Quick Answer
Most plumbers do not have expertise in repairing washing machines. Washing machine repair is typically handled by appliance repair technicians rather than plumbers. However, some plumbers may have experience fixing common washing machine issues relating to plumbing, such as connecting and disconnecting hoses.
Do Plumbers Repair Washing Machines?
Plumbers are trained to work on water, drainage, and gas systems in homes and buildings. Their core expertise relates to piping, fixtures, appliances, and other components that deal with water provision and drainage. Washing machines have some connections to plumbing systems, but the mechanics and electronics involved in washing machines are quite different from typical plumber skill sets.
Some plumbers may have picked up basic DIY appliance repair skills over the years if they have worked extensively in people’s homes. However, appliance repair is a whole separate trade from plumbing. Plumbers focus their training and tools on piping, drainage, and water-based systems. Appliance repair technicians have different specialized skills for diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing complex appliance components like motors, control boards, valves, etc.
So while a plumber may be able to install or disconnect washing machine hoses, or deal with some leakage issues related to the washer’s plumbing connections, most plumbers would not have the necessary skills or experience to fully repair malfunctioning washing machines beyond basic connection issues.
Plumber vs Appliance Repair Technician
Plumbers and appliance repair technicians have some overlapping skills, but their domains of expertise differ significantly:
Plumber
- Installs, repairs, and maintains water supply lines and drainage/sewer systems in buildings
- Proficient with tools for pipefitting, soldering, welding, etc.
- Knowledgeable about plumbing codes and proper installation methods
- Can install or replace water heaters, toilets, sinks, bathtubs, etc.
- Can snake clogged drains and pipes
Appliance Repair Technician
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair home appliances like refrigerators, ovens, dishwaters, washing machines, etc.
- Tests electrical, mechanical, and digital components using multimeters, thermocouples, etc.
- Replaces worn or damaged parts like motors, timers, belts, control boards, etc.
- Knowledge of proper disassembly and reassembly of complex appliances
- Familiar with safety issues when handling appliances
As you can see, while plumbers and appliance technicians both work in residential settings, their actual skill sets don’t overlap too much beyond basic tasks like making water connections. The mechanics involved in repairing a washing machine motor or replacing a damaged control board require specialized appliance repair training.
What Can Plumbers Do for Washing Machines?
While plumbers can’t handle major washing machine repairs, they can provide some useful services related to washing machine installation and plumbing connections:
– Install new washing machine – A plumber can remove an old washing machine, install new supply lines and drainage for the new unit, level the machine, and test water connections.
– Disconnect washing machine – Plumbers can disconnect washing machines from plumbing lines when old units need removal. They can shut off supply valves and detach all hoses and standpipes.
– Connect hoses – Plumbers are very familiar with connecting water supply hoses to faucets and appliances. They can make sure washing machine hoses are properly installed and checks there are no leaks.
– Install drain standpipes – Plumbers can add or replace drain standpipes for washing machines to properly flush water out.
– Fix leaking water connections – If a washer hose or inlet valve leaks, a plumber can replace worn washers, hoses, or valves.
– Fix blocked drainage pipes – Plumbers have the tools to clear any clogged standpipes or drain lines that prevent wash water from properly draining.
So for any installation issues or plumbing-related repairs involving washing machine water supply, drainage, or leaks, a qualified plumber can provide the proper solutions. But for actual washer mechanics and electronics, an appliance repair technician is better equipped for repairs.
Common Washing Machine Repairs
Here are some of the most common washing machine repairs that appliance technicians regularly handle:
– Replace drive belts – Worn or broken drive belts can prevent the drum from turning properly. Technicians can replace belts on washers.
– Replace water inlet valves – Faulty inlet valves prevent washers from taking in water. Techs can remove and replace these valves.
– Unclog or replace drain pumps – Clogged drain pumps prevent washers from pumping out water. Techs have tools to clean pumps or install replacements if needed.
– Replace control boards – Electrical issues are often due to damaged control boards. Techs can troubleshoot boards and install new ones.
– Replace door seals and latches – Worn seals lead to water leakage. Techs can remove and replace damaged washing machine door seals and latches.
– Replace motors – Bad motors prevent the washer drum from turning. Techs can replace drive motors on washers.
– Fix imbalances – Imbalanced loads lead to excess vibration. Techs can adjust imbalance detection switches and sensors.
– Replace timers and sensors – Mechanical timers and electrical sensors synchronize washer cycles. Techs can troubleshoot and replace damaged timers and sensors.
While plumbers can handle issues like clogged standpipes that prevent drainage, most of the mechanical and electrical repairs required significant appliance-specific technical skills and experience.
When to Call A Plumber vs Appliance Technician for Washer Issues
Here are some guidelines on when to call a plumber vs an appliance repair technician for washing machine issues:
Call a plumber for:
– Installation of new washing machine
– Disconnection of old washing machine
– Leaking supply hoses or valves
– Clogged standpipe drain lines
– Low water flow/pressure to washing machine
Call an appliance technician for:
– Washer won’t spin, turn on, start cycles, etc.
– Burning smell from washer
– Excess noise or vibration during spin cycles
– Washer is leaking from tub, door, or bottom
– Washer lights flashing error codes
– Washer not filling properly with water
– Washer not draining/spinning properly
The plumber can handle the “pipework” – ensuring proper water supply, drainage, and leakages. But once the issue relates to the washing machine’s specific mechanics and electricals, a trained appliance technician will be needed. Combining the skills of both trades is the best way to tackle any washing machine problems.
Conclusion
While plumbers are skilled with plumbing-related installations and repairs, most do not have the necessary training and expertise to handle complex washing machine repairs beyond basic water connections and standpipes. For issues with washing machine motors, control boards, valves, etc. calling an appliance repair technician is the best option. Washing machine repair is a specialized trade separate from plumbing. However, plumbers can provide assistance with initial washer installation and any plumbing-related issues surrounding washing machines. By understanding when to call a plumber vs an appliance tech, homeowners can ensure their washing machine issues are handled by the right professional.