Troubleshooting Maytag Washers for Dummies

washing machine leaks

When it comes to doing research, our staffers tell us that citing oneself as an authority on a topic doesn't always fly. Just because a freelancer has already published on a topic – especially without benefit of peer review – doesn't mean that the previous work is worth reading. Take, for instance, eHowian freelancer Jennifer Blair: that BA in "Writing Seminars" and those prior publications at other content farms don't mean she knows jack about "Problems With a Maytag Top-Loading Washing Machine"¹ (now at HomeSteady.com).

Ambiguous as the topic may be, Blair's "guide" to troubleshooting is still pretty sparse. According to Jennifer, there are only four possible "problems": leaks, poor drainage, excessive vibration, and rinse failure. We are pretty sure that there are a lot of other potential problems she didn't mention, but worse? She did a pretty lousy job with what she did cover. Check out these faux pas:

"Leaks... because water may splash from the basket during operation if the washer is not level. Unbalanced laundry loads may also cause water to splash from the tub."

While such "splashing" occasionally happens, it's more likely to be because of improper loading or a broken balance mechanism.

"Poor Drainage... the drain hose should be installed no higher than 96 inches above the floor, or there may be issues with drainage."

Probably should have checked code on that, Jennifer: the drain outlet is supposed to be between 30 and 48 inches from the floor, at least in this country. It's also supposed to be above the top of the tub.

"Excessive Vibration... Usually, this occurs because the washer’s feet are not in contact with the floor..."

We can't wait to buy a levitating washing machine! No, Jennifer, this usually happens because the washing machine isn't level. That's why the feet (at least those on the front) are adjustable. Apparently Blair didn't understand a) that these are the most simple (although not most common) problems, nor did she understand b) that just doing a copy-reword-paste of an online user's manual doesn't cut it. That's why she's receiving the prestigious Dumbass of the Day award!

¹ The original has been deleted by Leaf Group, but can still be accessed using the Wayback machine at archive.org. Its URL was   ehow.com/info_7878548_problems-maytag-topload-washing-machine.html

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