A washer that will not drain or a dryer that runs without heat stops a household’s laundry. This guide explains the most common washer and dryer problems, which checks are safe for San Diego homeowners to do themselves, and when a repair technician is the right call.
Bonita Appliance Repair is a family-owned appliance repair company at 5080 Bonita Rd in Bonita, CA, serving San Diego County since 2012. Our technicians diagnose and repair top-load washers, front-load washers, stackable laundry centers, and dryers from brands including Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Maytag, and Speed Queen.
This guide covers basic checks only. It does not cover gas line work, electrical wiring, or opening sealed control panels. Leave those to a qualified technician.
Safety first: before you check a washer or dryer
Before you troubleshoot
- Unplug the appliance before you remove any panel, hose, or filter. Turn off the circuit breaker if the plug is hard to reach.
- Turn off both water supply valves behind the washer before you disconnect a hose or check for a leak.
- If you smell gas near a gas dryer, do not touch light switches or the dryer controls. Leave the home and call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343 or 911 from outside.
- If a dryer smells like burning or produces smoke, stop the cycle, unplug the dryer, and do not use it again until a technician inspects it.
Dryer fires are a real risk. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates about 2,900 home clothes dryer fires occur each year in the United States, and failure to clean the dryer is the leading cause, at 34% (Clothes Dryer Fires in Residential Buildings, U.S. Fire Administration, 2012). See our 20 dryer safety tips for prevention steps.
Common washer problems and what to check
These are the washing machine problems we see most often in San Diego homes, with the checks that are safe to do yourself.
Washer will not turn on or start
A washer that shows no lights, or shows lights but will not start a cycle, usually has a power, door, or control problem.
What you can check:
- Confirm the washer is plugged in and the circuit breaker has not tripped.
- Close the lid or door firmly. Most washers will not start until the lid switch or door lock confirms the door is closed.
- Check whether Control Lock, Child Lock, or Delay Start is turned on.
Call a technician when:
The washer has power but still will not start, the door lock clicks repeatedly, or the control panel shows an error code. These symptoms point to a failed lid switch, door lock assembly, or control board.
Washer will not drain
Standing water after a cycle means water cannot leave the tub. The cause is usually a blockage or a failed drain pump.
What you can check:
- Look for a kinked or crushed drain hose behind the washer.
- On a front-load washer, open the small access panel at the lower front and clean the drain pump filter. Place towels down first, because water will come out.
- Make sure the drain standpipe is not clogged.
Call a technician when:
The drain pump hums but no water moves, the pump makes no sound at all, or the filter is clean and the washer still holds water.
Read more in why a washing machine does not drain properly.
Washer will not spin or agitate
A washer that fills and drains but leaves clothes soaked is not reaching spin speed. Many washers will not spin until the tub fully drains.
What you can check:
- Redistribute the load. A single heavy item, like a bath mat or comforter, can unbalance the tub and stop the spin.
- Confirm the washer drains completely, since a drain problem prevents the spin cycle.
- Run a Drain & Spin cycle with an empty tub to test it.
Call a technician when:
An empty washer still will not spin, or you hear the motor run while the tub stays still. Common causes include a worn drive belt, a broken motor coupling, a failed lid switch or door lock, or a motor control fault.
Read more in why a washing machine does not spin or agitate.
Washer leaking water
The location of the water tells you a lot. Water at the back usually comes from a hose. Water at the front of a front-load washer often comes from the door seal.
What you can check:
- Inspect both fill hoses and their connections for drips or bulges. Rubber fill hoses can be swapped for braided stainless steel hoses.
- On a front-load washer, wipe the door boot seal and check it for tears or trapped debris.
- Use HE detergent in high-efficiency washers, and do not overfill the dispenser. Excess suds can push water out.
- Check that the drain hose is secured in the standpipe.
Call a technician when:
Water collects under the center of the washer, the door seal is torn, or the leak returns after the hoses are replaced. These signs can mean a failed tub seal, water inlet valve, or drain pump.
For Maytag models, see Maytag washer water valve repair.
Washer loud noise or shaking
Some movement during spin is normal. Banging, grinding, or a loud roar is not.
What you can check:
- Level the washer by adjusting its front feet. A washer that rocks on the floor will shake during spin.
- On a new washer, confirm the shipping bolts were removed from the back.
- Check the drum and the drain pump filter for coins, keys, or bra wires.
Call a technician when:
A roaring or grinding sound grows louder during spin, or the tub hits the cabinet on balanced loads. Worn drum bearings, shock absorbers, or suspension rods are the usual causes, and bearing repair requires taking the washer apart.
Read more in five reasons a washer makes a loud noise and the symptoms of bad washer bearings.
Washer error codes
Modern washers display error codes that point to a specific fault, such as a drain, door lock, or water supply problem. Write down the exact code and your model number before you call.
What you can check:
- Look up the code in your owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
- Turn the washer off at the breaker for one minute to reset the control, then try again.
Call a technician when:
The same code returns after a reset. A repeated code means the washer has detected a fault that a reset will not clear.
Read more in our guide to common washing machine error codes.
Common dryer problems and what to check
Most dryer problems trace back to power, airflow, or the parts that heat and turn the drum. Start with the checks below.
Dryer will not start
A dryer that does not respond when you press Start usually has a power, door, or safety-fuse problem.
What you can check:
- Check the circuit breaker. An electric dryer uses a 240-volt double breaker, and one half can trip while the other stays on.
- Close the door firmly. The door switch must engage before the dryer will start.
- Check whether Control Lock or Child Lock is turned on.
Call a technician when:
The dryer has power but will not start. A blown thermal fuse is a common cause, and it usually blows because a clogged vent made the dryer overheat. The vent needs cleaning along with the fuse replacement.
Dryer runs but does not heat
If the drum turns but clothes stay cold and wet, the heat source is not working. Electric and gas dryers use different parts to make heat.
What you can check:
- On an electric dryer, reset both halves of the 240-volt breaker. A half-tripped breaker can let the drum turn without heat.
- On a gas dryer, confirm the gas supply valve behind the dryer is open.
- Clean the lint filter and check that air blows strongly from the outside vent while the dryer runs.
Call a technician when:
The breaker and airflow are fine and the dryer still makes no heat. On electric dryers, the heating element, thermal fuse, or high-limit thermostat is the usual cause. On gas dryers, the igniter, flame sensor, or gas valve coils are common failures. Gas dryer repairs should be done by a technician.
Read more in how to replace a dryer heating element.
Dryer takes too long to dry
Long drying times are most often an airflow problem. A restricted vent also makes the dryer run hotter, which raises the fire risk.
What you can check:
- Clean the lint filter before every load.
- Check the vent duct behind the dryer. Crushed or kinked foil ducts restrict airflow. Rigid or semi-rigid metal ducts are the safer choice.
- Go outside and confirm the vent hood flap opens while the dryer runs.
- Wipe the metal moisture sensor bars inside the drum with rubbing alcohol. Dryer sheet residue can make the sensor end the cycle early.
- Make sure the washer spins clothes properly. Clothes that come out of the washer soaked take much longer to dry.
Call a technician when:
Airflow is strong and the vent is clean, but clothes still take two or more cycles. A weak heating element, a failing thermostat, or a moisture sensor fault may be the cause.
Read more in why a dryer does not dry properly.
Dryer drum will not tumble
If the dryer runs and heats but the drum stays still, the drive system has failed.
What you can check:
- Unplug the dryer and turn the drum by hand. A drum that spins very freely often means a broken drive belt.
Call a technician when:
The drum does not turn during a cycle. The drive belt, idler pulley, or drive motor needs repair.
Read more in how to test a dryer motor.
Dryer makes squealing, thumping, or scraping noises
Dryer noises usually come from parts that support or turn the drum.
What you can check:
- Check pockets for coins, buttons, or screws that rattle in the drum.
- Make sure the dryer sits level and does not touch a wall or cabinet.
Call a technician when:
A squeal, thump, or scrape continues with an empty drum. Worn drum rollers, an idler pulley, drum glides, or the felt drum seal are common causes.
Dryer overheats or smells like burning
Overheating and burning smells are safety warnings, not maintenance tasks.
What you can check:
- Stop the cycle and unplug the dryer immediately.
- Once the dryer is cool, clean the lint filter and check the vent duct for blockages.
Call a technician when:
Always, before you use the dryer again. Lint can build up inside the cabinet near the heat source, where homeowners cannot reach it safely.
See also common dryer problems and dryer maintenance tips.
When to call a washer or dryer repair technician
Basic checks solve some laundry problems. Call a washer or dryer repair technician when:
- The appliance has power, passes the basic checks above, and still fails
- The same error code returns after a reset
- A gas dryer has no heat or you smell gas
- The repair needs the cabinet, drum, or control panel taken apart
- The washer or dryer has broken down more than once in a short period
Bonita Appliance Repair offers washer repair in San Diego and dryer repair in San Diego. A technician diagnoses the fault and explains the repair and its price before any work begins.
Washer and dryer repair cost in San Diego
Washer and dryer repair cost depends on the failed part, the model, and how much of the appliance must be taken apart to reach it. These are typical price ranges for common repairs:
| Repair type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Minor repairs: belts, idler pulleys, small pumps | $150–$300 |
| Standard repairs: drain pumps, motor couplings, door and lid switches | $220–$580 |
| Front-load washer drum bearing and seal kit | $340–$620 |
| Major dryer repairs: drive motors, timers | $565–$625 |
These ranges are estimates. Your exact price depends on your model and the part needed, and it is quoted after diagnosis and before any work begins.
Repair or replace your washer or dryer?
Age and repair cost are the two main factors. The National Association of Home Builders puts the average life expectancy of a washer at about 10 years and a dryer at about 13 years (Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components, NAHB, 2007).
A common rule of thumb: replace the appliance if a repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new unit and the appliance is past half its expected life. A repair usually makes sense for a newer washer or dryer, or for a premium model like a Speed Queen, Miele, or Electrolux.
Read more in is it better to repair or replace an appliance.
Washer and dryer brands we repair
Bonita Appliance Repair works on washers and dryers from these brands. Select a brand to see its repair page.
Washer and dryer repair service area
Bonita Appliance Repair serves homes in these San Diego County communities:
Washer and dryer repair FAQs
Why is my washer not draining?
A washer that will not drain usually has a clogged drain pump filter, a kinked drain hose, or a failed drain pump. Clean the pump filter on a front-load washer and check the hose first. If the pump hums but water stays in the tub, the pump likely needs replacement.
Why does my dryer run but not heat?
An electric dryer that runs without heat often has a half-tripped 240-volt breaker, a failed heating element, a blown thermal fuse, or a bad high-limit thermostat. A gas dryer without heat often has a failed igniter, flame sensor, or gas valve coils. Gas dryer repairs should be done by a technician.
How much does washer or dryer repair cost in San Diego?
Typical washer and dryer repairs range from $150 to $625 depending on the part. Minor repairs such as belts and idler pulleys run $150–$300, and major dryer repairs such as drive motors run $565–$625. Bonita Appliance Repair quotes the exact price after diagnosis and before work begins.
How long do washers and dryers last?
Washers last about 10 years and dryers about 13 years on average, according to the National Association of Home Builders (2007). Regular lint and vent cleaning, level installation, and the correct detergent help a laundry pair reach or exceed those averages.
Should I repair or replace my washer or dryer?
Replace it if the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new unit and the appliance is past half its expected life. Otherwise, a repair is usually the better value, especially for newer or premium models.
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
Clean the lint filter before every load. Bonita Appliance Repair recommends cleaning the full vent duct at least once a year, and more often in large households or if drying times start to increase.
Do you repair stackable washer and dryer units?
Yes. Bonita Appliance Repair repairs stackable laundry centers and separate washer and dryer pairs in homes across Bonita, Chula Vista, National City, and San Diego.
Book washer or dryer repair in San Diego
If the basic checks in this guide did not fix the problem, Bonita Appliance Repair can diagnose your washer or dryer and explain the repair and its price before work begins. Call us or request a visit online.
Bonita Appliance Repair · 5080 Bonita Rd #22, Bonita, CA 91902 · 619-329-5938
