We’ve all been there…
We wake up, load the washing machine and as we press the start button an error code comes up.
There are so many faults that your washing machine can develop, and of course, none of them are good.
In this quick guide, we will go over the topic of loose washing machine drums where we will help you understand the problem better and possible ways to resolve it.
Let’s get started.
5 common signs of a loose drum
If you’ve ever heard strange grinding noises coming from your washing machine or noticed irregular movements during the cycles, chances are… your drum might be the problem.
When your washing machine drum starts acting up, it’s crucial to pinpoint the underlying issue before proceeding with any repairs.
The good news is that a faulty drum can be quite easy to diagnose.
Here are some common signs of a faulty drum.
1. Faulty Bearings
Most commonly, your washing machine drum bearings would have failed if you hear loud rumbling noises during the spin cycles. To test for this, simply rotate the drum by hand. If it appears quite loose and makes a grinding noise, it’s a clear sign that your drum bearings have failed and need some attention.
2. Broken Concrete Balancing Weights
Every washing machine comes with concrete balancing weights. These weights are extremely important and once they go faulty, your washer can start shaking a lot more. To check for this, you can open the top panel of your washing machine to ensure that the concrete balancing weights are not broken. If they are broken, replacing them may be necessary.
3. Unbalanced Machine
You may also be experiencing drum problems with your washing machine because it isn’t balanced properly. Your washing machine should be completely straight and on a hard surface. You can adjust the levelling feet as required using a wrench or your hands.
4. Exceeding Drum Capacity
If you have massively exceeded the drum capacity when starting a cycle, you might notice that your washing machine drum is not working as it should be. This can easily be avoided by simply sticking to the drum capacity of your washing machine. If you exceed the drum capacity consistently, your washing machine may develop further faults.
5. Transport Bolts Not Removed
If you’ve recently purchased a brand new washing machine and it is already shaking quite violently and making strange noises, chances are that the installation was not done correctly. Every washing machine come new with four bolts located at the rear of the machine which hold the drum in place during transport. These are to be removed, and if they aren’t removed, your washing machine will shake violently and very quickly become faulty.
If the above has not been helpful, you can also check your washing machine’s door seal, shock absorbers and or drum paddles.
What causes a loose drum?
Your washing machine can develop the above faults with simple wear and tear or user negligence.
For example, if you consistently overload your drum, the faults will develop sooner rather than later.
However, if you’re rather careful, the faults won’t develop as quickly and you should have a healthy washing machine for many years to come.
When to seek professional help?
While DIY methods are effective for many drum related issues, certain situations will require professional attention.
Consider hiring a professional technician if…
- You’re unsure about the problem’s cause or you lack technical expertise.
- The problem involves electrical components, motor replacements, or complex procedures.
- Your machine is under warranty which may be void if you try to DIY repair something.
The cost of hiring a tradesperson varies based on the washing machine problem and service provider.
We recommend checking out our pricing guide on appliance repairs to get a better understanding of what it may cost to fix your product.
Conclusion
In this article we have explored the different reasons why your washing machine drum may be loose, how to fix it and finally, when to hire a professional to help.
If you’re in search for a washing machine repair provider, here at Georgi’s Services, we may be able to help.
Simply, get in contact with us.
Or… you can explore our pricing directly.