If you’re in need of washing machine and dryer repair in the greater Boston area, Kelly’s Appliance Repair is the place to turn. Our skilled technicians can solve all of your washing machine and dryer repair problems quickly and conveniently. Below, you’ll find some useful tips to troubleshoot your washing machine & dryer problems.
Repairing a faulty lid switch
A faulty lid switch in your washer and dryer can make your laundry cycle fail. These machines use a switch to detect whether the lid is open or closed to begin the spinning and draining process. Ideally, the switch should click when the lid is closed. If the switch doesn’t, you need to replace it. To access the lid switch, you need to remove the top-load washer cabinet.
To get started, you should prepare your tools and supplies. The tools needed for the lid switch replacement are two types of screwdrivers, a putty knife, and the classic ¼” nut driver. Safety is an essential consideration when attempting to replace a lid switch and you should wear work gloves, eye protection, a mask to avoid getting hurt and read these tips. After gathering your tools, you should prepare the washing machine and move it into the room where you will be working.
If you’re unable to identify the switch, you may need to disassemble it and take apart the two-wire harness. Then, connect a multimeter to the switch’s terminals. If the probes show no continuity, you need to replace the switch. The lid switch is usually mounted on the washer’s lid with screws. Make sure the screws are the right size and diameter for the switch and then tighten them.
Checking a clogged drain pump
To check a clogged drain pump for washers and dryers, you first need to locate the drain pump on the back panel. There are two hoses that connect the pump that you should be aware of when considering washing machine repair. Unplug the pump and check to see whether there are any obstructions in the drain hose or on the outlet part. If you find any, you need to replace the pump.
After checking the hoses, you should check the motor of the drain pump. This part of the appliance is powered by the main electronic control board. Sometimes, it doesn’t get power from the board. To test the drain pump motor, you can use a multimeter to check the resistance. If the resistance is between 150 and 170 ohms, it’s OK to replace the pump.
If you can’t locate the hose, check the filter. A clogged pump filter is often the culprit. A clogged drain pump filter prevents the drain pump from drawing water out of the tub, leaving clothes wet after a cycle. To test the drain pump, simply remove the filter and rinse it under running water.
Then, clean the impellers of the drain pump and replace any faulty parts. If you suspect a clog in a washer, the drain hose can be disconnected from the machine. You can then use a small hand or power drain snake to clear a blockage.
Cleaning a clogged lint screen
In case you’ve found your dryer’s lint screen clogged, it is best to clean it right away to prevent future problems. Lint accumulates throughout the venting system, and a clogged lint screen can impede airflow. If it’s too thick, you can take apart the unit to remove the screen and clean the entire area.
If you’re looking for a simple way to clean your dryer’s lint screen, try this: remove the screen by pulling it up. You can then use a hot water-based cleaner to clean the lint screen. Depending on the type of washer and dryer, you may need to remove screws to access the screen.
You can also try soaking the lint screen in a solution of half a cup of white vinegar and one cup of baking soda. This combination (www.angi.com/how-clean-dryer-lint-trap) will clean the lint screen and remove any residue it has collected. It will take a few minutes, but the results will be worth it. Use a soft brush and a sponge to wipe away any residue.
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