How To: Troubleshoot common washing machine problems

So your washing machine is on the blink? Dirty clothes piling up? You're embarrassed of your smalls and can't face the launderette? Watch this video tutorial to save your blushes and get your machine up and running again in no time...

First things first always always always unplug your machine before trying any fancy handy work or it won't just be your washing that's in a mess.

Step 1:
The kitchen looks like a lake and your machine is spurting out water. Don't panic, the solution can be simple. Have a look around the door seal to check for wear and tear. Replacing the seal is easy, just remove the front panel and find where it fits to the tub. Pull the machine out and check for loose pipe connections. If you've not found the leak yet, it's probably overfilling itself due to a faulty water level sensor. This is more of a pro's job so time to call for some help.

Step 2:
Simple, first make sure you have selected the correct programme then make sure you hot and cold water hoses are correctly connected.

Step 3:
If your washing machine has a noisy life of its own then there's several solutions for you to check: Have you under/over loaded causing an unbalanced drum? Is it on an unlevel floor? Is the drum lose? If it's none of these things then it might be that the motor is on it's way out in which case you need an expert.

Step 4:
The machine could just be taking a break waiting for the water level to fill up or the water to heat to the right temperature, but if it seems to be waiting forever then you might have pushed the drain hose too far down the standpipe stopping the machine from emptying. If that doesn't sort it then it's likely to be a dodgy water valve or heating element, both of which you'll need a pro for.

Step 5:
So the machine is on strike totally. You've tried everything else and it's still having none of it. Time to call in the pros I'm afraid.