Unmask the culprit: why does my whirlpool washer lose its equilibrium?
What To Know
- If the clothes are piled up on one side of the drum, the washer will struggle to spin properly and will likely go off balance.
- Loose or broken parts, such as the suspension springs or shock absorbers, can also cause the washer to go off balance.
- Generally, it’s a good idea to calibrate the washer every few months or after moving it to a new location.
If your Whirlpool washer keeps going off balance, you’re not alone. This common issue can be frustrating, but it’s usually easy to fix. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why your Whirlpool washer might be going off balance and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve the problem.
Causes of Off-Balance Whirlpool Washers
- Unevenly Distributed Load: The most common cause of an off-balance washer is an unevenly distributed load. If the clothes are piled up on one side of the drum, the washer will struggle to spin properly and will likely go off balance.
- Overloading: Overloading the washer can also cause it to go off balance. When the drum is too full, the clothes can’t move around freely and the washer will struggle to distribute the weight evenly.
- Improper Installation: If your washer is not properly installed, it may be tilted or uneven, which can lead to off-balance loads.
- Loose or Broken Parts: Loose or broken parts, such as the suspension springs or shock absorbers, can also cause the washer to go off balance.
Solutions to Fix Off-Balance Whirlpool Washers
1. Distribute the Load Evenly
- Pause the wash cycle and rearrange the clothes in the drum.
- Try to distribute the clothes evenly around the drum, making sure that there are no large clumps on one side.
2. Reduce the Load Size
- If the washer is overloaded, remove some of the clothes and restart the wash cycle.
- It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the maximum load size for your specific washer model.
3. Check the Installation
- Ensure that the washer is level and not tilted.
- Use a level to check the washer’s front-to-back and side-to-side alignment.
- Adjust the leveling legs if necessary.
4. Inspect for Loose or Broken Parts
- If you suspect that there may be loose or broken parts, unplug the washer and contact a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.
5. Calibrate the Washer
- Some Whirlpool washers have a calibration feature that can help to correct off-balance issues.
- Refer to your washer’s user manual for instructions on how to calibrate the washer.
6. Replace the Suspension Springs or Shock Absorbers
- If the suspension springs or shock absorbers are loose or broken, they will need to be replaced.
- This is a more complex repair that should be performed by a qualified appliance repair technician.
7. Contact Whirlpool Customer Support
- If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and your Whirlpool washer is still going off balance, contact Whirlpool customer support for further assistance.
Tips to Prevent Off-Balance Whirlpool Washers
- Always distribute the load evenly in the drum.
- Avoid overloading the washer.
- Ensure that the washer is properly installed and level.
- Regularly inspect the washer for loose or broken parts.
- Calibrate the washer periodically as recommended in the user manual.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Why does my Whirlpool washer keep going off balance even after I’ve distributed the load evenly?
A: There may be an underlying issue, such as loose or broken parts. Contact a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.
Q: Can I use a load balancer to prevent my Whirlpool washer from going off balance?
A: Yes, load balancers can help to distribute the load more evenly and prevent off-balance issues.
Q: How often should I calibrate my Whirlpool washer?
A: Refer to your washer’s user manual for specific calibration frequency recommendations. Generally, it’s a good idea to calibrate the washer every few months or after moving it to a new location.