This page is a complete washing machine repair help page from Whitegoods Help – linking to over 50 free DIY repair guides covering every common fault, from a machine that won’t drain or spin, to leaks, error codes, noises and more. Find your symptom in the sections below and follow the relevant guide.
Free repair advice from the engineers at Whitegoods Help – helping UK households fix appliances since 2000.
When your washing machine develops a fault, it can feel daunting – but many of the most common problems can be diagnosed and fixed at home without calling an engineer. This page lists over 50 free fault guides, organised by symptom, to help you find the problem and understand your options.
Use the sections below to find your fault. If your machine is displaying a flashing light or an error code, jump straight to the washing machine error codes section – that is a separate guide.
Only attempt DIY repairs if you are competent and confident doing so. Working on electrical appliances is dangerous. Some washing machine components can deliver an electric shock even after the machine has been switched off and unplugged.
If you are in any doubt at all, do not attempt the repair yourself. Book a qualified engineer instead.
Read these before you start: DIY repair safety guide | 8 things you should never do
Error codes are covered in a separate dedicated section – the guides below are for specific physical symptoms only.
Before you start – useful reading
These guides apply to almost every repair situation. Worth reading before you begin diagnosing or touching anything.
- 8 things you should never do when repairing a washing machine
- 3 pre-repair tips – essential if you are considering calling an engineer
- DIY repair safety – do not skip this if attempting a repair yourself
- What is the best way to pull a washing machine out?
- Can you introduce new faults while repairing? – 5 things to watch out for
- Where to find your washing machine model number and serial number
Washing machine won’t work – functioning faults
The machine won’t start, the door won’t open, the drum isn’t turning, or it’s tripping your electrics. These guides cover the most common mechanical and electrical faults.
- Washing machine won’t start – completely dead
- Door jammed shut and won’t open
- Door or hinge broken
- Drum paddle loose or broken
- Washing machine fusing or tripping the electrics
- Getting electric shocks from the washing machine
- Washing machine not heating the water
- Drum not turning during wash, rinse or spin
- Washes OK but won’t do the fast spin at the end
- Belt keeps coming off
- Washing machine is noisy
- Jumps and bangs on spin
- Making a metallic scraping noise
- Underwire or obstruction stuck in the drum
Washing machine leaking, not filling or not draining
Water-related faults are among the most common washing machine problems. A blocked pump filter is often the first thing to check before assuming a more serious fault.
- Washing machine not filling with water
- Washing machine overfilling
- Constantly fills and drains at the same time
- Fills with water when switched off
- Not taking in enough water
- Washing machine leaking
- Washing machine won’t drain
- Won’t drain after being moved
- How to clean the pump filter
- How to manually drain a washing machine
Water pressure, limescale and connection issues
Low water pressure, limescale build-up and incorrect connections are frequently overlooked causes of washing machine faults – particularly in hard water areas of the UK.
- Low water pressure and washing machines
- Limescale in washing machines
- Hot and cold fill machines – connecting to cold water only
- Connecting a cold fill machine to the hot tap
- Blanking off an old hot water tap
Fabric softener and soap drawer problems
Soap drawer and fabric softener issues are easy to overlook but can indicate a partially blocked dispenser hose – a common fault that can be cleared without an engineer.
- Black jelly substance in the soap drawer
- Fabric softener not being taken out of the drawer
- Fabric softener compartment full of water
- Fabric softener being taken out too soon in the cycle
Programme and wash cycle faults
The machine starts but stops mid-cycle, the lights are flashing, or the display is showing something unexpected. These guides help you diagnose control and programme faults.
- Washing machine stops or sticks mid-cycle
- Appliance error codes – what they mean
- Full washing machine error codes list
- Hotpoint machine showing “tESt” in the display
- Washing machine lights flashing
- Programme dial keeps turning and clicking
- Time remaining display is inaccurate
Problems with laundry results
If the machine appears to be working but your laundry is coming out wrong – damaged, discoloured, still dirty or badly creased – the fault is often with the wash programme, detergent or load, rather than a mechanical failure.
- Clothes coming out of the machine too hot
- Holes appearing in clothes after washing
- Laundry coming out badly creased
- Whites looking grey or colours fading
- Grease marks appearing on clothes after washing
- Washing not getting clean properly
- Too much foam in the machine
- White streaks on laundry after washing
Motor faults
Motor faults often present as a drum that hums but won’t turn, or a machine that trips the electrics. Worn carbon brushes are a very common and relatively straightforward repair on many machines.
- Motor not running – drum won’t turn
- Carbon brushes – how to diagnose and replace
- Problems fitting carbon brushes
Washer dryer specific faults
These faults apply to the drying function of a washer dryer only. For washing-related faults on a washer dryer, use the sections above – they apply equally.
Washing machine smells
Unpleasant odours from a washing machine are almost always caused by mould, bacteria or detergent build-up – and can usually be resolved without an engineer.
After the repair – checks and advice
- Post-repair checks – 5 things to verify before running the machine
- DIY repair warnings – mistakes to avoid
Should I repair or replace my washing machine?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked. As a general rule, if the repair cost is more than half the price of a comparable new machine, replacement is usually the better option – especially on machines over eight years old.
However, a simple fault like a blocked filter, worn carbon brushes or a faulty door seal can often be fixed quickly and cheaply. Our fault guides will help you understand how serious the problem actually is before you make that decision.
If you are unsure, book a diagnostic visit from a local engineer – most will give you a quote before proceeding.
Need further help?
- 🔧 Book a local washing machine engineer
- 🛒 Find spare parts for your washing machine
- ⚡ Washing machine error codes – full list
- 🛍️ Buying a new washing machine – advice and recommendations
Frequently asked questions
Why is my washing machine not draining?
The most common causes are a blocked pump filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump. Start by checking and cleaning the pump filter – on most machines this is found behind a small panel at the front bottom. If the filter is clear, check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. See the full guide: washing machine won’t drain.
Why is my washing machine not spinning?
If the machine washes but won’t spin, check first whether it is draining properly – if water remains in the drum, the machine will not progress to the spin cycle. Other common causes include a worn drive belt, worn carbon brushes, a faulty door interlock, or an unbalanced load. See the full guide: washing machine not spinning.
Why is my washing machine leaking?
Leaks most commonly come from a worn or damaged door seal, a loose or cracked fill hose, a blocked detergent drawer, or an overfull drum. Identify where the water is appearing from before assuming the worst – many leaks have a simple cause. See the full guide: washing machine leaking.
Why won’t my washing machine start?
Check the basics first – is the machine plugged in and switched on, and is the door properly closed? If the door interlock is faulty the machine will not start even if everything else is working. Other causes include a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, or a failed control board. See the full guide: washing machine won’t start.
Why is my washing machine making a loud noise?
A rumbling or grinding noise on spin is often caused by worn drum bearings – a significant repair. A rattling noise is more likely to be a foreign object (coins, underwire) trapped in the drum or pump. A banging noise on spin is typically caused by an unbalanced load or worn shock absorbers. See the full guide: washing machine is noisy.
Is it safe to repair a washing machine myself?
Some basic repairs – such as cleaning the pump filter, replacing a door seal or fitting carbon brushes – are within the capability of a careful DIYer. However, working on electrical components is genuinely dangerous, and some parts can carry charge even after unplugging. Always read our DIY repair safety guide before starting, and if in doubt, call a professional.
How much does washing machine repair cost in the UK?
A typical washing machine repair by a qualified engineer costs between £80 and £180 including parts, depending on the fault and the engineer. Simple jobs such as a pump filter clean or door seal replacement sit at the lower end. Major faults such as drum bearings or a control board replacement sit at the higher end, and may not be economical on an older machine.