When a washing machine stops working altogether, most people call a repair service straight away. But what about the small faults you might be ignoring? Strange noises, incomplete cycles, or even water that isn’t quite as hot as it should be are all signs that your washing machine could be developing a problem.
For households in Birmingham, Solihull, and the West Midlands, these issues can quickly lead to breakdowns if not tackled early. Leo’s Electrical specialises in diagnosing and repairing washing machines, helping customers save money on costly replacements while keeping their appliances running efficiently.
In this blog, we’ll highlight five hidden washing machine faults that many homeowners overlook, explain why they happen, and show how our team can fix them.
1. Worn Door Latch – The Machine Won’t Start
It’s easy to assume that a washing machine not starting means a serious electrical failure. In reality, one of the most common hidden faults is a worn or faulty door latch mechanism.
If the latch fails to signal that the door is securely closed, the machine won’t begin its cycle for safety reasons. This problem can start with small signs, such as having to push the door harder than usual or cycles occasionally failing to start.
How Leo’s Electrical Fixes It:
Our engineers test and replace faulty latches quickly. By fitting high-quality replacement parts, we restore reliable operation without the need for a costly new machine.
2. Faulty Pressure Switch – Overfilling or Underfilling
Have you noticed your washing machine using too much water, or failing to fill enough? This could be down to a pressure switch fault. The pressure switch monitors water levels inside the drum and tells the machine when to stop filling.
When it fails, the machine may overfill (risking leaks) or underfill, leaving clothes poorly washed. Left untreated, this issue can damage both the motor and the electronics.
How Leo’s Electrical Fixes It:
We test the pressure system using specialist equipment and replace the switch if needed. Regular servicing can also catch this problem before it causes damage.
3. Worn Bearings – Rumbling Noises During Spin
A loud, rumbling spin cycle is more than just an annoyance — it’s a sign that the drum bearings are wearing out. Ignoring this issue leads to further wear and can cause the drum to seize entirely.
Many homeowners mistake the noise for an unbalanced load, but if the problem persists across different washes, it’s almost always the bearings.
How Leo’s Electrical Fixes It:
Replacing bearings is a complex repair, but it’s far more affordable than replacing the whole machine. Our team has the tools and experience to carry out this work efficiently, extending the life of your appliance.
4. Faulty Heating Element – Cold Washes Only
If your machine seems to be running cycles but your clothes aren’t coming out as clean as they should, the issue could be a failed heating element.
Without proper heating, detergents don’t activate correctly, leading to poor cleaning results and potential hygiene issues. This fault can develop gradually, with cycles taking longer or clothes feeling cooler after washes.
How Leo’s Electrical Fixes It:
Our engineers test the heating circuit and replace faulty elements with manufacturer-approved parts. A new element restores performance and efficiency.
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5. Blocked Pump or Filter – Slow or No Drainage
Water pooling in the drum or error codes linked to drainage often point to a blocked pump or filter. While some blockages can be cleared by homeowners, recurring drainage issues may mean the pump itself is failing.
How Leo’s Electrical Fixes It:
We inspect and clean the drainage system, replace pumps where needed, and advise customers on filter maintenance to avoid repeat issues.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Catching these faults early saves both time and money. A small part replacement now can prevent the kind of breakdown that leaves you without a washing machine for days.
Leo’s Electrical provides washing machine repair in Birmingham and Solihull, offering fast callouts and professional repairs at competitive prices.
For more details about other services, such as electric cooker repairs, explore our website or get in touch today.
FAQs: Washing Machine Repairs
Q: How do I know if my washing machine needs repair or replacement?
If your machine is under 8–10 years old and the repair cost is reasonable, it’s often more cost-effective to repair than replace.
Q: Can I fix a washing machine fault myself?
Simple blockages can sometimes be cleared at home, but electrical and mechanical issues should be left to trained engineers for safety.
Q: How much does a washing machine repair cost in Birmingham?
Costs vary depending on the fault and parts required. Leo’s Electrical provides clear, upfront quotes with no hidden charges.
Q: How quickly can you repair my washing machine?
We offer flexible callouts across Birmingham, Solihull, and nearby areas. Many common faults can be fixed on the same day.
Q: Do you provide a guarantee on repairs?
Yes — all our repairs are backed by a parts and labour guarantee for your peace of mind.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Small issues with your washing machine may seem easy to ignore, but they often signal larger problems developing inside the appliance. From worn bearings to faulty heating elements, catching these hidden faults early makes all the difference.
For professional, local washing machine repair in Birmingham, Solihull, and the West Midlands, Leo’s Electrical is here to help.
📞 Call us today on 0121 430 8039
🌐 Visit: https://washersrus.co.uk/
Checkatrade Reviews
Oven repair – new element required
10 Verified Review
Prompt efficient attention, clean worker and reasonable cost. Would use again.
Location:B91 Dated:August 2023
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Top job, bang on time, very tidy and took old machine away. Would highly recommend.
Location:B61 Dated:October 2023
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10 Verified Review
Easy to arrange to come out and came when said he would. Fixed the problem quickly.
Location:B30 Dated:September 2023
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10 Verified Review
Very helpful and fixed problem same afternoon. Cheerful and courteous. Thank you
Location:B13 Dated:August 2023
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Came early morning on the next working day, promptly and fixed it. No mess, friendly.
Location:B30 Dated:June 2023
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Used Chris for 20+ years. Always reliable and has never let us down when needed.
Location:B60 Dated:September 2023
A new heat element fitted in electric oven
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Really pleased with the work Chris (Leo’s electrical) did for us, would certainly recommend
Location:B35 Dated:October 2023