There is a new sound coming from your washing machine you have not heard before? Or perhaps the clothes are as wet as they went in once the cycle is done. You may even find a puddle on the floor that returns despite your mopping efforts.

Do not be surprised if what seems like a minor matter with your washer becomes something of a major problem. Timely action is what will determine whether it is an easy fix or one that puts a dent in your budget. The master certified, factory-trained technicians at Natural State Appliance Repair can put their 40 plus years of combined experience to work for you; we have been of service to homeowners in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley for some time. A call to (479) 469-1580 is all it takes if you think there is something amiss.

We have outlined some typical warning signs below and what they could mean.

Strange Noises During the Cycle

Your washer will let you know when it has something to say with a bang, a grind or a squeal. While some of these are of no consequence, others are indicative of parts on the verge of failure.

Listen for:

• Banging of a loud sort in the spin cycle, a sign of an unbalanced load or the suspension wearing out
• Grinding from a drive motor or transmission that is failing
• Squealing of a worn belt
• Rattling which may be a loose drum bearing or some other object
• Humming that does not lead to a full cycle, pointing to a pump or motor that is stuck

You would be well advised to heed these noises; doing so will spare you the cost of replacing pricier components down the line.

Water That Will Not Drain

We field this type of call often. Your washer has run its course but the water will not go and your clothes are left to drip. The reasons can be anything from straightforward to more involved.

It is usually as simple as a clogged pump filter or drain hose. Then again, a lid switch that is worn out or a drain pump on its last legs will do the same. Make sure you are not running the machine over and over in a failed attempt to get it to drain, as that is hard on the motor and pump.

Leaking Water

One does not want to put up with a leak. It is only a matter of time before a small drip turns into a flood, and the water can wreak havoc on your subflooring and anything else in the vicinity.

Typical sources are:

• Hoses that are cracked or otherwise worn
• A front-load washer with a compromised door seal
• The tub or basket being cracked
• An inlet valve that is failing
• Hose connections at the rear of the unit

A few are matters of a quick fix, but where a part is going bad it must be put right. We leave the job of finding the source of a leak to our technicians.

The Machine Will Not Spin

If the washer will fill and drain but will not spin, you are left with heavy, sodden laundry. The lid switch, transmission, motor coupling or drive belt are frequent culprits. An unbalanced load can also set off the safety sensor. Should you see this with every load, it is best to have us take a look. If it is only the heavier loads, put in smaller ones.

Vibrating or Walking Across the Floor

It is more than an irritation when your washer is shaking enough to make its way across the room. Such vibration will put undue stress on the hoses and internal workings and cut the machine’s life short. An uneven floor or shock absorbers and springs in need of attention are to blame. Do not put it off, the shaking will not abate on its own.

Why it is better to repair early

An issue with a belt, a hose or a filter is easily dealt with in its infancy. Left to itself it can ruin your floors or the transmission and motor. We like to help our customers avoid that.

Natural State Appliance Repair is a family affair in the truest sense, having been started by Braden Scott with three generations now part of the business. We stand behind most of our work with a year’s warranty on the parts and labor and extend discounts to first responders, those in the military and our 65 and older clientele. Our hours are 8:00am until 5:30pm Monday to Friday.

When your washer gives you any cause for concern, do not put it off. Give us a ring at (479) 469-1580 and our people will have it in order.