While the Whirlpool washer is a dependable machine, sometimes it can break down at the worst moments, such as if you have decided to spend a day catching up on chores including wash or if you need something washed in a hurry.
One of the more obnoxious malfunctions is if the Whirlpool washer agitates but won’t spin; while the clothes are cleaned, the lack of a final spin means that the clothes are sopping wet and must be wrung out piece by piece before they can be placed into the dryer.
Why is My Whirlpool Washer Agitates but Won’t Spin
Many people have been experiencing problems with their Whirlpool washers that have left them feeling frustrated and angry. The problem is that the washer does not seem to spin, so they are left with clothes soaked in detergent. There are many possible reasons for this different problems can be causing the issue. Fortunately, there are some simple fixes that can be implemented.
Before You Begin
Fixing the washing machine can be simple, provided you do a few things before your begin. First, make sure that you know the location of the machine’s user manual; the manual should always be placed in a location that is easy to get to and that you know where it will be.
Second, make sure that you have the suggested tools for the machine; you should never have to improvise tools when you repair something, and improvised tools can create more damage. With those two issues dealt with you should be able to fix the washing machine.
Sometimes You May Feel Stupid
Occasionally the problem may be so-called “operator error”. Sometimes the reason it is not completing the cycle is that the washer may not be getting electricity; the plug may have come out of the socket or a breaker may have been tripped.
Check the plug and put it back in if necessary, and check the breaker. The washer may also be having a problem with an unbalanced load usually because of a bulky piece or two; readjust the load so that it is better balanced and try again.
You should also confirm that you are using the right detergent; heavier suds than the washer is ready for can trip a sensor signaling that the load is too large and stop the washer.
The Other Power Problem
A washer requires more electricity than most extension cords can handle. First, you should never use an extension cord for your washer: It shortens the lifespan of your washer dramatically and can also lead to burnout and fires. That said, a regular extension cord usually does not allow enough electricity through to the washer, and it may even be overheating and shutting off before it hits the washer’s spin cycle.
Unplug the washer from any extension cord and plug it straight into the wall. That should fix the problem.
Check the Level of Your Washer
Some models, especially older models, tend to shake during the spin cycle. In and of itself it is not a problem, but sometimes extra vibration or noise, while it is running, may be a sign that the machine is off-kilter.
A quick check with a level on top of the washer will tell you if the machine is uneven; just adjust the height of the individual legs of the washer until the level flattens out. At that point, you can rerun the washer to confirm if the problem has been solved or not.
The Blocked Drain
We all forget to check our pockets occasionally, and so small objects will find themselves in the wash. Invariably those objects will end up in the wash, and sometimes they will end up in the drain, and then they become a problem by blocking the drain.
You should be able to access the drain pump on the back near the bottom of the machine, while some models will have it under the back, necessitating detaching the machine.
Remember to unplug the washer before detaching it. You should remove any hose clamps then reattach everything and plug your machine back in. Also, check to see if the drain hose is kinked; that could be a problem as well.
The Belt May Not Be Driving
The spin cycle requires a working drive belt; if the drive belt is broken or just off the pulley, then the machine will not spin. The machine may enter into the spin cycle, and it may even show the right lights, but the drum itself will not be spinning.
You will need to unplug your machine and open up the back of the machine. If the drive belt has fallen off the pulley then you just need to put it back on, but a broken belt will need to be replaced before the spin cycle works.
You May Need to Call In A Repairman
Sadly, there are going to be times when you need to call in a repairman; this is when you should check to see if the warranty is still good. The repairman may need to replace parts in order to get the machine working and so it can get expensive, especially for an older machine with hard-to-find parts. Some models have carbon brushes that need to be replaced in order to get the machine up and running, but sometimes it can be the motor. As a motor can cause a shock even if the machine is unplugged, it is important for a professional to deal with it.
It can also be the drain pump, which can be determined by using a multimeter on the pump’s motor connection to determine continuity. If they are not viable, then you need a repairman to replace the pump.
What You’ve Been Missing
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Final Words
It should be noted that most of these are simple fixes, but a few do require calling in a repairman. If your Whirlpool washer agitates but won’t spin and you cannot fix it yourself, do not hesitate to call in the professional; while it may be expensive, usually the repairman may just need to order the right part.
Not everyone masters every skill, and the skill you may not have mastered is mechanical; trying to repair it yourself may end up creating bigger problems. Regardless of which method you end up implementing, just use the one that works best for you and your Whirlpool washer will be back and running like normal in no time.