Guide to Washing Machine Drum Repair
The drum of a washing machine is the circular container into which your laundry is loaded. The drum is responsible for holding the contents of a washing machine or dryer throughout the entirety of the cycle. If your washing machine’s drum is on the fritz, you will likely need appliance repair in North Ridgeville from leading experts like the FIXIT Appliance Repair team. A malfunctioning drum can leave your clothes improperly washed, wasting energy, water, and time. For washer repair in North Ridgeville, Avon, Avon Lake, and the nearby areas, contact the experts at FIXIT Appliance right away.
Here’s what you need to know about washing machine drum repair.
How to Know If Your Drum Needs Repair?
There are several signs that your washing machine drum may need repair. If you notice any of the following issues, it’s time to call a professional:
- Strange Noises: If you hear loud banging, clanging, or scraping noises during the spin cycle, it is likely that the drum of your washing machine is off-balance or that a component is loose. This could be due to worn-out bearings or a drum that’s misaligned. If you can’t realign the drum itself, you must contact experienced professionals at FIXIT Appliance for washer repair and diagnosis. Forcing your drum back into place on your own could leave damaged parts unaccounted for or cause problems.
- Excessive Vibration: While some vibration is expected during a wash cycle if your washing machine is shaking violently, it could be due to an unbalanced drum. This often happens when the load is too heavy or unevenly distributed, but it could also be a sign of a more significant mechanical issue. To protect the longevity of your washing machine and minimize your need for appliance repair in North Ridgeville, avoid overloading your washing machine and consider splitting heavier loads into two.
- Soaking Wet Clothes: If your laundry is coming out soaking wet after the spin cycle, it could mean the drum isn’t spinning correctly. This could indicate a problem with the motor, belt, or drum itself.
- Visible Damage to the Drum: Over time, washing machine drums can develop cracks, dents, or rust. If you notice visible damage to the drum, it may need to be replaced.
- Clothes Stuck in the Drum: Sometimes, items of clothing can get stuck between the drum and the tub, causing damage to both the drum and the clothes, impeding the functionality of the washer, and accelerating wear and tear.
Common Problems with Washing Machine Drums
Washing machine drums can experience several common issues that often require professional repair.
Bearings
One of the most frequent problems involves the drum bearings, which are essential for the smooth spinning of the drum. Over time, drum bearings, which are responsible for keeping the drum spinning smoothly, can wear out due to the constant motion and load they endure, leading to loud noises and inefficient spinning. When the bearings fail, you may hear a grinding or rumbling sound during the spin cycle.
Spider Arm
The spider arm helps stabilize the drum as it spins. Over time and with continued use, it can become corroded or break over time, particularly in areas with hard water or when detergent residue builds up. If the spider arm fails, the drum may begin to wobble or make a scraping noise. In severe cases, this can lead to the drum ceasing to spin entirely, requiring a replacement of the arm or, in some instances, the entire drum assembly.
Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers are designed to stabilize the drum during an active cycle. If the shock absorbers wear out or fail, the drum may shake excessively, causing loud banging noises and an unstable machine. This not only affects the washing performance but can also lead to damage to other parts of the appliance.
Drum Seal
The drum seal is responsible for keeping water contained inside the machine during the wash cycle. Over time, the seal can wear out or become damaged, leading to water leaks. These leaks can cause significant water damage to the surrounding area and the washing machine itself. Our washing machine repair technicians can replace the worn-out seal to prevent further water leakage and ensure the washing machine operates correctly.
Motor Belt
Problems with the motor or drive belt can also cause the drum to stop spinning. If the drive belt slips or breaks, or if the motor fails, the drum won’t be able to spin as required for effective washing and drying. This is often an easier issue to fix compared to others, typically involving a simple belt replacement or minor motor repairs, restoring the machine’s functionality quickly.
With careful diagnosis and appliance repair in North Ridgeville, our trusted professionals will help you restore function to your laundry room with washer repair services and more.
Is It Worth Repairing a Washing Machine Drum?
When some homeowners face the need for washing machine repair, a common concern is the value of investing in appliance repair. In many cases, appliance repair in North Ridgeville is an effective and reliable way to extend the lifespan of your washing machine and other kitchen or laundry equipment.
Generally, washing machines last between 10 and 15 years, so if your appliance is in its first 7 years of life, repair is often recommended. However, if the washing machine is at the later end of its lifespan or if it has surpassed its lifespan, you may benefit from replacement. Factors to consider are the availability of parts, quality of repair, cost of repair, and the age of the appliance.
In some cases, if your washing machine is still under warranty, repairs may be covered, reducing the financial burden of fixing the drum. Always check the warranty terms before deciding.
Invest in Washing Machine Repair Services
At FIXIT Appliance, our team will always make the best recommendation for your wallet and the condition of your existing appliance. If we suggest washing machine repair, you can count on our technicians to provide expert workmanship, reliable advice, and high-quality materials. For many years, our technicians at FIXIT Appliance have been delivering high-level repairs for kitchen and laundry appliances in North Ridgeville, Avon, Avon Lake, Westlake, and the surrounding areas.
If your washing machine is not operating the way you expect, don’t wait contact the trusted experts at FIXIT Appliance.
Contact us today.
