My washing machine drum is not turning.

If your washing machine drum is not spinning during a programme, this is not necessarily a fault and could just be a part of the wash cycle you have selected. In different programs there can be limited or no drum movement at all, for example when washing woollens or when excess foam has been detected. 

If you are sure that this lack of drum turning is not part of a wash cycle then there are some things you can do to try to resolve the issue.

  • Clean the inlet filter

    If water is finding it difficult to enter the machine then the drum may not spin properly. The first thing to try is cleaning any filters on the inside of the water inlet hoses.

    • Disconnect your appliance from the mains.

    • Turn off the water tap.

    • Disconnect the water hose from the tap (have a large bucket ready in case water comes out) & if necessary also from the appliance (some machines have filters on both ends of the hose & on the entry point to the machine).

    • Clean filters gently with a small brush. You may need to take the filter out with pair of pliers to clean it thoroughly.

    • Place the filters back and check for leaks.

  • Check the water pressure

    If the washing machine drum is not spinning, it is worth checking the water pressure in the property to see if this is sufficient. To do this simply follow the instructions below.

    • Place a bucket under the water tap.

    • Run the water. Approximately 10 litres of water per minute should come out - so around 1-2 minutes to fill a large bucket. If less water comes out then the water pressure is insufficient to run the washing machine.

    • If this is the case, please contact your plumber who will be able to resolve the issue.

  • Carbon brushes on the motor might need replacing

    A component which can fail and stop the washing machine drum from turning is the carbon brushes. If the drum is not turning when filled with water or during the spin cycle, then this can indicate that the carbon brushes are worn out. To know for certain whether the carbon brushes need replacing, it is recommended that you ask a qualified engineer to take a look at your appliance.