American Home Shield: Washer Maintenance and Repair

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE--(Marketwire - June 1, 2012) - The washer is one of the most frequently used appliances in the home, so keeping it in good working condition is important. As the founder of the home buyers warranty, American Home Shield offers protection for many of your primary home appliances should an item break and need repair or require replacement. Here are some washing machine maintenance tips that will help keep your washer in good working condition

At-Home Washer Maintenance

Help keep your washer running effectively using these reminders:

- Adjust the level of your washing machine by turning the legs clockwise to lower them and counter-clockwise to raise them.

- Inspect your washer's cold and hot water supply hoses for cracks and deterioration frequently, especially if you have a machine that is an older model. 

- Replace the supply hoses if they show signs of wear as soon as possible; replacing the hoses before they leak is a lot easier than cleaning up after they do!

- Purchase an appliance warranty from American Home Shield and help keep your home's appliances protected in the event of a malfunction.

DIY Washer Repair

If something goes wrong with your washer, there are some things that you can do to attempt to fix the issue. These steps could help you get your washer running again without having to call a repair person.

• When the washer turns on but doesn't fill with water, check the hot and cold inlet hose filters. They may be blocked, so if this is the case, you will have to clean them to allow water to pass through. Also, straighten the water supply hoses to make sure there aren't any kinks that could be blocking the water. If you are still having problems, the solution could be as simple as turning the timer slightly or pressing the buttons more firmly.

• If your problem is that the water doesn't stop filling the tub, turn the machine off. Check the overflow switch as well as the timer to see if they are both working properly and replace them if needed. 

• When the washer tub fills with water but the machine doesn't run, make sure the lid is firmly closed. If it is, check the lid switch to see if it is fully depressed when the lid is shut. If the machine still doesn't run, lighten your wash load and wait 15 minutes for the motor to reset before trying again.

If these at-home repair solutions do not work, and you have a Home Warranty plan, you don't need to worry. We'll have your washer back up and running in no time. This is why it is important to purchase a home warranty plan before trouble arises!

With a Home Protection Plan you can avoid the hassle of finding a reputable contractor, and put your trust in the helpful hands of our reliable, comprehensive and expert team of professionals. No matter how small or big the job, an American Home Shield professional is ready to help.