An In-Depth FAQ for Laundry Appliance Owners in Woodland Hills

• Why are my clothes still wet after the dryer cycle?

  This is one of the most common dryer complaints and a sign that your dryer is not working efficiently. The number one cause is not a fault in the dryer itself, but a clog in the dryer vent hose or the ducting that leads outside your home. When this path is blocked with lint, the moist air has nowhere to go, and it simply circulates with your clothes. This is not only inefficient but also a serious fire hazard that requires immediate attention.

  If the vent is clear, the problem lies within the dryer. In an electric dryer, one of the two coils in the heating element could have burned out, leading to low heat. A faulty cycling thermostat can also be the culprit, as it may be shutting the heat off prematurely before the clothes are dry. In more advanced models, malfunctioning moisture sensors can give the control board an inaccurate reading, causing it to end the cycle too soon. A technician can test the heating components and sensors to find the cause of the poor performance.

• How do you fix a washer that won’t drain?

  Fixing a washer that won’t drain involves a systematic check of the entire drainage path. The process begins with the simplest possibility: a clog. The first place to check is the drain pump filter, which is designed to catch small objects like coins, keys, and lint. If this filter is completely blocked, no water can get through. The next place to check is the drain hose itself to ensure it has not become kinked or clogged.

  If there are no blockages, the problem is a component failure. The most likely culprit is the drain pump. The pump is a small motor that drives an impeller to push water out. The motor can burn out, or the impeller can be jammed or broken. In some top-load models, a faulty lid switch can also prevent the washer from draining, as the drain cycle is often paired with the high-speed spin for safety. A professional technician can safely test the drain pump for power and inspect the other components in the system to make a definitive diagnosis.

• What causes a washing machine to start leaking from the bottom?

  A leaking washing machine can be alarming and cause serious water damage. If the leak appears to come from the front, especially on a front-load model, the most common cause is a tear or hole in the large rubber door boot seal. If the leak is toward the back, the first thing to check is the water inlet hoses. These connections can become loose, or the rubber washers inside them can fail over time.

  If the leak is more central and occurs during the drain cycle, it often points to a crack or loose connection on the drain pump or the hoses attached to it. The most serious type of leak comes from the center of the machine and can be a sign of a failed tub seal and bearing. This is an extensive repair that involves taking much of the machine apart. A technician can trace the path of the water to pinpoint the source of the leak and determine the best course of action.

• Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old washer or dryer?

  This is a very common and important question. The decision often depends on the brand of the appliance and the nature of the repair. A high-quality machine from a brand known for longevity, like Miele or Maytag, is often a very good candidate for repair, even at 10 years old. A simple and common repair, like replacing a dryer’s heating element or a washer’s drain pump, is almost always a sensible investment that can add many more years of service life to the machine.

  However, you must also consider the severity of the problem. If a washing machine has a failed drum bearing or a dryer has a major electronic control board failure, the expense of the repair can sometimes approach the value of a new machine. You should also consider the benefits of new technology. Modern washers and dryers can be significantly more energy and water-efficient than models from a decade ago, which can lead to savings on your utility bills. Our technicians can provide you with a clear and honest diagnosis of the problem, allowing you to make an informed decision that is right for you.

• Why isn’t my washing machine getting water?

  A washer that won’t fill with water is unable to start its cycle. The first and simplest thing to check is the water supply itself. Make sure both the hot and cold water faucets behind the washer are turned on completely. Also, check the inlet hose screens, which are small filters where the hoses connect to the machine. These can get clogged with sediment and block water flow.

  If the water supply is fine, the problem is a component inside the machine. The most common cause is a faulty water inlet valve. This is an electronically controlled valve that opens to let water into the tub. It has two solenoids (one for hot, one for cold) that can fail electrically, preventing the valve from opening. Other potential causes include a faulty water level pressure switch, which may falsely tell the machine it is already full, or a problem with the main control board not sending the signal to the valve. A technician can test the voltage at the inlet valve and check the other control components to find the exact cause of the filling problem.