Washing Machine Troubleshooting Guide: Common Problems and Solutions
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Washing Machine Troubleshooting Guide: Common Problems and Solutions

The washing machine is one of the commonly used appliances in the home, but sometimes it may fail to start, fail to drain, or leak. In this article, we will discuss common washing machine problems and their solutions to help you troubleshoot quickly and extend the life of your washing machine.

1. The washing machine cannot be started

  • Make sure the washing machine is plugged in and check the power cord for damage.
  • Check whether the fuse is blown and replace it if necessary.
  • Make sure the door is closed. Some models of washing machines require the door to be completely closed before starting.

2. The washing machine cannot drain water

  • Check whether the drain pipe is blocked and remove the blockage.
  • Check whether the drain pump is operating properly and clean or replace the drain pump if necessary.

3. Washing machine leaks

  • Check whether the sealing gasket of the washing machine is damaged and replace the gasket if necessary.
  • Check whether the water pipes and joints of the washing machine are tight. If necessary, tighten or replace the water pipes and joints.

4. The washing machine produces odor

  • Clean the washing machine regularly, especially the washing tank and sealing gasket.
  • Use special washing machine detergent and clean regularly.

5. The washing machine makes abnormal noises

  • Check whether the bracket and casters of the washing machine are stable and adjust if necessary.
  • Check whether there are foreign objects inside the washing machine and remove them if necessary.

6. The washing machine cannot spin properly

  • Check the drying degree setting of the washing machine and adjust it appropriately.
  • Check whether the spin screen of the washing machine is clogged and clean it if necessary.

7. The washing machine displays an error code

  • Check the washing machine's manual to understand the meaning of the error code and troubleshoot according to the manual.

Regular maintenance of your washing machine is key to ensuring proper operation and extending its life. If you encounter problems that cannot be solved above, it is recommended to contact professional technicians immediately for maintenance.

The latest standards for catching leaks and regulatory responsibilities in Shuangbei collective housing (2025-2026 practice)

According to Article 10 of the "Apartment Building Management Regulations" of the Ministry of the Interior and the trend of civil water leakage judgments in Shuangbei District Court in recent years, most water leakage disputes in old collective housing focus on the identification and definition of "exclusive parts" and "common parts". The roof platform and the public pipes are jointly owned by all separate owners, and the repair costs should be shared by public funds or all residents in proportion to their shares according to law; if the water supply and drainage pipes inside the floor slabs on the upper and lower floors are damaged, the pipes will be borne exclusively by the users or shared by the upper and lower floors.

At the engineering and technical level, modern professional leak detection has fully introduced non-destructive scientific testing, including "FLIR high-resolution infrared thermal imaging camera" (locating temperature difference leakage paths), "high frequency moisture meter" (measuring the moisture content of deep structures) and "pipeline air pressure and water pressure pressure test" (determining whether hot and cold water pipes are leaking). During construction, do not directly apply elastic cement or oil-based paint on the wet cement layer to seal it. Otherwise, the thermal expansion of internal water vapor will quickly cause the coating to blister and peel off, resulting in more serious powdery wall cancer. The standard construction method must first completely eliminate the water source, wait until the moisture content of the cement structure drops below 8%, and then apply the negative pressure resistant silicic acid permeability crystallized waterproof layer.

Recommendations on independent certificate storage and compensation process for water leakage repair

  1. Take photos and videos as evidence immediately: Use rulers to record the leakage range, frequency of water discharge, direction of water mark diffusion, and keep time stamps.
  2. Written notification and coordination survey: Officially notify the neighbors through the management committee or a certified letter, and agree on a professional third-party leak detection and appraisal unit recognized by both parties to conduct an on-site survey.
  3. The contract states the warranty terms: When signing the contract for the project, be sure to clearly specify the waterproofing warranty period (usually 1 year for partial repairs, and 2 to 5 years for the whole room or roof re-construction), and specify the water test acceptance criteria (such as a 48-hour water storage test in the bathroom shower area) to protect your own asset rights.

🇹🇼 Expat Living Note: Home Repairs in Taiwan

If you are an international resident renting an apartment in Taipei, New Taipei, or anywhere in Taiwan:

  • Voltage & Electrical Safety: Taiwan standard household voltage is 110V (60Hz). Do not plug 220V imported European/UK appliances directly without a certified step-up transformer.
  • Plumbing Terminology: Local plumbers are called 水電 (Shuǐdiàn) and handle both water and electrical repairs.
  • Landlord Obligations: Under Article 429 of Taiwan Civil Code, landlords are legally responsible for repairing natural wear and tear (such as hidden wall pipe leaks, water heater faults, or booster pump failures) unless explicitly waived in your lease.