If your washing machine has stopped spinning, it has effectively become useless. You will need to call an engineer round to repair the appliance, and failing that, will need to purchase a replacement.
If your washing machine stopped spinning and you have washing machine breakdown cover with 24|7 Home Rescue then you simply have to give us a call and we will send someone round to your home to take a look at the appliance and get it working again.
Why do washing machines stop spinning?
Belts
Many new washing machines have incredibly resilient and sturdy belts that will not stretch or break for the whole lifetime of the appliance. Older models can have more temperamental belts, which can break due to overuse.
But even a modern washing machine belt can break and stop the washing machine from spinning, especially if they were not fitted properly during the manufacturing process. This defect is a common cause of washing machine breakdowns; check to see whether this is the cause of your problem by removing the washing machine cover and taking a look at the washing machine belt (otherwise known as the drive belt).
The belt should be quite tight, but not too tight – it should not look slack, but should not be too tight as to be unable to move. If the belt has snapped, you might just need a replacement; if it has fallen off then there is probably something defective within the washing machine.
Fixing a belt is not necessarily complicated, although you may need to use an experienced tradesman to remove the belt and replace it with the right belt for your machine. If you don’t have washing machine cover, expect to face a hefty call-out fee!
Carbon Brushes
Over time, all components of washing machines can degrade and break down, and carbon brushes are no exception. The carbon brushes are a part of the washing machine’s motor, and when they become worn, they can prevent the motor from running when the washing machine is full.
You can tell if the carbon brushes have broken down because they will look damaged and perhaps even look slightly burned. If there is no sign of sootiness or charring, and if the brushes look like they are connecting with the motor properly, then it is likely that the cause of your washing machine breakdown is something else
Computer and programming faults
Nowadays, washing machines contain computers that are likely more powerful than the computers we would have in our homes a few decades ago. These controls can assess whether a load is exceeding the appliance’s load capacity, determine the balance control of the washing machine and set up the timing and speed of spins.
If the programming is not calibrated properly, then the washing machine will not spin or will not reach its top spin speed.
Clogged filters
A washing machine with clogged filters may not spin properly or at all. Look inside your washing machine to see whether or not water is draining from it properly, and clean out your filters if you can.
The software within the washing machine will prevent the drum from spinning if it still contains a lot of water. See whether anything is clogged in the drain pump or that the drainage is working properly – look at our page ‘My washing machine is not draining‘ for further information.
Can’t fix it?
If you have not been able to fix the problem yourself, then call an engineer! 24|7 Home Rescue has a range of service plans suitable for any home emergency so just call us on 0345 3192 247 to find out more or contact us through our website.
Or call us today for urgent assistance. Our technical teams will run through some simple diagnostics to see if it can be fixed over the phone and if not, they’ll send a manufacturer engineer where possible to take a look.
Don’t attempt to repair the appliance yourself unless you’re really confident what you’re doing. A number of things could go wrong including risks of jamming, electrocution, burns, scalds, cuts and much more. We’ve got a number of highly skilled engineers up and down the country – so you’ll never be far from help when you need it most.
247 Home Rescue accepts no liability for any injuries or damages you sustain following the advice on this website. If in doubt, seek professional assistance.
