Washers
Front-load washer door stays locked
Front-loaders lock the door while there is water in the drum or the drum is moving. A door that stays locked after the cycle usually means the washer still thinks one of those is true.
- 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
Safe checks before you book
- Wait two minutes. Many washers keep the lock on for a minute or two after the cycle ends.
- Is there water inside?. If you can see water, the washer won't release the door. Run a drain or spin cycle, or see the draining guide.
- Power cycle. Switch it off at the outlet for a minute, then back on. This sometimes clears a stuck control.
- Emergency release. Many models have a release cord or tab behind the filter door. Your manual shows where. Only use it when the drum is empty and stopped.
Unplug first. Switch off power (and close the water or gas supply where it applies) before looking behind or inside an appliance. If anything feels unsafe, stop and call.
What usually causes it
| Door lock assembly | The lock or its switch fails and stays engaged. |
|---|---|
| Water not draining | A blocked pump keeps water in the drum, so the lock stays on. |
| Control board | Less often, the board that releases the lock fails. |
When to stop and call
Water in the drum and the door won't open: don't force the door. Drain it first or book.
What the visit costs
The diagnostic is free when you approve the repair and it's completed. You get the cause, the parts, labour and total in writing before any work. If you don't go ahead, it's $89 + tax for a home electric appliance, or $149 + tax for a gas appliance.