Quick answer
A washer that fills and agitates but leaves clothes soaking wet is usually out of balance, has a failed lid or door switch, a worn drive belt or motor coupling, or a drain problem that blocks the spin. Rebalance the load and check the drain first. Appliance Repair Philly repairs washers across Philadelphia, and the diagnostic is $60 flat, credited toward the repair.
Check these first
- Rebalance the load. Open the washer, spread the clothes evenly and remove one heavy item such as a rug or a bath mat. A single heavy item is the number one cause of spin stops.
- Level the washer. Rock it. If it moves, adjust the feet. A washer that is not level cannot spin fast.
- Check for water. Many washers will not spin with water still in the drum. See washer not draining.
- Close the lid or door fully. The lid switch or door lock must click.
- Reset the washer. Unplug it for one minute, plug it in and run a spin-only cycle.
Likely causes
| Cause | What to notice |
|---|---|
| Unbalanced or overloaded drum | Washer stops with a clunk, error UE or Ub on LG and Samsung |
| Lid switch or door lock | No click, the washer acts as if the lid is open |
| Drive belt (many top loaders and some front loaders) | Motor hums, drum turns by hand but not on its own |
| Motor coupling or clutch (top load) | Agitates but will not spin |
| Drain pump or clog | Water remains, spin is blocked |
| Motor, motor control board | Silent, or burnt smell |
| Worn shock absorbers, bearings | Banging, grinding, drum shakes badly |
Front load vs top load
Front load. The control board needs the door lock and balance sensor to agree before it spins. A failed door lock is a very common cause. Rubber pads and bearings wear on older units.
Top load with an agitator. The agitator and spin are driven through a transmission. A worn coupling or clutch lets the motor run while the basket stays put.
High efficiency top load. Balance sensors are strict. A small mixed load can fail to spin repeatedly, but more often the lid switch or the drive is at fault.
What the technician does
The technician checks error codes, tests the lid switch or lock with a meter, turns the drum by hand, inspects the belt, coupling and motor, and runs a drain and spin test. Most parts are on the truck, so many repairs are done in one visit.
What it costs
| Fault | Typical total with part |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | $60 flat, credited to the repair |
| Lid switch or door lock | $150 to $280 |
| Drive belt | $130 to $230 |
| Motor coupling | $150 to $280 |
| Motor or control board | $250 to $450 |
| Bearings and tub seal | $350 and up |
Repair or replace
Under 10 years old, repair a switch, belt, coupling or lock. If a washer past 11 or 12 years old needs bearings or a motor, compare with a new one. See the cost guide.
How it works
- Call or send the brand, model and any error code.
- Call to check the next open appointment; availability depends on the schedule.
- Diagnosis and a clear price. The $60 is credited if you go ahead.
- Repair and test. Ask what the repair includes when you book.
More on the whole appliance: washer repair. We come to Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem, Willow Grove, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Southampton and Feasterville-Trevose.
FAQ
Why does my washer fill and agitate but not spin?
Often a worn motor coupling on a top loader, a lid switch, or a drain problem that blocks the spin.
Why are my clothes soaking wet after the cycle?
The washer did not spin. Check the load balance, the drain and the lid switch.
What does UE mean on my washer?
An unbalanced load. Redistribute the clothes and restart.
How much does it cost to fix a washer that will not spin?
Most repairs are $130 to $300. The $60 diagnostic is credited toward the repair.
Can I wring the clothes out by hand and use the washer?
Not safely. Find the fault first, since a washer that cannot drain or spin can leave water in the drum.