5 Common Washing Machine Plumbing Issues and How to Fix Them

Your washing machine is such an important appliance, but it could be the cause of many common plumbing issues.

Leakages through the washer and drainage problems are some of the most frequently encountered common plumbing troubles that often disrupt your daily routine and cause a lot of nuisance. Knowing what caused them can help one learn how to handle them in no time without wasting time and money, as well as the hassle of dealing with a faulty machine.

We are going to discuss the five most common problems of washing machine plumbing, how to repair them, and when to call a professional in the act.

1. Leaky Washing Machine

No doubt, a leaking washing machine is one of the most common complaints that every homeowner might face. It may leak through a cracked hose, loose connection, or old seals. And this water leakage, apart from wasting the water, affects your walls and floors with water damage and requires more extensive and expensive repairs.

This can only be achieved by looking closely at the hoses and where the hoses attach to and checking for cracked or near-failure characteristics of the hoses. If the hoses are old, it probably would be advisable to replace them with new hoses. Inspect the gasket on the door for cracks or rips and replace it as needed. You should also ensure that the washing machine is level. An imbalanced machine may cause excessive movement, which may result in leakage over time. Checking on these parts from time to time will not only prevent leaks but also extend the life of your washing machine.

Sometimes, it is due to some malfunctioning parts of the device itself, like a leaky water pump or tub. If the source cannot be traced or if the leakage persists even after efforts made by the owner, then it will be best to call professional plumbing services. It will be determined by an expert plumber what causes the leak and the best remedy for your case to ensure that your washing machine is running smoothly without leaking.

2. Clogged Drain Pipes

Clogged drain pipes are probably one of the most common problems frequently experienced in machine plumbing. With time, lint and soap scum can leave lumps in the drain pipes and thus cause very slow draining or blockage that could cause water to back up into the machine or spill over the floor, which indeed is a messy situation.

One can also clear out a clogged pipe with a plumbing snake or drain cleaner. This will involve you detaching the drain hose off of your washing machine. Then you drive down through the pipe, the rod of the plunger loosening the obstruction. Alternatively, you could have a biodegradable drain cleaner as your chemical solution.

Regular cleaning by running a hot water cycle with vinegar or a special washing machine cleaner will prevent clogs. These cleaning cycles dissolve soap scum and other residue; this keeps your drain pipes clear and your washing machine working efficiently. One other method of preventing clogging of your drain hose is to install a lint trap at the end of the hose. In this way, the debris cannot all go straight into the pipes, thereby lowering the chances of possibilities for clogs to happen.

However, if it is serious, or you simply do not want to bother trying to remove the blockages in your pipes yourself, then by all means, don't hesitate to hire some professional plumbing service to come in and clear the blockages and have them inspect your pipes for other issues that may have caused the clog in the first place, such as faulty installation or damage to the drain pipe.

3. Water Supply Problems

Some problems in your water supply might also affect the performance of your washing machine. For instance, if your machine fails to draw water in or takes a long time to fill up, then such problems will probably have to do with the problems in your water supply valves or hoses. Such problems in water supply may disrupt your laundry schedule and sometimes imply more severe problems in your plumbing system in your home.

Such water supply problems may distract your laundry time schedule and sometimes indicate more serious issues connected with the plumbing system of your house.

Begin by checking the water supply valves. Check them so that they are opened completely; the valves are usually behind the washing machine and regulate how much hot and cold water enters the washing machine. If those valves are half way open or stuck, the flow of the water is affected, and then this will directly affect the efficiency of the machine.

Next, check the hoses for kinking, damage, or wear. A kinked hose will starve the machine of water, and a leaking hose may leak while the machine is in operation. Inspect the hoses and replace any that are damaged. Sediment accumulation in hoses can starve the machine of water, too, so clean them or replace them. You may also install sediment filters in your water lines that feed your washer so that it would prevent all debris from entering the washer and causing blockages inside the washer.

If you've addressed all of the issues above yet the problem still persists, then it would mean that it's more serious with the plumbing problem. For instance, there may be low pressure in your house's water supply. You should contact a professional to diagnose the situation and follow up with the solution suggested by him. Otherwise, damage to your washing machine and other appliances may increase because all these issues require immediate attention.

4. Installation Issues in Washing Machines

A few of the biggest plumbing issues that go along with a washing machine are leaks, poor drainage, and excessive vibration. Poorly installed washing machines do not perform at their full potential, reduce their lifespan, and are often more prone to needing repairs. Chances are that the installation was not done properly if you are reading this with the introduction of a new washing machine recently and you are experiencing difficulties.

Ensure the connections are tight and that the machine is level. An unlevelled unit can cause excessive vibration with the spin cycle, which will loosen connections, leak through joints, and, in some cases, may damage the internal components of the unit. Balance the unit by checking its level with a spirit level and then adjusting the feet to achieve a level position.

The drain hose needs to be properly connected and set at the right height to permit the outlet pipe, and it should be given a high loop so that it does not cause backflow, which allows water to siphon back into the machine and subsequently causes drainage problems.

If you are not yet quite sure about installation or still have trouble, consider hiring professional plumbers so all pieces will be installed properly. An experienced plumber will check whether the connections are secure, if it is level, and if it drains well without any problem, then all is set.

5. Home Plumbing Service

Some washing machine plumbing problems can be dealt with through home plumbing service, but you must consider your limits. Most homeowners will undertake the simplest chores, such as changing hoses, unclogging the drain, or levelling the machine. More difficult problems, such as valves malfunctioning, internal leaks, or electrical faults, require professional help.

Trying to diagnose these problems without professional help might make things worse for you, as it could damage your washing machine, void its guarantee, or even endanger your own safety and health. If you have no idea how electrical appliances work, handling electrical components may lead to forming short circuits and electrical shock that will seriously endanger your safety. While on the other hand, poor fixing of your plumbing may lead to leaks, and before long, it may lead to water-damaged property and increasing the cost of repairs later on.

In case you have doubts, seek professionals since it pays to get experts. An experienced plumber will identify the problem correctly, bring you the expertly repaired result, and ensure that your washing machine washes both safely and efficiently. You may save more time, money, and hassle out of having an appliance that is malfunctioning by investing in professional help.

More frustrating, though, is a problem in the washing machine plumbing system, but still, with knowledge, many issues are dealt with effectively and efficiently. Whether it is a dripping washing machine, clogged pipes, or water supply problems, it saves one time and money in the long run knowing the common causes and when to call the professionals. Regular maintenance, proper installation, and timely repairs would make the washing machine continue working for its intended purpose with ease of requirement.

Hassling your washing machine?

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Fill out our GET FREE QUOTE form or call us today at 02080887170 to get our washing machine plumbing service so that your washing machine will run smoothly and efficiently!