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A leaky washing machine might seem like a small issue until it floods your kitchen and leaves you with a £1,000+ repair bill. But there’s good news in store for you. Most washing machine disasters can be avoided if you catch the warning signs early.
At Domex, we’ve repaired over 1 million machines across London, Leicester and Nottingham, which means we know exactly what to look for and when it’s time to call in the pros.
From a leaking washing machine to strange noises or inefficient cleaning, this guide is all about noticing and acting on potential red flags that could save you a lot of stress and money.
To book a same-day technician and service with Domex now, simply get in touch with us or learn more about our washing machine repair services. And for the top 15 signs your washing machine might need expert help, keep reading below.
15 Warning Signs Your Washing Machine Requires Professional Help
We gathered insights from some of our professional washing machine repair experts and compiled a list of 15 warning signs your washer may need a professional touch. Ready to learn more? Let’s start.
1. Leaking water: Why is my washing machine leaking?
Wondering why leaks start underneath your washer? The potential causes are damaged hoses, faulty door seals or even cracked hubs. Your DIY check should definitely include a hose inspection that checks for cracks. Alternatively, you may want to tighten your connections using our hose repair guide.
Domex tip: For persistent leaks, call Domex’s London team for same-day door seal replacements.
Cost of service: Repairs: £95 –£155. Replacement: £300+
2. Drum not spinning: Why won’t my washing machine drum spin?
The drum plays a crucial role in the way your washing machine operates. However, faulty motors, worn belts or a wash load imbalance could lead to the drum not spinning properly, thus affecting the wash cycle. In this instance, your first port of call as a DIY check should be to redistribute your clothes in your washer and avoid overloading it beyond the manufacturer’s guidelines for the total weight your washer can and should handle. Read up more on this in our handy guide.
Domex tip: Attention Nottingham homeowners: Our engineers fix 90% of spin issues in one hour. Call us now!
Cost of service: Belt replacement: £95-£125
3. Loud banging or grinding noises: What causes loud noises in washing machines?
If you’re stuck asking yourself the question “why is my washing machine so noisy?” you’re at the right place. At Domex, our expert technicians have often found that the causes of this issue are often attributed to loose drum bearings, worn suspension springs, a damaged drum or the presence of foreign objects. In such cases, you should first inspect your drum for any objects. Also, to diagnose a loose washing machine drum, try to gently move it by hand. If you notice any excessive movement, this is a clear sign of drum looseness that will need to be addressed.
Domex tip: Grinding noises or a loose drum require immediate professional bearing and suspension inspection.
Cost of service: Bearing replacement +/- £175-£225
4. Error codes displayed: What do washing machine error codes mean?
Different washing machine brands display different error codes when the sensor inside your washer senses an error or a fault. That’s why checking the user manual for code specifics or our brand-specific guides should be your first step: Hotpoint, Bosch, Samsung, Samsung Top Loader, Miele, AEG and Beko. Most often, however, these error codes appear due to sensor faults and water supply issues.
Domex tip: Seeing Samsung Code 4E? Domex stocks Samsung-compatible drain pumps for fast fixes. Contact us for Hotpoint (E10), Bosch (F21), Miele, Whirlpool, Electrolux, AEG, Samsung, Beko and Indesit errors. Our expert technicians are capable of fixing error codes on many brands of washing machines.
Cost of service: Sensor replacement: £95-£135
5. Foul odours: Why does my washing machine smell bad?
Many homeowners often wonder why their washing machine smells bad. But perhaps the bigger challenge lies in determining why your washing machine smells even after cleaning. Often, the biggest culprits leading to this situation include mould growth, dirty filters or even drainage issues. As a DIY step, you may want to run a single hot wash with vinegar to see if this solves the problem. If not, a professional clean may be warranted.
Domex tip: Persistent odours might require thorough descaling and cleaning.
Cost of service: Deep cleaning +/-£40-£120
6. Excessive vibration: Why is my washing machine vibrating excessively?
Are you noticing that your washer is vibrating excessively? The causes to this challenge can vary from a loose drum and unbalanced loads to uneven flooring or the more serious problem of suspension faults. As a first port of call, do a DIY check that involves levelling the machine feet properly and checking the drum movement by hand, as described earlier.
Domex tip: Continued issues or a loose drum need suspension checks.
Cost of service: Suspension replacement +/- £95–£135
7. Draining problems: Why won’t my washing machine drain?
Drainage issues are often the result of a blocked drain pump or clogged filters. So, if your washer is not draining properly, these are the things you should look out for. Consider doing a quick check and clearing the accessible filters manually. And if you want to know if your washing machine filter is blocked, this guide is a great starting point.
Domex tip: Call Domex if the blockage is internal.
Cost of service: Drain pump repair +/-£95
8. Washer not filling with water: Why isn’t my washing machine filling?
One of the most common reasons why your washer isn’t filling up with water include the less serious issue of a kinked hose, which you can easily check yourself. On the other hand, you could be facing water supply issues that will mean ensuring the water supply valves are open. Another potential and more serious problem is a faulty inlet valve. For this, we advise that you seek professional help in having the valve replaced.
Domex tip: Valve replacement is best handled by professionals.
Cost of service: Valve replacement +/-£95-£125
9. Clothes not cleaning properly: Why is my washing machine not cleaning clothes?
There are many reasons why you shouldn’t overload your washing machine. One of these is that your clothes will not get cleaned properly. Another reason is that you’re possibly using insufficient detergent or you haven’t chosen the right detergent for your washer. Alternatively, you could be dealing with the more serious issue of a heating element fault. While the latter will require professional help, an easy and immediate step you can take is to adjust your wash load and detergent use. Also, be sure to check laundry care symbols to ensure that you don’t damage your clothes during a wash cycle.
Domex tip: Heating element issues require Domex expertise.
Cost of service: Element replacement +/-£95-£135
10. Power issues: Why won’t my washing machine switch on?
If you are confident that you can handle electric issues by yourself when your washer isn’t even switching on, you should first inspect the power supply and fuses in your home. However, most power issues are caused by electrical faults like fuses and control board failures, which require professional repairs. That’s why getting the right diagnostics is an important starting point in resolving your washer’s power issues.
Domex tip: Persistent power issues require professional diagnostics.
Cost of service: Electrical repairs +/-£95–£195
11. Washer stops mid-cycle: Why is my washing machine stopping unexpectedly?
Having your washer stop unexpectedly during a cycle is a cause of frustration. The common causes of this issue include a faulty thermostat, overheating motor or a control board error. Start gently and try running a lighter load first. If this doesn’t solve your problem, professional help is warranted.
Domex tip: Repeated mid-cycle stops indicate deeper faults.
Cost of service: Motor or board repairs +/-£95–£ £195
12. Water left in drum: Why is water remaining after washing?
If water remains in your washer’s drum after a wash cycle, this could be attributed to a drain pump blockage or a faulty drain hose. Consider doing a quick inspection to see the accessible draining. However, for more thorough and reliable results, consider getting in touch with the professional team of technicians at Domex.
Domex tip: Persistent water pooling warrants professional check.
Cost of service: Drain system repairs +/-£95 – £125
13. Door seal damage: Why is my washing machine door seal damaged?
Curious as to why your washing machine door seal is leaking and how to fix it? The answer could be as simple as regular wear and tear or mould damage. This means you should regularly inspect and clean your seal to prevent bigger problems further down the road.
Domex tip: Domex provides fast seal replacements.
Cost of service: Door seal replacement +/-£95 – £125
14. The machine doesn’t start at all: Why isn’t my washing machine starting?
The first reason why your washing machine isn’t starting at all could be due to a faulty door latch. For this, you’ll want to double check that your washer’s door is completely closed. However, the problem may be serious and lie in an electrical fault. This will certainly mean calling in expert help.
Domex tip: Professional help is needed for door latch/electrical issues.
Cost of service: Latch repair +/-£95 – £125
Learn more about and get help on how to unlock a washing machine door.
15. Squeaking Noises: Why does my washing machine squeak?
The last common symptom of a washer that needs professional repair is if you find that your washing machine is very noisy. The typical causes of this problem are worn drum bearings (learn how bearings fail) or a damaged belt. Our experienced technicians advise that you listen carefully during a spin cycle as a form of a DIY check to determine if you need professional help.
Domex tip: Early fixes prevent £200+ repairs. Book a Domex technician today.
Cost of service: Belt or bearing replacement +/-£95-£193.
Repair or Replace?
In some cases, your washer may be old and you’re simply tired of having it repaired for the umpteenth time. You may even wonder: Is it worth it to repair your washing machine any more? According to our extensive experience, we offer the following suggestions.
You should repair your washer if it is:
- Less than seven years old
- The repair cost is less than 50% of a new model or
- The error is mechanical (e.g., belt) vs. electrical (e.g., control board)
On the other hand, you’ll want to replace your washer and get a new one if you encounter too many frequent breakdowns or if your energy rating is below A.
Here’s a quick summary table of the potential repair costs vs. buying a new machine and our expert advice in each case:
| Issue | Repair Cost | New Machine Cost | Domex’ Advice |
| Door seal leak | £80–£150 | £300–£800 | Repair (saves 60%+) |
| Drum not spinning | £120–£300 | £400–£1,200 | Repair if more than 5 years old |
Why Choose Domex?
A washing machine is a complex appliance and needs careful servicing and maintenance to prevent the symptoms from regular wear and tear from emerging. However, things can and sometimes do go wrong, which means you’ll need professional help. Let Domex come to the rescue with our:
- Same-day repairs: London, Leicester and Nottingham emergency slots are available.
- Certified experts: Hotpoint, Bosch and Samsung-trained technicians.
- 12-month warranty: Double the industry standard.
- Customer trust in us: We’ve been rated 4.7/5 by 3,800+ customers on Trustpilot.
Curious to see what our customers say about us? Take a look at these raving reviews from happy Domex clients:
David Laird: “Speedy service, great pricing”
Date of experience: 7 April 2025
“I booked an appointment online for the first available day, and within an hour was offered a same day slot. Usama was knowledgeable and easy to deal with. He helped unscrew move a dryer on top of the washing machine to gain access. He then went through an entire wash cycle to diagnose the problem, and when it turned out there was no major fault, I was charged the diagnostic rate only, and not the full repair fee. Would definitely use again.”
Michela Ceccarini: “Excellent customer service”
Date of experience: 2 April 2025
“Excellent customer service! Soheib was very professional and friendly!!! repaired our dishwasher in a few minutes, it was brilliant!!! Many thanks”
Book online or call 0330 210 2100 to schedule a repair.