Maintenance · Washer
How to keep your washer running
Washers fail for boring reasons: a coin in the pump, too much soap, a hose that cracked, a machine that was never level. Each of these is ten minutes of prevention and a service call to repair.
- Proudly CanadianOttawa-based team
- BBB accreditedRepairWell, our operator
- 15+ yearsin appliance repair
- Insured technicianslicensed for gas work
- Satisfaction guaranteed90-day warranty on replaced parts
- Free diagnosticwhen you go ahead with the repair
The checklist
| Task | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Clean the pump filter | Every 2 months (front-loaders) | Behind the small door at the bottom front. Towel ready: it holds water. Coins, hair ties and small socks collect here and cause the drain codes we see most. |
| Wipe the door boot | After the last load of the day | Pull the rubber fold back and wipe it dry; leave the door ajar. This is what stops the musty smell, and it keeps grit from tearing the boot. |
| Use HE detergent, and less of it | Every load | Front-loaders and most modern top-loaders need high-efficiency detergent. Extra suds leave residue, foam past seals and can trigger suds errors mid-cycle. |
| Run a hot maintenance wash | Monthly | The hottest cycle with a washer cleaner or a cup of white vinegar, empty. It clears detergent film from the drum and the parts you can't reach. |
| Check the hoses and taps | Every season | Look at both fill hoses for bulges or cracks and replace rubber hoses at about five years. Close the taps if you're away for more than a few days. |
| Keep it level | When it walks or bangs | A washer that shakes or walks is usually unlevel or has a worn shock absorber. Adjust the feet until it doesn't rock corner to corner. |
| Don't overload | Every load | Bulky loads strain the bearings, belt and motor and are the usual cause of unbalanced-load stops. Half-full to three-quarters is the sweet spot. |
Signs it's past maintenance
- Water left in the drum
- Musty smell
- Loud roar in the spin
- Walks across the floor
- Door stays locked
If you're seeing any of these, maintenance won't fix it. Book a visit: the diagnostic is free when you go ahead with the repair.
Related problem guides
Washer not drainingA tub full of grey water is alarming, but this is one of the most fixable washer faults. Most of the time…Washer smells musty or mouldyFront-loaders in particular trap moisture in the door seal and sump. Most smells clear with cleaning and…Washer loud noise during spinA roar like a jet engine on spin is the classic sign of worn tub bearings. Other noises have cheaper causes,…Washer shaking, walking or unbalancedSome shaking at high spin is normal. Violent shaking, a washer that moves across the floor, or repeated…Front-load washer door won't openFront-loaders lock the door while there is water in the drum or the drum is moving. A door that stays locked…