I think we have all experienced this one at some point. You hear the washer shut off and you think the cycle is done. Only, when you open the lid, you see a full barrel of dirty water. The machine has not drained and your clothes are still soaking wet. What can you do?
Master Reset
The first and easiest reset is the same thing that they tell you when you can in about your internet not working… unplug the washer, allow it to sit for about a minute, then plug it back in. Then, open and closer the lid on the washer six times in less than 12 seconds. I promise you, this not a prank but rather a master reset sequence that is programmed into some washers. If your washer is one them, this should reboot the system and you will be good to go.
Lid Switch Assembly
If the master reset did not work, it could be an issue related to the switch assembly. This is a security feature put in place for the washer to only be operational when the lid is down and locked into place. Try triggering the lid switch with your finger. If that works, the stem on the lid may not be long enough to trigger the switch, so it will have to be replaced.
Check the Drain Hose
If you recently moved the washer around, the drain hose could be kinked in the back. Check behind the washer to make sure this is not the case.
You can also check the drain hose for any clogs at this point. Sometimes a small piece of clothing can get through and stuck in the hose (now you know where the sock monster lives). Just keep in mind, if you are going to remove that hose to check for blockages, if there is a blockage, all of that water that is in there will come rushing out once you free up the obstruction, so do this by the drain or you will have water all over the place.
Clean the Trap
Some washers will have traps in them to catch foreign objects, such as coins and buttons, that may shake loose in the wash. Ensure it is free of any objects.
Check Water Control Level
One last thing to check before you call the appliance repair technician is the water control level. If you open the control panel, there should be a plastic tube that will be attached to the water level valve. If that is blocked, you can clean it out with white vinegar. The valve can also get corroded over time and need to be replaced.
