Washers are easily an essential household appliance, but like all machines, they tend to wear down over time. Understanding the parts that most frequently fail can help you maintain your laundry equipment better, spot early signs of trouble, and even avoid costly fixes. Here are the most common parts that break in washers and the reasons behind the breaks:
Why it breaks:
The drive belt connects the motor to the drum. Over time, it can become frayed, stretched, or snap due to wear and tension from regular use. If the washer drum stops spinning, the belt may be to blame.
Why it breaks:
This valve controls water flow into the washer. Sediment build-up, mineral deposits, or electrical failure can cause it to malfunction, leading to slow fills or no water at all.
Why it breaks:
The pump removes water from the washer drum. Lint, coins, or small objects can clog or damage it. A failing pump may cause water to remain in the tub after the cycle ends.
Why it breaks:
This safety feature stops the washer from spinning when the lid is open. Frequent use over time can wear it down, and if it breaks, the washer might not run at all or will stop mid-cycle.
Why it breaks:
This part connects the motor to the transmission. It often breaks under stress, especially when overloading machines. It’s a common fail-safe that protects the motor from more serious damage.
Why it breaks:
These parts keep the drum balanced. Excessive vibration, frequent overloading, or age of the appliance can cause them to wear out, resulting in loud banging noises during the spin cycle.
Knowing which parts are most vulnerable helps you be proactive about washer care. By catching signs early, you can often avoid full appliance replacements and save money in the long run. However, when problems arise, there’s no better feeling than knowing you’re covered thanks to extended coverage, like IA Service Plan. Whether it’s a minor repair, or a complete product replacement, you know you’re in good hands with IASP.