Professional Washer Repair
Washer issues can disrupt daily household routines and lead to water or drainage concerns. Our technicians diagnose washing machine problems carefully using proper mechanical inspection, suspension evaluation, and manufacturer-recommended testing procedures. The goal is to restore reliable operation while addressing contributing factors that can affect long-term performance.
Common Washer Issues
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Washer not spinning or draining
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Excessive vibration or out-of-balance conditions
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Water leaks
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Unusual noises during operation
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Cycle or control failures
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Our Washer Diagnostic Process
Whether top-loading or front-loading, our inspection begins by evaluating whether the wash basket (drum) is properly centered. An out-of-round or off-center basket typically indicates a major mechanical failure—such as a gear case issue in top-load washers or a failed spin support, commonly referred to as a “spider,” in front-load machines.
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Next, we inspect the suspension system to determine whether worn or damaged components are contributing to imbalance or abnormal operation.
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Once these checks are complete, we evaluate the machine for leaks and address the specific customer concern. On most modern washers, reviewing stored error codes is a key diagnostic step. Using manufacturer-specific tools—such as GE’s SmartHQ—allows us to confirm failures accurately and avoid unnecessary parts replacement.
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After identifying the issue, we provide repair options ranging from the minimum required to resolve the immediate failure to preventative maintenance recommendations, based on our experience with your specific make and model.
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Based on our service data, approximately 85% of washer repairs are completed on the first visit due to thorough appointment triage and our extensive inventory of commonly used washer parts.
Washer Performance: What We Commonly See
Unless a homeowner already owns a Speed Queen washer or a machine built prior to roughly 2008, we find that many are dissatisfied with their washer’s performance. This is especially common with modern top-loading washers. Unlike older designs—where the tub was supported from the floor—most modern top loaders suspend the tub from above. As a result, the physics of these designs make it difficult to maintain the level of balance many homeowners expect.
The good news is that in many cases, we can significantly improve suspension performance without replacing major components.
With front-loading washers, dissatisfaction typically centers around a few recurring issues:
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Black spots on the door gasket
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Odors in clothing
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Odors inside the washer itself
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Black specs that appear on clothes, after a wash
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These issues are often resolved through a simple combination of changes:
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Perform a deep clean
The most effective way to do this is with a product called "Washer Bomb". Use as directed.
Use less detergent.
Despite fill lines or detergent cup markings, most concentrated HE detergents should be limited to no more than two tablespoons per load. Excess detergent contributes directly to residue and odor problems.
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Reevaluate detergent choice.
Persistent odors—especially in towels and athletic clothing—are often caused by detergent overuse combined with products that contain fatty acids. Powder detergents or plant-based liquid detergents tend to perform better in these situations, like those made by Buff City Detergent Co.
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Allow the machine to breathe.
Some washers include features that keep the door slightly open when not in use, while others incorporate ventilation systems such as GE’s UltraFresh Vent System. If your machine does not have either, simply leaving the door and detergent drawer open between cycles can significantly reduce odor buildup.
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While a mechanical or electrical issue may still exist within the washer, identifying and correcting these contributing factors is critical. Without addressing them, any washer—new or old—can experience reduced performance, persistent odors, and customer dissatisfaction.
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Modern washers are designed differently than older machines. Many top-load models suspend the wash basket from above rather than supporting it from the floor, which can make balance more difficult to maintain—especially with heavier or uneven loads. While this design improves efficiency and reduces water use, it often results in increased vibration and movement compared to older, mechanically supported machines. Proper suspension condition and loading habits play a major role in performance.
When Replacement Makes Sense
Replacement may be the more practical option when:
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Multiple major failures are present at the same time
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Required replacement parts are no longer available or not readily obtainable
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Structural or internal component failures are confirmed
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In these situations, investing in a new washer may be more reliable than pursuing repairs that cannot be completed effectively.
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For a deeper explanation of how we help customers evaluate repair versus replacement, click here.
We’re here to help—no matter which direction you go.
For Optimal Washer Performance:
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Use no more than two tablespoons of concentrated HE detergent per load
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Avoid mixing heavy and lightweight items in the same load (top load only)
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Leave the door and detergent drawer open between cycles to allow moisture to evaporate
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Clean the door gasket regularly, on front-load washers
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Run a monthly maintenance or cleaning cycle using Washer Bomb
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Address unusual noises, leaks, or vibration early to prevent further damage