When an essential appliance like a washing machine breaks unexpectedly, it can be extremely frustrating. Besides the expenses that come with repairing or replacing the appliance, homeowners face damage to their homes and high utility bills.
Diagnosing the washer problem can take a while. However, as soon as you know what’s wrong, fixing shouldn’t be time-consuming. Whether you decide to repair the washing machine on your own or call repair specialists, it’s imperative to figure out what’s wrong first.
Washing machines break down for a variety of reasons. One of them is a drum issue. Let’s take a closer look at figuring out whether your washer’s drum is the problem.
Signs of Washing Machine Damage
Some homeowners take a while to understand that something is wrong with their washing machine. Even if your appliance is working, it can already be damaged. It’s imperative to monitor your washing machine to spot signs of damage immediately.
· Loud noises – if your washing machine is making noises like there is a brick spinning in the drum, it’s a bad sign. Irregular noises usually mean that something is wrong with the appliance. The longer you allow it to operate with the noise, the harder it will be to repair. Loud noises signal motor and drum problems.
· Leftover water – if after the washing cycle is over, you notice leftover water in the drum, something is wrong with the machine. Most likely, the culprit is a broken pump. Leaving water in the drum doesn’t just damage the machine, it can lead to health issues related to mold growth and pest infestation.
· Poor results – if your clothes look dirty after they’ve been washed, your machine is likely to be broken. Numerous issues could cause it to malfunction, including drum defects. Instead of running the cycle several times to achieve the desired results, make sure to call a repair specialist as soon as possible.
· Higher bills – if your energy and utility bills suddenly become higher than usual, your washing machine could be at fault. Damaged and broken washing machines can consume more water and electricity than they usually do. While other reasons could be behind the utility bill spike, checking appliances is the first thing to do.
· Foul odors – if you constantly notice a foul odor coming from the machine, there may be a mold and bacteria problem. It often occurs when you don’t air the machine out correctly or allow water to stay in the machine.
All of the above signs could point to a broken washing machine drum. According to Hartman’s appliance repair company, it’s imperative to remember that your washing machine can continue functioning even if there is drum damage. Allowing it to do so could eventually lead to drum replacement, which is likely to be expensive.
Preventive Measures
A washing machine drum is a durable part, which doesn’t get damaged frequently. More often than not, the homeowner’s actions lead to the breakdown. By taking preventive measures, it’s possible to avoid washer damage and help it last up to 14 years.
· Use a moderate amount of detergent – using too much detergent results in it sticking to your washing machine’s parts and attracting dirt, debris, and bacteria.
· Never overload the washer – overloading your washing machine could lead to drum damage, motor problems, higher energy bills, and structural machine damage.
· Keep the machine open – both front and top loaders should be left open after the cycle for the residual moisture to evaporate. Otherwise, standing water could lead to mold formation and become an excellent environment for mosquitos and other pests.
· Clean the machine – clean door seals and the drum regularly. You should also run a self-clean cycle at least once a month.
None of the above measures takes long. However, each can save you hundreds of dollars.
When to Call a Technician
The key to keeping your washer in top shape is knowing when to call for help. If you hear unusual noises, notice foul odors, see a spike in utility bills, or notice leaks, make sure to call the technician immediately. The faster the problem is eliminated, the more chances you have of avoiding appliance replacement.
