of course, but it’s always worth checking before you put your hands in your pocket to fork out for a new one.

Faulty Door Lock

This is another common reason why households go out with the old and in with the new. A faulty door lock will tell the machine that the door isn’t closed properly, and that means it won’t operate at all. It’s very easy to assume a washing machine is dead when the door is closed but it won’t start for whatever reason. Most of the expensive models on the market will tell you this. However, if you’ve had your washing machine for a few years, it probably won’t.

Before you go out and invest in a new model, always check the door lock to see if it’s faulty. If it is, it’s actually a problem that can be fixed at home with some common household tools. If you’re unable to fix the faulty door yourself and would feel safer having a professional come round, you may want to look into the Hotpoint washing machine repair service and see what guidance they can offer.

No Power

This is one of the most common reasons why people think their pride and joy has broken. If no lights are showing on the front or there’s no life in the machine whatsoever, it’s very easy to assume it’s dead and needs repairing or replacing. Washing machines are usually plugged in under sink cupboards and the like, and sometimes the vibrations of the washing machine can move the plug out of the socket completely – it’s certainly not uncommon.

Although that’s a simple reason for no power, some of the latest machines on the market now come with reset buttons if something goes wrong. Always look in your washing machine manual just to see if there are any common powerless faults that can easily be fixed. Your washing machine might not have any lights on the front either, but that might just be a visible problem rather than anything physical.

Even if you have little to no technical or hands-on experience when it comes to household appliances, it’s always worth checking your machines over to save yourself some money. A few simple fixes here and there is all it takes to not get the repairman out or replace the appliance altogether. If you spend the time looking after your machine, it will spend time looking after you for years to come.