Operation Problems: Leaks, Detergent Dispensing, Filling, and Cycle Behavior

Operation Problems: Leaks, Detergent Dispensing, Filling, and Cycle Behavior

This section helps you troubleshoot common washer problems such as leaks, detergent not dispensing correctly, filling issues, pauses during a cycle, and the washer stopping or not starting.

Banging noise when the washer is filling with water

If you hear a banging noise while the washer is filling, this is described as water hammer.

• This happens when plumbing in the home moves or flexes as the washer water valves shut off.
• Water hammer is not caused by a defect in the washer.
• For best results, install water hammer arrestors between the fill hose and the washer. These are sold separately at hardware or home improvement stores.
• If household water supply pressure is very high, adjust the household water supply regulator to a lower pressure, or contact a plumber.

Water leaking

If water is leaking, check these possible causes:

Hoses are not connected correctly - Check hoses and connectors for leaks, cracks, and splits. - Tighten hose connections.

House drain pipes are clogged - The washer pumps out water very rapidly. - During drain, look for water backing up out of the drain pipe. - If water comes out of the drain pipe, check that the drain hose is installed properly and that the drain is not restricted. - Contact a plumber to repair the drain pipe.

Drain hose has come out of the drain connector or is not inserted far enough - Tie the drain hose to the inlet hose or standpipe to keep it from coming out during drain. - For smaller drain pipes, insert the drain hose as far as the drain hose flange. - For larger drain pipes, insert the drain hose 1 to 2 inches past the flange.

Oversudsing of detergent Too much suds can cause leaks.

• Use only HE (High-Efficiency) detergent.
• The normal amount is 1/4 to 1/2 of the maximum amount recommended by the detergent manufacturer.
• Use less detergent for small loads, lightly soiled loads, or very soft water.
• Never use more than the manufacturer’s maximum amount.

Excessive sudsing

If there is too much suds:

• Use only detergent with the HE logo.
• HE detergents are made for HE washers and contain suds-reducing agents.
• Check detergent quantities in the Detergent Use instructions in the Operation section.
• If sudsing or detergent residue continues, add an extra rinse.

Incomplete or no dispensing of detergent

If detergent is not dispensing properly:

Detergent compartments clogged from incorrect filling - Put detergent and additives into the correct dispenser compartments. - Always make sure the dispenser drawer is fully closed before the cycle starts.

Too much detergent used - Use the suggested amount of detergent according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. - You may dilute detergent with water to the maximum fill line on the compartment to help avoid clogging. - Use only HE detergent. - Use as little detergent as possible. Using too much detergent can cause poor wash and rinse performance and may contribute to odors in the washer.

Insufficient water supply - Make sure both hot and cold water faucets are turned on all the way.

Normal residue - A small amount of detergent remaining in the dispenser is normal. - If residue builds up, it can interfere with normal dispensing. Follow the cleaning instructions.

Washer will not turn on or operate

Power issue - Make sure the plug is securely inserted into a grounded, 3-prong, 120-VAC, 60 Hz outlet. - If a house fuse is blown, a circuit breaker has tripped, or there has been a power outage, reset the breaker or replace the fuse. - Do not increase fuse capacity. - If the problem is caused by a circuit overload, have it corrected by a qualified electrician.

Washer will not operate - If the control panel has powered off due to inactivity, press the Power button. - Make sure the washer is plugged in. - Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on. - Confirm the cycle is set correctly, close the door, and press Start/Pause. - Close the door completely and make sure nothing is caught under it. - Check house circuit breakers/fuses. The washer should be on a dedicated branch circuit. - If Start/Pause is not pressed after setting the cycle, press Power, reselect the cycle, and press Start/Pause. - If Start/Pause is not pressed within a certain time, the washer turns off. The time varies by model, from 4 to 60 minutes. - If household water pressure is extremely low, check another faucet in the house. - If the washer has been exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended time, let it warm up before pressing Power. Otherwise, the display will not come on.

Washer stops for a few minutes and then restarts

This is normal.

• A motor protection device may activate to prevent the motor from overheating.
• If this happens, the washer stops for a few minutes and then starts again.

Washer is not filling properly

Possible causes include:

Filter is clogged - Make sure the inlet filters on the fill valves are not clogged. - See Cleaning the Water Inlet Filters in Maintenance.

Inlet hoses may be kinked - Check that the inlet hoses are not kinked or clogged.

Energy efficiency / normal fill level - This is a High-Efficiency (HE) washer. - Water level settings may be different than a conventional washer. - The water will not normally cover the clothes. - The fill level is optimized for wash motion to achieve the best wash performance.

Insufficient water supply - Make sure both hot and cold water faucets are fully open.

Washer door is open - Close the door and make sure nothing is caught under it.

Water in the washer does not drain or drains slowly

• Make sure the drain hose is free of clogs or kinks and is not pinched behind or under the washer.
• If the end of the drain hose is more than 96 inches (2.4 m) above the bottom of the washer, move it lower.
• For best performance, the end of the drain hose should be no higher than 66 inches (168 cm).

Bleach does not dispense

Bleach dispenser cover is not properly installed - On models with a cover, make sure the bleach cover is properly installed and snapped into place before the cycle begins.

Bleach dispenser is dirty or clogged - Lift out the bleach dispenser cover and clean out the reservoir. - Lint and other debris inside the dispenser may prevent proper dispensing.

Premature dispensing of bleach

• Do not store bleach in the dispenser for future use.
• The bleach is dispensed every load.
• Do not overfill the bleach dispenser.
• Overfilling will cause bleach to dispense immediately and can damage the laundry or the washer.
• Always measure bleach.
• Never fill above the max line on the dispenser.
• A half cup is sufficient for most loads.
• Never use more than 1 cup of bleach.

Wrinkling

- Remove items from the washer as soon as the cycle is complete.

Notes on cycle time

The washer may take longer than usual because it automatically adjusts wash time for the load size, water pressure, and other operating conditions.

• This is normal.
• The time remaining shown in the display is only an estimate.
• Actual time may vary.

Quick checks summary

• Use only HE detergent.
• Use less detergent when loads are small, lightly soiled, or the water is very soft.
• Make sure the dispenser drawer is fully closed.
• Check hot and cold water faucets.
• Check hoses, filters, and drain hose routing.
• Press Power, then set the cycle again and press Start/Pause if the washer turned off.
• A brief stop and restart can be normal when motor protection is activated.