A washing machine that will not spin is one of the most common calls we get in Harare. Sometimes the drum does not move at all, sometimes it turns slowly but never reaches full speed, and sometimes it tries to spin and then gives up.
The good news is that many spin problems have simple causes. Work through the safe checks below first. If the machine still will not spin, we can diagnose and repair it at your home.
Safe checks to try first
Always switch the machine off at the wall before checking anything inside it.
- 1Make sure you have not selected a no-spin, rinse hold or delicate programme.
- 2Check that the load is not too small or too big. A single heavy item, like a bath mat or jeans, can unbalance the drum and stop the spin.
- 3Clean the drain pump filter. The machine will not spin while water remains in the drum.
- 4Check the drain hose is not kinked or squashed behind the machine.
Common causes
Unbalanced load
Modern machines sense an uneven load and refuse to spin to protect the bearings. Redistribute the clothes and try again.
Drainage blockage
A blocked filter, pump or hose stops the water leaving, and the machine will not spin while it is full.
Worn carbon brushes or belt
On belt drive machines, worn brushes or a slipping belt reduce motor power until the drum cannot reach spin speed.
Faulty door lock
Some machines will wash but will not risk a high-speed spin if the door lock does not confirm it is fully locked.
Motor or inverter board fault
Direct drive machines can fail to spin when the motor, hall sensor or inverter board develops a fault.
Lid switch (top loaders)
Top loaders will not spin if the lid switch thinks the lid is open.
When to call a technician
- The drum does not turn at all, even on a spin-only programme
- You hear grinding, knocking or humming but nothing moves
- There is a burning smell from the machine
- An error code appears, such as UE, UB, LE or 3E
How we fix it
Motor & Carbon Brush Repairs
Drum not turning? We repair motors, carbon brushes, belts, capacitors and direct drive inverter systems.Drain Pump Repairs
Water left in the drum? We clear blockages and repair or replace drain pumps, sumps and hoses on all machines.Front Loader Repairs
Bearings, door locks, pumps, seals and electronic faults on all front loading automatics, repaired at your home.Top Loader Repairs
Agitator and pulsator machines repaired on site, from lid switches and clutches to gearboxes, motors and pumps.Frequently asked questions
Why does my washing machine wash but not spin?
The most common reasons are an unbalanced load, a drainage blockage, worn carbon brushes or a faulty door lock. Try a spin-only programme with a balanced load after cleaning the filter. If it still will not spin, call us.
Is it expensive to fix a washing machine that will not spin?
Usually not. Filters, belts, brushes and door locks are all affordable repairs. Motor or board faults cost more, and we will always quote before starting work.