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Updated on 18th May, 2023 by Martin Astley
If your washing machine has stopped spinning, it has effectively become useless. You will need to call an engineer to come out and repair the appliance; failing to do that, you must purchase a new washing machine as a replacement until and unless you get insurance for white goods.
Why do washing machines stop spinning?
1. 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 fail due to overuse.
But even a modern washing machine belt can break and stop the machine from spinning, especially if it is not fitted correctly during manufacturing. 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 looking at the belt (otherwise known as the drive belt).
The belt should be pretty tight but not too tight; it should not look slack but should not be so tight as to be unable to move. If the belt has snapped, you might need a replacement; if it has fallen off, there is probably something defective within the washing machine.
Fixing a belt is not necessarily complicated, although you may need an experienced tradesman to remove it and replace it with the right belt for your machine. If you don’t have a washing machine cover, expect to face a hefty call-out fee!
2. 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 it is full.
You can tell if the carbon brushes have broken down because they will look damaged and perhaps even 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.
3. Computer and programming faults
Nowadays, washing machines contain computers that are likely more powerful than the computers we would have had in our homes a few decades ago. These controls can assess whether a load exceeds 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 appropriately calibrated, the washing machine will not spin or reach its top spin speed.
4. 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, call an engineer! 24|7 Home Rescue provides reliable kitchen appliance insurance that covers multiple white goods. All you need to do is call us at 0345 3192 247.
Our technical teams will run some simple diagnostics to see if it can be fixed over the phone, and if not, they’ll send a manufacturer engineer.
Don’t attempt to repair the appliance unless you’re confident in what you’re doing. A few things could go wrong, including jamming, electrocution, burns, scalds, cuts, and much more. We’ve got several highly skilled engineers up and down the country, so you’ll never be far from help when needed.
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.
