DIY washing machine repair disaster
Some washing machine repairs are straightforward and can be safely attempted. Others should never be attempted without proper electrical knowledge. Even a simple repair can go badly wrong without basic awareness of the risks involved – including the risk of water inside the machine reaching the PCB if the machine is laid down incorrectly. This article covers the essential safety points to understand before any DIY repair.
Washing machines operate at mains voltage. Working on a live appliance can kill. Even experienced appliance engineers have been electrocuted – usually due to a momentary lapse of concentration. If you do not have relevant electrical knowledge and experience, do not work on the internal components of a washing machine beyond cleaning the pump filter.
A Common DIY Repair Mistake: Laying the Machine Down With Water Inside
A washing machine with a drain fault will have water remaining inside – in the drum, sump hose, and pump. If the machine is laid on its side to access the pump or filter, any water inside can run through the machine’s internal workings and reach the PCB and other electrical components.
This can destroy the control board irreparably. When the machine is stood upright and connected again, the damaged electronics may produce erratic displays, fail to start, or – in the worst case – cause the machine to trip the electrics or worse when power is applied.
Before tipping a washing machine for any reason, drain as much water as possible through the pump filter or emergency drain hose. Even then, residual water in internal hoses can reach components when the machine is tipped. See our guide on how to manually drain a washing machine before attempting any repair that requires laying it down.
Essential Safety Rules for Any Washing Machine Repair
Always unplug the machine first – and this is not enough on its own
The absolute minimum before touching any internal component is to unplug the machine from the wall socket. However, unplugging is not fully safe on its own – washing machines contain capacitors that can retain a charge after being disconnected. These can deliver a painful and potentially dangerous electric shock. Allow several minutes after unplugging before touching internal components. See our guide on shock risk from appliances when unplugged.
Drain all water before laying the machine down
Water inside a machine laid on its side can run onto the PCB and other electrical components, causing irreparable damage. Even after the machine appears drained, water remains in the sump hose and pump chamber. Drain as much as possible before tipping, and be aware that some residual water will remain in internal hoses.
Never work on the machine while it is running or connected to power
This rule sounds obvious but incidents occur because people reconnect the machine to test whether a repair has worked without replacing panels or securing components first. Establish a strict rule: the machine is either fully assembled and connected, or unplugged and open. Never partially assembled and powered.
Know the limit of what to attempt
Some repairs are genuinely accessible to a non-specialist: cleaning the pump filter, checking and replacing fill hoses, cleaning the soap dispenser. Others – anything involving the PCB, motor, wiring, or heating element – require electrical knowledge to test safely and should be left to a qualified engineer. See our guide on DIY washing machine repair safety.
Online information is useful but not a substitute for experience
Identifying a fault from an error code description is a useful starting point. Carrying out the repair safely is a different skill. A repair that is described as straightforward online can still go seriously wrong without awareness of the physical risks involved – including those described on this page. Use online resources to understand what needs doing, but be honest about whether the actual repair is within personal competence.
When to Call an Engineer
The safety considerations aside, some repairs make financial sense as DIY and others do not. Cleaning the pump filter costs nothing. Replacing a PCB and EEPROM chip is expensive, technically complex, and the parts are non-returnable if the diagnosis is wrong – this is an engineer’s job. Between these extremes are component replacements (pumps, elements, door locks) that are DIY-possible for someone with appropriate skills but risky for someone without them.
Need a Repair?
Related Safety Guides
DIY Washing Machine Repair SafetyIs it dangerous to repair a washing machine yourself? What you need to know before opening the machine.
Shock Risk When Appliance Is UnpluggedWhy unplugging a washing machine does not make it fully safe to touch internal components.
General Safety Advice for RepairsTen non-electrical safety considerations when working on a washing machine.
How to Pull a Washing Machine Out SafelyThe correct way to move a washing machine for access without damaging floors, hoses, or the machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to repair a washing machine yourself?
Some repairs are safe and straightforward for anyone: cleaning the pump filter, checking hose connections, cleaning the soap dispenser. Others require electrical knowledge and should not be attempted without it. The key safety rules are: always unplug first, allow time for capacitors to discharge, drain all water before laying the machine down, and never work on a machine that is connected to power.
Can I lay a washing machine on its side to access the pump?
Yes, but the machine must be fully drained of water first. Water remaining inside when the machine is tipped can run onto the PCB and other electrical components, causing irreparable damage. Drain the machine through the pump filter access before laying it down. Even after draining, some residual water may remain in internal hoses – be aware of this when tipping.
Is it safe to plug a washing machine back in to test a repair?
Only when all panels are replaced and all components are secured in their correct positions. Never run a test with the machine open, panels removed, or components unsecured. The machine is either fully assembled and ready to test, or unplugged and open for work. Never mix these states.
3 Comments
Grouped into 2 comment threads.
1 reply Because of limited height I had to take off the top cover to get it under the work surface. Now when I press start I get (E 40) fault. The book suggests - Door not closed - Power - Water supply, I have checked these but no success. Does the top cover have a fail safe to prevent the machine working if removed?
0 replies Washing machines have to remain upright all the time--even in repairs. The excess water inside the hoses and valves will leak into the motor. It is true that there are washing machine problems better left to professionals. This is why people should diagnose the problem of their washer and figure out if they need the help of a repair person. The hesitation in calling a repair man is the cost of repair. But attempting to do it on your own without a good knowledge on this might cause even more that repair charges.
Washing machines have to remain upright all the time–even in repairs. The excess water inside the hoses and valves will leak into the motor. It is true that there are washing machine problems better left to professionals. This is why people should diagnose the problem of their washer and figure out if they need the help of a repair person. The hesitation in calling a repair man is the cost of repair. But attempting to do it on your own without a good knowledge on this might cause even more that repair charges.
Because of limited height I had to take off the top cover to get it under the work surface. Now when I press start I get (E 40) fault.
The book suggests – Door not closed – Power – Water supply, I have checked these but no success. Does the top cover have a fail safe to prevent the machine working if removed?
Likely replying to Bill Thomas
Hello Bill: Never heard of it. If it did it should be obvious. I would suggest if the fault occurred after taking off the lid it’s likely to be something else like a sprained door or kinked fill hose, tap turned off etc.