If your washer has stopped working, don’t panic—learning how to repair your washing machine can save time and money. In Saudi Arabia, many households depend on this essential appliance for daily convenience. Whether your washer won’t start, drain properly, or is making loud noises, understanding basic washing machine troubleshooting can help you solve problems quickly.
From checking the lid latch switch to inspecting the motor drive belt, even minor repairs can restore performance. This complete guide for Saudi homeowners will walk you through simple, safe steps to identify and fix issues so your washing machine runs smoothly again without professional help.
Understanding How a Washing Machine Works
A washing machine uses a combination of water pressure, electrical components, and mechanical motion to clean your clothes. Inside, the washer motor powers the agitator cogs or drum bearings to spin and wash garments.
Most models—whether front-load washers or top-load washers—use a control board that manages every function: filling, agitating, spinning, and draining. If even one part, like the lid latch switch or motor drive belt, stops working, the entire cycle can fail. Understanding these basics makes it easier to pinpoint problems during washing machine troubleshooting.
Common Washing Machine Problems and Their Causes
Washing machines can fail for several reasons. Some common issues include a washer that won’t start, water not draining, or a machine that vibrates too much.
In most cases, problems come from faulty drain pumps, clogged drain hoses, or worn-out tub bearings. Electrical faults such as a tripped circuit breaker or damaged control board can also stop your washer completely. At Alarfeen Maintenance, we often find that small issues—like an unbalanced washing machine or a loose motor drive belt—can cause bigger breakdowns if ignored.
Safety Precautions Before Repairing Your Washing Machine
Before beginning any washing machine repair, safety comes first. Always unplug the appliance and shut off the water supply valves to avoid electrical shock or leaks.
If you’re checking the drain pump or motor belt, wear insulated gloves and ensure your laundry area is dry. A simple mistake, like forgetting to reset the circuit breaker, can cause unnecessary damage. At Alarfeen Maintenance, our trained professionals always double-check safety before touching a single wire.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Repairing a washer doesn’t require expensive gear. You’ll need a multimeter, adjustable wrench, screwdriver set, and flashlight. For deeper issues, keep replacement parts like vibration pads, shock absorbers, or a new water inlet valve on hand.
In our Saudi appliance repair workshops, we recommend labeling small screws and clips so nothing gets lost during reassembly. The right tools make every washing machine troubleshooting job smoother and safer.
How to Repair a Washing Machine That Won’t Turn On
A washer that won’t start usually has a power or connection issue. First, check if it’s properly plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If the lid latch switch is faulty, the washer won’t detect that the door is closed and won’t begin the cycle.
Reset the machine—yes, learning how to reset a washing machine can solve many minor glitches. Unplug it for one minute, then plug it back in. If the control board still doesn’t light up, the issue may be internal wiring or a blown fuse. Alarfeen Maintenance technicians can diagnose and replace faulty parts quickly if the washer remains unresponsive.
How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won’t Spin or Agitate
If your washer fills with water but doesn’t spin or move, the problem is often with the motor drive belt or agitator cogs. Over time, these parts wear down, causing the washer to hum without movement.
For a top-load washer, try redistributing clothes to balance the drum. An unbalanced washing machine will automatically pause to prevent damage. If that doesn’t help, open the back panel and inspect the motor belt for cracks or slippage. Front-load models may also have worn drum bearings or faulty shock absorbers that stop spinning altogether.
How to Repair a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain or Fill Properly
When a washer won’t drain or fill, the first suspect is a clogged drain hose or drain pump. Unplug the washer and remove the back panel to inspect the hose for lint or small debris.
If water still won’t flow, the water inlet valve could be blocked by mineral buildup. Cleaning it with vinegar and a soft brush often restores water pressure. At Alarfeen Maintenance, we’ve seen many cases where replacing a $10 hose saves clients hundreds in unnecessary part replacements.
How to Fix a Washer That’s Making Loud Noises or Vibrating
A noisy washer or one that shakes across the floor can indicate worn tub bearings, damaged shock absorbers, or loose connection straps on stacked units.
To perform a washing machine vibration fix, ensure the machine is level. Place vibration pads beneath the feet to reduce noise and motion. If you still hear grinding or thumping, the drum bearings might need lubrication or replacement. Consistent maintenance prevents your washer from becoming a noisy nightmare.
Repairing a Washing Machine That Won’t Clean Clothes Properly
If your clothes come out dirty or soapy, your washing machine won’t clean clothes due to residue buildup or too much detergent. Use less soap and run a hot cleaning cycle once a month with vinegar and baking soda.
Sometimes the issue lies with weak agitation or blocked drain pumps, which prevent proper rinsing. we recommend separating heavy and light fabrics to improve water circulation and ensure every garment gets thoroughly cleaned.
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Longer Washing Machine Life
Routine washing machine maintenance helps your appliance last years longer. Wipe the gasket and door seals weekly to prevent mold. Check the motor drive belt, control board, and drain pump every few months for wear.
Schedule a professional repair washing machine near me service once a year to inspect deeper components like the washer motor or tub bearings. As the saying goes, “A little maintenance today prevents major repair tomorrow.”
At Alarfeen Maintenance, we help in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia homeowners extend appliance life through proper care, timely part replacements, and expert home appliance repair tips.
Example of Common Washing Machine Issues and Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
| Washer won’t start | Circuit breaker or lid latch switch issue | Reset power or replace switch |
| Washer won’t drain | Clogged drain hose or drain pump | Clean out lint and debris |
| Washer makes noise | Worn drum bearings or shock absorbers | Replace bearings or pads |
| Washer vibrates | Unbalanced load or missing vibration pads | Rebalance and stabilize machine |
| Washer won’t clean | Too much detergent or weak agitation | Clean drum and adjust soap levels |
Conclusion
Repairing your own washing machine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right knowledge, tools, and guidance, anyone can fix washing machine problems safely. But if your washer won’t drain or fill, keeps vibrating, or won’t start no matter what you try, it’s time to call the experts at Alarfeen Maintenance.
From front-load washer repair to top-load washer issues, we’re here across the Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to make sure your laundry runs smoothly again. A well-maintained machine isn’t just convenient—it’s peace of mind.
FAQs:
What’s the average cost to repair a washing machine?
The average washing machine repair cost in the SA ranges from $150 to $400, depending on the issue and brand.
Is it worth repairing a washing machine?
Yes, if your washer is less than 8 years old and the repair costs under half the price of a new one, it’s worth fixing.
What is the most common washing machine failure?
The most common failure is a faulty drain pump or broken lid latch switch, which stops the washer from running or draining properly.
What is the most reliable brand of washing machine?
LG and Whirlpool are considered the most reliable brands due to their durable parts and strong performance.
Which brand is No. 1 in washing machines?
LG is currently ranked the No. 1 washing machine brand in the Saudi Arabia for its efficiency, reliability, and advanced features.
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Learn how to repair your washing machine easily with expert tips to fix leaks, noise, and spin issues at home efficiently.
