That rhythmic or intermittent clicking sound from your washing machine might seem minor, but it’s worth investigating. In many cases, it’s a foreign object or a simple part failure — and catching it early saves bigger repairs later.
Our Winnipeg appliance repair team diagnoses clicking sounds on all washing machine brands and gets to the root cause fast.
Types of Clicking Sounds and What They Mean
Different clicking sounds often indicate different problems:
Rhythmic Click-Click During Wash or Spin
- Usually a foreign object (coin, button, zipper) bouncing in the drum
- Could be something caught between the drum and tub
Single Click When Lid Closes (No Start)
- Classic lid switch symptom — the switch clicks but doesn’t complete the circuit
Clicking from Behind/Below Machine During Drain
- Foreign object in the pump
- Debris caught in the pump impeller
Occasional Click During Operation
- Relay switching on control board
- Solenoid valve clicking (normal for some machines)
- Temperature or pressure switch activating
Continuous Clicking During Spin
- Drum paddle loose or broken
- Something stuck between drum and tub walls
Common Causes of Washing Machine Clicking
1. Foreign Objects in the Drum
Most common cause. Items left in pockets or small items that work loose:
- Coins
- Buttons
- Zippers catching
- Small toys
- Hair clips or pins
- Bra underwires
Solution: Check and remove all foreign objects. Check pockets before washing.
2. Foreign Object in the Pump
Objects that make it past the drum can reach the pump:
- Clicking or grinding during drain
- May be intermittent
- Can damage pump impeller if not removed
Solution: Clean the pump filter and inspect the pump cavity.
3. Lid Switch Clicking
Top-load washers have a mechanical lid switch that audibly clicks:
- If clicking but machine doesn’t start → switch has failed electrically
- If no clicking when lid closes → switch mechanism is damaged
Solution: Lid switch replacement.
4. Door Lock Clicking (Front-Loaders)
The door lock mechanism clicks as it engages and disengages:
- If clicking repeatedly without locking → door lock is failing
- Normal single click when locking is expected
Solution: Door lock replacement if failing.
5. Drum Paddle Problems
The plastic drum paddles (lifter fins inside the drum) can develop issues:
- Loose paddles knock against the drum at specific positions
- Broken paddle edges click as they pass certain points
- Cracked paddle exposing sharp edge
Solution: Drum paddle replacement.
6. Item Caught Between Drum and Tub
Small items can escape the drum and become trapped between the inner and outer drum:
- Rhythmic knocking or clicking
- Often worse during spin
- May cause scratching or damage
Solution: Professional retrieval — usually requires drum access.
7. Agitator Problems
In top-loaders:
- Loose or worn agitator clicking during movement
- Agitator coupling clicking
- Debris under agitator
Solution: Agitator inspection and repair.
Diagnosing the Click: A Systematic Approach
Step 1: Identify When It Happens
- During fill? Likely an inlet valve or water supply issue
- During wash/agitation? Likely drum, agitator, or lid switch
- During drain? Likely pump issue
- During spin? Drum, foreign object, or bearing
Step 2: Listen for Location
- Front of machine? Usually drum-related
- Under/behind machine? Usually pump or motor
- Top of machine (at lid)? Usually lid switch
Step 3: Check the Drum First
Look inside for visible foreign objects or loose components.
Step 4: Clean the Filter
Inspect the pump filter for foreign objects.
Step 5: Test Without Load
Run empty cycle — if clicking stops, it was likely a load issue.
What Happens If You Ignore Clicking?
| Cause | If Ignored | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign object in drum | Damages drum or tub | Costly |
| Foreign object in pump | Damages impeller | Pump replacement needed |
| Lid switch clicking | Machine stops working | Inconvenient |
| Loose drum paddle | Breaks off | Damage to drum/clothes |
| Item between drums | Increases damage | Major repair |
Don’t ignore clicking — it usually means something needs attention.
Prevention Tips
- Check all pockets before loading the machine
- Use mesh laundry bags for small items and lingerie
- Inspect the drum periodically for loose components
- Clean the filter monthly
- Don’t overload — items can work loose more easily in overloaded machines
Professional Clicking Diagnosis in Winnipeg
Our Winnipeg repair team finds the source of clicking noises quickly and fixes the problem before it becomes a bigger issue.
- Systematic diagnosis with proper tools
- All brands and models serviced
- Quick turnaround
- Upfront pricing
- Warranty on all repairs
Contact us today to diagnose your clicking washing machine in Winnipeg.
