A washing machine that won’t spin can be infuriating. You’ve washed a load of laundry only to find soaking wet clothes that need to be dried in the machine again. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can damage your clothes over time.
Fortunately, there are several common issues that cause a top- or front-loading washing machine not to spin. With some basic troubleshooting, you can usually diagnose the problem and get your washer spinning again.
Common Causes of a Washing Machine Not Spinning
There are a handful of usual suspects when it comes to washers that won’t spin:
- Unbalanced load: If the load is significantly unbalanced, the washer may not spin as a safety precaution. Clothes bunched up on one side of the drum can prevent proper spinning.
- Faulty motor: The motor that powers the drum for the spin cycle could be malfunctioning. This may require professional service.
- Broken drive belt: Most washers have a drive belt that connects the motor to the drum. If this belt breaks, the drum won’t spin.
- Clogged or blocked drain pump: Drain issues can prevent your washer from spinning properly. A clog in the drain pump or hose stops the machine from emptying water during the spin.
- Defective door lock: Front-loaders have a door lock mechanism that secures the door during the spin cycle. If this is faulty, it stops the machine from spinning.
- Bad clutch: Some washers have a clutch that engages the drum for spinning. If this clutch is worn out or broken, the drum won’t spin.
- Faulty control board: The control or main electronic board regulates different washing machine functions like spinning. If it’s defective, the washer may not spin.
- Incorrect drain height: Drain hoses that are positioned too low can prevent proper draining and spinning.
Now that you know some of the most common culprits, let’s look at how to diagnose and fix a washing machine that won’t spin.
Step 1: Check for an Unbalanced Load
The first thing to check is if the wash load is unbalanced. This is one of the most common reasons a washer won’t spin.
Start by redistributing the clothes inside the drum. If it’s a top-loader, open it up and arrange the clothes evenly around the tub by hand. For front-loaders, pause the cycle and redistribute the load, making sure it’s spread evenly around the drum.
Once redistributed, restart the machine. In many cases, this alone allows the washer to spin normally. The drum needs to spin smoothly to work properly, and an unbalanced load prevents that.
If redistributing the clothes doesn’t work, remove some items to lighten the load. Try running a spin cycle with just a few pieces of laundry. If the machine spins normally with a lighter load, the issue is an unbalanced load. You’ll need to separate clothes better and run smaller loads.
Step 2: Drain and Inspect the Pump
If redistributing or reducing the load doesn’t work, the next step is to check for drain pump issues. Start by draining any water left in the machine:
- For top-loaders: Turn the machine’s power off. Locate the drain hose, typically at the back of the machine near the bottom. Place a pan or bucket underneath the end of the drain hose. Remove the hose from the washer housing. Water should empty into the pan. Once it stops, reattach the hose securely.
- For front-loaders: Turn off the power. Open the drain pump access panel on the front of the machine. Locate the drain hose and drainage pump. Place a towel underneath to catch water. Slowly remove the hose or open the pump drain plug. Let the water empty into the towel before reattaching the hose. Make sure the pump inlet screen is clean of debris before closing it back up.
With the water emptied, inspect the pump for blockages. Check inside the hose and inlet screen for items like coins, buttons, or fabric that could clog the pump. Remove any debris.
Spin the pump impeller manually to ensure it moves freely. If the pump is damaged or faulty, you’ll likely need to replace it. Contact the manufacturer for repair tips for your model.
Reattach all hoses and panels. Try running a drain and spin cycle again to see if emptying the pump resolved the issue. If the washer still won’t spin, continue troubleshooting.
Step 3: Inspect the Drain Hose
Another potential source of drain problems is the drain hose. Start by detaching the hose from the washer and inspecting it thoroughly for clogs or kinks.
Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose that could obstruct water flow. If you find any clogs, eliminate them. Kinked hoses need to be straightened out or replaced.
While detached, examine the washer’s drain outlet for obstructions as well. Use a small mirror to look for blockages. Remove any debris.
Also check that the drain hose is installed at the proper height. The hose should always be higher than the base of the washing machine and positioned to slope down following the drain path. If positioned too low, water can back up.
After inspecting for clogs, kinks and proper hose position, reattach the drain hose securely. Run the washer through a drain and spin cycle again to test if the issue is resolved.
Step 4: Test the Motor
If you’ve eliminated drain problems but the washer still won’t spin, it could point to a motor issue. The motor powers the drum for spinning.
Start by checking if the drum spins freely by hand when the machine is off. Give it a few hard turns in both directions. The drum should continue spinning a few revolutions when pushed. If not, this indicates seized bearings or motor problems.
Most motors are equipped with a reset button. With the power disconnected, locate and press this button firmly. Restore power and try a spin cycle again. If the reset doesn’t help, the motor likely needs professional service.
For front-loaders, listen for any humming coming from the motor during a failed spin cycle. No humming indicates the motor could be faulty and will probably need replacing.
Step 5: Test the Door Lock
Front-loading washers utilize a door locking mechanism during wash and spin cycles. If this lock is damaged, the washer may not spin as a precaution.
First, make sure the door is fully closed before starting a cycle. Gently tug on the door without forcing it during a spin to test the lock. It should remain firmly shut, not opening at all.
If the lock seems loose or the door opens during spin, the lock is likely faulty. Contact the manufacturer, as the replacement procedure differs depending on the model. Replacing a door lock may require professional help.
Step 6: Check the Drive Belt
Most top-loading machines use a drive belt to connect the motor to the wash drum. With the power disconnected, remove the machine’s back service panel and inspect this belt.
Check for signs of wear or damage. Move the belt manually to check for snugness. If the belt is loose, broken or deteriorating, it will need replacement. Consult the manual for proper belt specifications and replacement directions.
Step 7: Assess the Clutch
Some front-loading washers rely on an inner clutch that engages the drum for spinning. Similar to a drive belt, a damaged clutch can prevent spinning.
Access the clutch by removing the back panel. Inspect it visually and by hand for any damage or wear and tear. If the clutch is worn out, replacement is required. Clutch issues may call for professional service.
Step 8: Test the Control Board
The washer’s main control or circuit board controls all machine functions. If this board is faulty, it can stop the washer from spinning properly.
Unplug the unit and access the control board, typically located on the back or bottom of the machine. Visually inspect for any burnt or loose components. Tighten all connections and wires.
Use a multimeter to test voltage at the control board connectors during a failed spin cycle. Refer to the unit’s wiring diagram to interpret voltage readings. No power could indicate a bad control board.
Control boards often need professional diagnosis and service. Contact the manufacturer for proper troubleshooting based on your model.
Step 9: Verify Proper Installation
A final thing to check is that the washer is properly leveled and installed. An improperly positioned washer may fail to drain and spin correctly.
Ensure the unit is level side-to-side and front-to-back using a bubble level tool. Adjust the leveling feet as needed.
Check that the drain hose is positioned properly, sloping down to the drain line without any kinks. The hose should always be above the washer base.
Make sure the washer is not pushed up too tightly against walls or other objects that may obstruct ventilation and drainage.
With installation verified, run the machine through a full test cycle. If it spins normally, improper installation was the issue.
When to Call a Professional
While many spinning issues can be addressed yourself, some problems require professional assistance:
- Faulty motor or drive belt replacement
- Damaged clutch or gear case
- Control board diagnosis and replacement
- Door lock damages or malfunctions
Contact the manufacturer to find authorized repair professionals in your area. Be prepared with your machine’s model number and details about the issue.
For difficult repairs, replacement may be more cost-effective than fixer fees. Compare repair costs to a new washer.
Preventing Future Spinning Problems
Here are some tips to keep your washer spinning smoothly:
- Distribute loads evenly and avoid overstuffing
- Clean the drain pump/hose regularly
- Don’t slam or force the door closed
- Use gentle cycles for fragile items
- Level the machine properly
- Don’t overload on heavy items like clothes or blankets
Catching and addressing minor spinning issues promptly also prevents more significant damage long-term.
Washing Machine Not Spinning – Troubleshooting Key Takeaways
- Common causes include unbalanced loads, drain pump clogs, motor failure and installation problems
- Redistributing clothes and inspecting the drain pump are first troubleshooting steps
- Checking components like belts, clutches and control boards may be required
- Some repairs like control boards or clutches call for professional service
- Prevent issues by loading properly, cleaning pumps and hoses, and leveling the machine
Troubleshooting a washer that won’t spin can be tedious but is worthwhile before calling for service. With attention to detail and proper mechanical skills, you can often get your washer spinning again and avoid costly repairs.