A common issue many people face is a broken or damaged washing machine drum. When the inner drum stops spinning properly or makes loud noises, it’s understandable to worry that the entire machine needs replacement. However, in many cases, the washing machine drum can be fixed rather than replaced.
Assessing the Damage
The first step is to assess the extent of the damage to the washing machine drum. Some signs your drum may need repair include:
- Loud banging or scraping noises during the wash cycle
- The drum not spinning or spinning unevenly
- Rust spots or holes forming inside the drum
If you notice any of these issues, the drum likely has damage but it may still be fixable.
Common Repairs for a Faulty Washing Machine Drum
There are a few common repairs a technician can perform to fix a washing machine drum rather than replace the entire component:
Adjusting the Drum Supports
The supports that hold the drum in place can become loose over time and need realignment to enable smooth spinning.
Replacing Bearings
Worn out drum bearings that help keep the drum spinning can be replaced.
Patching Rust Spots
Rusted areas inside the drum can often be patched to stop further corrosion.
Smoothing Out Dents or Cracks
Minor dents or cracks do not always require replacing the entire drum. They can frequently be pounded or smoothed out.
As you can see, many common washing machine drum issues stemming from normal wear-and-tear can be repaired. Entire drum replacement is usually only necessary in cases of extreme damage.
The Benefits of Drum Repair vs Replacement
Saving money is the greatest benefit of washing machine drum repair versus replacement. The cost of having the drum professionally repaired is typically a fraction of the price of buying and installing a brand new drum. Repair also waste less than replacement.
Repairing the drum also allows you to save time by not having to shop for a new washing machine. And if you have a top-loading washing machine, repairing the inner drum is usually much easier than replacing an entire front-loading washing machine.
As long as the repairs are done properly, a repaired washing machine drum should function just as well as a new one. The repairs can restore proper spinning and eliminate noises.
So before replacing your washing machine due to drum issues, consider repair as it saves you money and time while being better for the environment. In many cases, repairs can have the washing machine drum functioning properly once again.
References
Appliance Repair Technical Training Institute. “Washing Machine Repair Guide” ARTTI Publishing 2019.
Jackson, Albert. “Save Money With DIY Washing Machine Repair.” DoItYourself.com Blog, 12 Aug 2021.
Home Depot. “Washing Machine Drum Replacement.” Home Depot, 2022.
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
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