There are a number of common problems that you can solve yourself and save yourself the cost and time to get us or someone else out to solve it for you, or indeed, save buying any spare parts.
Washing Machine Not Draining
Probably the most common fault, and usually a result of a blocked filter or a faulty drain pump.
Firstly, check the filter. There are a number of styles, but they all follow the same format, where there will be a removable filter at the bottom left or right of the machine. Your instruction manual will show you how to do this.
Washing Machine Not Spinning
Another common problem and the first thing to do is check that the load is not imbalanced, as all modern machines have some form of "out of balance" control, where, if your washing machine detects that there is a danger due to an out-of-balance load, it will abort the spin cycle.
If that is okay, see if the machine will spin with nothing in it. If it does, try another load and see if it is okay, you can test this quickly by just using the rinse and spin program rather than a full wash cycle.
Also, check the filter as if the machine detects water still in the drum, it will also abort any spin cycle.
If it still doesn't spin, then it is likely a more in-depth problem with the motor or electronics.
Washing Machine Leaks
Another issue that can be caused by a number of things.
Check the door seal for any damage; that's an easy one to look at first.
After that however, it can be almost anything from a loose hose to a pierced tank, the only way to find out is to get a look inside and try to see where the water is coming from.
Washing Machine Doesn't Fill
Check the water supply!
If the supply is not the problem, then it is very likely to be a fill valve that has failed.
Drum Not Moving
If you hear the motor running but the drum isn't moving, it's possibly the belt that has come off or failed, though this is rarer on modern machines, but still a possibility.
The motor can also be a problem or, where it's a brushed motor worn brushes after several years.
Many modern machines will not use brushed motors and have what's called induction motors in them that use an electronic controller called an "invertor", the module can fail and you would get this fault.
Door Won't Open
Some machines have an emergency release to let you open the door manually, but these tend to be the more upmarket (expensive) models, as this is a cost but, if you have it and the door won't open this is a lifesaver.
Usually, this is the machine locked for some reason, it "thinks" there is water in the drum and it's not safe to open the door or, it's a problem with the door safety lock more commonly.
If you are brave and, have the power off and can get the machine out, the ld off, you can usually reach down at the front and pop the door open without having to break the door or any part of it.
Error Or Fault Code Appears
This is very dependent on what machine it is you have and what the fault code means. Most though are only a general pointer in the direction of where the fault might be, they do not pinpoint the exact problem or failure.
Washing Machine Dead: No Power
Make sure that the supply to the machine is okay, it's amazing how many times we've called to a fault report like this only to find a dodgy socket, blown fuse, RCD problem and so on. Before you call anyone out, make sure that the socket is working okay with something else to test it.
After that, on most modern machines, the power will go into a radio interference filter and these can go faulty but they're easily replaced and not normally expensive.
Then power will usually go to the main power switch or the main control module. A power switch is easy enough to swap and not expensive but modules can be, as well as specialist items.
Washing Machine Noisy
This can be caused by any number of things but the most common will be on machines that are several years old and it's often an indication that the bearings are failing or have failed.
Take everything out the machine and turn the inner drum by hand; if it is "grumbly" or rumbling, that's almost a sure-fire indication that the bearings are kaput.
Depending on the machine, whether or not it has a sealed tank largely determines whether it's worth repairing this or not, but consider other factors as well, such as the age of the machine, level of use, how much it cost and so on.
But there are many other things it can be as anything that moves can make a noise.
Washing Machine Smells Bad
This is a common one as well, and it's almost always caused (the short version) by a buildup of bacteria on the inside of the drum because of people using mostly low-temperature washes with detergents that do not contain bleach. This leads to what's called a biofilm buildup on the inside wall of the outer drum, you can't see but you sure can smell!
The only advice we can really offer is to run multiple 90˚ washes with the machine empty but use a full dose of bleach containing powder such as Ariel, Persil, Aldi etc that are for whites. You have to use a powder as no liquids or capsules can contain bleach; it's not technically possible for them to do so.
This will solve the problem if it's not too bad but we have to warn you, it can get worse before it gets better!
If that doesn't cure it the only hope is to strip down the machine (where possible) and clean it all out manually, which is not a pleasant job to do we can tell you from first-hand experience. You will need noseplugs and a sick bag!