Your washing machine is one of the most important household appliances. Instead of putting in time and effort washing every piece of cloth individually, you can simply put a batch inside and let the machine do the job. However, sometimes, washing machines tend to run into problems such as a jammed door. While it may seem an easy problem to fix, but it can be frustrating as well. If the door is completely jammed, you may even need to consult an appliance repair expert. So, let’s take a look at some potential reasons and how you can unlock the door.
Drainage Problem
One of the reasons your washing machine door is jammed is because there is still water in the drum. Once the machine is done running the cycle, it will remove the water. But, if for some reason you observe that the water is still there, it means there is most likely a drainage problem.
Many washing machines have the safety feature that prevents the door from opening until the water exits. So, in other words, the problem itself might not be with the door itself but a feature. This means you will need to make sure you are not applying too much pressure or forcing the door to open as it can damage the locking mechanism.
To drain your washing machine, you will need to put in manual effort. You should read the user manual and follow the instructions for easy draining. If the problem is in the drum, the water may need to be removed manually. Plus, you can also access the drain pipe to check for clogs.
Follow the user manual and try to find out ways to help the water exit. If you are not able to do so, you will need to consult an expert.
Door Is Jammed
While the drainage problem is one thing which can also cause bad odor, the door might be jammed because the handle is broken or the mechanism has malfunctioned. Although such components take quite a bit of beating until giving up, external factors such as humidity and moisture can take a toll on them.
A good thing is that it’s easy to check both issues. If you grab the handle and find it hard to pull or something else unusual, it means the handle is not working properly. Plus, if you notice that the handle seems to be fine but the door is not able to release itself, it means the lock is jammed.
If the washing machine happens to be old, there is a chance rust is causing the problem. Check if your washing machine comes with a thermal interlock. When the device heats up, it expands and locks the door. So, it only goes back to its original state when the machine cools down. Then, it unlocks the door. Make sure that you give it a bit of time before trying to reopen it again.
On the other hand, if the handle is broken, you might be able to get the door open using the thing string method. You will have to move the string along the door frame so that it moves the hook and opens the door. If that does not work out, you will need to consult the user manual and find out a way to manually release the door.
Washing Machine Door Won’t Lock
Apart from the door being jammed, it could also be that once you get it to open, you might not be able to close it again. This is yet another frustrating problem that can take a lot of effort and time to fix. The problem in this case is most likely the locking mechanism.
As mentioned earlier, the locking mechanism can malfunction due to a variety of reasons. If you observe that the door does not make a clicking sound while closing, it means the locking mechanism is not working at all. To fix the issue, you will need to replace the door lock.
Broken Pressure Switch
Modern washing machines come with a pressure switch that is mostly located at the top of the machine or near the front if it happens to be a front-load machine. The pressure is designed to inform the machine about the water level. It will release the lock once the water level has gone down.
But, if it happens to malfunction, the switch won’t release the lock as it will tell the machine that it is still full of water. You might be able to fix the issue temporarily by unplugging the machine once the locking mechanism has cooled down. You will need to replace the locking mechanism after that.
Dishwashers also have a water pressure switch. Due to a failed pressure switch, a dishwasher won’t fill with water. Call in a dishwasher repair Fairfax technician for its replacement.
Additional Washing Machine Problems
While a jammed washing machine door is one thing, you need to be familiar with or beware of some other problems that are common in washing machines as well. Here are a few common problems you should consider.
Washing Machine Is Making Weird Noises
If your washing machine happens to be old, do not be surprised if it starts to make weird noises. The reason is that washing machines comprise several different components. These components consist of bearings, nuts, and bolts that tend to wear out with time.
So, if you hear a squeaking sound, it means there is a bearing problem. But, if you hear some other sound, you will need to immediately shut down the unit and look for the problem. If possible, try to access the machine using the user manual and make sure that you do not do it while the machine is hot.
Otherwise, you will need to consult an expert who can personally visit and inspect the machine.
The Washing Machine Isn’t Turning On
Washing machines not turning on is one of the most common issues faced by users. Because it can happen due to a variety of reasons, you will need to put in a bit of effort and time to find out the source of the problem. If the machine happens to be old, it could be that the control panel has stopped working.
This usually happens when the ECU has malfunctioned. However, before you can get that checked, you will need to make sure there isn’t a power issue. It might be that the power socket has malfunctioned and it isn’t supplying any power to the machine.
If that is the case, you will need to replace the socket and plug the machine in some other for a while.
How To Avoid Washing Machine Issues?
The best way to avoid washing machine issues is by scheduling professional maintenance. One thing you need to keep in mind is that washing machines like other household appliances need regular maintenance. Ideally, you should get it professionally inspected and maintained at least once every year.
This helps the professionals thoroughly clean and try to spot any issues that might become a problem later on. Plus, you might think it is expensive but in reality, you are paying to prevent future unexpected problems from popping up, which makes it an investment.
Conclusion
A jammed door is a common issue in washing machines. Make sure that you follow the user manual regarding maintenance and hire a washer repair Alexandria expert to look after it as well.
