Washing Machine Repair How washers Work
Pressure Switch
Washing machines commonly use a pressure-sensing switch to control the amount of water released by the water valve into the washing machine's tub. The washer's pressure-switch is connected to the base of the washer's outer tub with a clear rubber tube that carries air that increases in pressure as the water level in the washtub increases. When the air pressure reaches a particular level the switch will "open" stopping the flow of electricity to the water valve allowing it to drop closed, stopping the flow of water. Any pinching or holes in this tubing will not allow the pressure switch to "feel" the water pressure in the tub and will often result in the washing machine overflowing, because it thinks that the washer tub is empty and will not close the washer's water valve.
Washer Pressure Switch Repair Videos
Agitator
The agitator is the arm of any washing machine. During the wash cycle, the agitator moves back and forth to pull the clothes through the water enabling the detergent to loosen dirt and soil. The washer agitator is directly attached to a drive system that alternates between clockwise and counter clockwise rotation. Two part agitators have a separate top portion that ratchets with a cam mechanism. Small cams within the agitator top control its movement are often called agitator "dogs". These agitator dogs can become worn down due to overloading, resulting in an agitator that won't move.
Some washing machines such as GE brand washers use a plastic hub called an agitator coupling to transfer power from the drive system to the agitator. This agitator coupling can strip out over time and no longer drive the agitator, again causing an agitator that won't move.
Washer Agitator Repair Videos
Pump
All washers have a drain pump to force the dirty water up and out of the washer tub. Some washer styles also have a recirculation pump that will recycle the water in the tub back on top of the clothes to encourage clothing movement and reduce the amount of water needed to complete a wash cycle. washer pumps are ether directly attached to the washer's motor, driven by a belt from the washer motor, or the pump may have its own internal electric motor. All pumps have a relatively small paddle wheel called the impeller that spins, pushing the water in the direction of its rotation. Pumps can become clogged, or break internally causing complaints like…"My washer won't drain." Or "My washer's full of water." Most problems with a washer's pump are fairly easy to fix, just be sure you have the water in the tub under control before you remove any pump or you will have a huge mess to clean up.
Washer Pump Repair Videos
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Motor
The washing machine's motor drives the agitator, pump, and inner tub. Some washing machines are "direct drive", in which the motor is connected directly to the pump and transmission. Other washing machines use a belt drive system in which the motor applies force to the drive system and in some cases the pump with belt and pulley. On some belt driven washing machines, the pump may have its own internal motor powered separately by the timer.
And if that wasn't enough to remember some washing machines use a direct driving motor that is magnetically driven with a stator and rotor.
Washer Motor Repair Videos
Clutch
Most washing machines use a clutch to absorb some of the force generated by fast starting motors. The clutch allows the transmission to grab the tub or agitator in a gradual manner rather than all at once, which can cause damage . Some washers use a clutch mechanism while others rely on slippage and gradual tension of the belt and pulley. A worn out clutch is often responsible for a washing machine that is not spinning fast enough or wet clothes at the end of the spin cycle.
Washer Clutch Repair Videos
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