Check the water level.
Sometimes, it's more frustrating to see a machine that's partially working rather than one that is totally broken. This is especially true of the novice do-it-yourselfer, who knows that they're close to having the solution but isn't quite sure what to do next. If you're having this kind of problem with your washing machine tub, which won't fill up with enough water for your laundry, your troubles will be over in just a few minutes.
To understand exactly why a washing machine tub might not fill with a proper amount of water, it will help to know how machines "know" when they have enough water in the first place. Devices like dishwashers have level detectors that let the machine know that there's a sufficient amount of water in the machine. The washing machine has a water level switch, as well.
Note: Before you start working on this problem, be sure that your washing machine is disconnected from your electrical power. For all of your plugged-in appliances, it's best to avoid these kinds of problems simply by unplugging them before you begin.
The way a water level switch often works in a washing machine is relatively simple: the more water there is in the machine, the more the air pressure builds up. The water level detector keeps tabs on this air pressure and knows when the water is built up to a sufficient height. When your machine isn't filling with enough water, a problem with the water level switch can often be the culprit.
In order to make sure that your water level switch is working effectively, you'll want to test it (of course, the power to your washing machine should be disconnected!). Here's a good guide to testing your water level switch that will help you understand how the switch works and how to test it.
If you are still having problems with your switch, there's a possibility you might need to call in a repairman or have the part simply replaced. If you believe it needs to be replaced, it might be a good idea to contact the manufacturer and find out the part that you'll need.
After you've made the adjustments and hopefully fixed your washing machine, plug it back in and try it out. How is the water level now? If you're still having problems, you'll have to check other parts of your machine. Again: disconnect before tinkering!
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Posted by Fix Handyman on December 10, 2009 in
Handyman, How to Fix, Laundry Room, appliances
Washing Machine Woes?
Washing machines can be great conveniences, much like dishwashers - we gain countless time because a machine is taking care of some household chores for us. Of course, there's no time that this convenience is more apparent then when the washing machine is
broken. If you've come across a washing machine that has no water entering it, you may feel like your life is on hold until you can get some clean clothes! That's exactly why this article will help you troubleshoot the problem.
When no water is entering the washing machine - or you notice that there's no available cold or hot water - there are a number of things that can be going wrong:
The water supply valves: In a classic case of the old "make sure it's turned on," you'll want to make sure your water valves are up and operational. Did someone accidentally turn them off? If so, you'll want to get them running again. It can't hurt to give these valves an inspection even if they're on, simply because this will help you potentially diagnose the problem. In addition to the water supply valves, you'll want to check the entire supply line for any problems. If you've got no water, the water supply lines and water valves are a good spot to start checking for damage.
The filter screens: It also won't hurt to check your washing machine filter screens in order to see if there's any major obstruction that might mean water is being blocked out of your appliance. Even if there's not a total clog, it'd be a good idea to take this time to clean those filters so that water is flowing through naturally.
The water level switch: Note: before you check or test the water level switch, it's a good idea to disconnect the power to the washing machine. In fact, any time you try to fix an appliance like this, you'll want to avoid having the power running. You can check the water level switch to make sure it's working properly and not sending any signals that might have an impact on the level of water that is allowed to come into your washing machine.
The water temperature switch: Make sure that the water temperature switch is working properly. If you're having trouble with the lack of cold or hot water, this may be the exact thing that's causing your problem.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on November 26, 2009 in
Handyman, How to Fix, Laundry Room, appliances
Water damage.
Let's face it - with all of the economic and financial issues troubling us these days, the last thing most people need is another expense that will add more frown wrinkles to your face. So when you realize that you're paying way too much for your water usage, are you prepared to actually go ahead and fix it, or do you simply sigh and try to find the extra money for this month?
Sigh no more. Let's take a look at some ways you can fix those high water costs and bring them back down where they belong.
First, let's start with a simple trick. Your toilet fills with water during every flush, including in the toilet tank. But once your water gets up to a certain level, it stops. If you want to displace some of this water volume, fill up a water bottle and place it in the toilet tank. Since this displaces water, you'll start saving water after each and every flush. Just make sure that you know how a toilet works, or else you might end up doing more harm than you originally intended. (By the way, if you have a toilet flushing more than 1.6 gallons per flush, it's time for a new toilet).
Next, remember that a lot of the water you use in your house goes through your washing machine. You may think that you drink a lot of water, but it's nothing compared to the amount of water you might be using for clothes. You can cut down on this water by simply doing less loads of laundry. Don't be wasteful with this water, so only wash clothes that actually need to be washed - make sure that you wear some clean clothes more than once and that you don't end up washing too many clean clothes. This will cut down on the amount of loads of laundry you have to perform every week.
Also, be sure to monitor the water that you waste. If you keep a bucket of "greywater" around, you can dump the water you didn't drink from a glass in there and use it to water plants.
There's plenty more to learn about fixing your problem with high water costs. The most important thing is to look at your individual situation, find out where much of your water usage comes from, and work to optimize your own water expenses.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on October 21, 2009 in
Handyman, How to Fix, appliances, toilet, water
Save money fix it yourself.
For anyone who's ever seen a dish washer or washing machine break down, the struggle of man vs. technology can seem like a mighty one. This is particularly true if you don't have a lot of experience in working with appliances or other around-the-home machinery. In those cases, you're often at the mercy of the contractor's schedule. If waiting for a repairman to "get around to it" isn't in the cards for you, you'll want to fix your own appliances. There's good news: doing so will help you save money. But you need to figure it out first.
First, make sure you keep all of your owner's manuals in one safe place, usually in a storage box somewhere in your basement or attic. If you don't have an owner's manual for the appliance that broke down, you can still try to find one online, or see if there's a phone number printed on the side of an appliance that might be able to help. The owner's manual is there for a reason: the problem isn't that it doesn't help, but that many people forget to use it.
You can also conduct an online search to do your own research into the appliance. There are some Web sites out there that will be able to show a diagram of the appliance you're working with, and even tell you where you might find some replacement parts.
Fixing a machine usually requires two steps: diagnosis and repair/replacement. The hard part is diagnosis: if you don't understand the inner workings of a machine, you probably won't be able to figure out why your washing machine won't drain or why your dish washer has gone haywire. That's why owner's manuals can come in handy, offering blueprint-like guides to the inner workings of each appliance.
Once you've diagnosed a problem, you have to see if it's fixable or not. If you can snap something back into alignment or flip a switch that shouldn't have been unflipped, repairs will be relatively easy. But if parts have worn down beyond repair, you'll have to order a new replacement part. Don't fret; this is something that the repairman would have had to have done anyway. Figure out the name of the part and call some hardware stores in your area to figure out if you've found the right one. Then you can simply pick it up, along with anything else you might need to purchase.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on August 24, 2009 in
Handyman, How to Fix, appliances
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