Speed Queen washers are built tough—but even strong machines have quirks. If yours is acting up, you don’t need to panic. Let’s walk through the most common issues, why they happen, and what you can do. You might be surprised how many fixes are easy and don’t require a technician.
Outline
- 1. Machine won’t start or won’t spin at all
- 2. Stops in the middle of a cycle
- 3. Washer doesn’t fill with enough water
- 4. Doesn’t drain or leaves clothes too wet
- 5. Loud noise or squeaking
- 6. Leaking water or dripping
- 7. Suds overflowing during spin on newer models
- 8. When to consider replacement or professional help
1. Machine Won’t Start or Spin
If your washer won’t start at all, first check the power. Make sure it’s plugged in and the breaker hasn’t tripped. If that’s fine, the lid or door switch might be faulty—Speed Queen washers won’t run if they think the door is open. Also, the electronic control board or timer can fail. That brain chip controls water, spin, and all the settings. If it’s bad, the washer might do nothing. Some models also have a reset button—unplug and wait five minutes to reset the unit.
For spin issues: Even if it starts, it may not spin. Causes include a worn or broken drive belt, a bad motor, or overload (too many clothes). Sometimes the lid switch still stops operation even mid‑spin. Try a smaller load or test the switch with a multimeter if you’re handy.
2. Washer Stops Mid‑Cycle
This one is frustrating. You load clothes, start the wash, and halfway through everything just stops. Common causes: the lid switch glitches or opens; the timer or control board fails to send signals; or the water inlet valve doesn’t allow enough water so the machine stalls waiting.
Try resetting the machine by unplugging it for a few minutes. Make sure the door closes firmly. If you’re brave, test the timer or switch for continuity. Otherwise, these parts are fairly inexpensive to replace.
3. Not Filling with Water (or Not Enough Water)
If the washer fills too slowly or not at all, check the inlet valve first. Hard water can clog it, and users in areas with hard water report needing to rinse or replace the valve more frequently. You can reduce buildup by running vinegar or citric acid cycles twice a year.
Low water pressure in your home could also cause filling issues. And don’t forget to ensure hoses are not kinked and the detergent tray or filter is clean. A timer problem may also prevent full fill—if the machine doesn’t call for more water, it won’t add it.
4. Not Draining or Clothes Come Out Too Wet
Is your laundry soaking wet even after the cycle ends? That means spin didn’t do its job—and usually it’s a drainage issue. First thing: check for a clogged or kinked drain hose. Remove it and inspect for lint, small socks, or knots.
If the hose is clear, a clogged or failed drain pump is likely. Pump bearings wear out and the pump stops working. Replacing the pump often fixes it. Another less obvious cause is a faulty lid switch—if the washer thinks the door is open, it won’t drain/spin.
5. Loud Noise, Squeak, or Grinding Sounds
Noise in a washer is nearly always a part wearing out. Belt and idler pulley wear can cause squeaks. If you manually spin the drum and hear grinding or rattling, the pulley or belt is suspect. Replace them. Noise during agitation could be a worn drive shaft, tub bearing, or suspension spring.
Reddit users have noted hearing a squeak then spotting water dripping from the transmission shaft into the tub—a likely failed seal and bearing. That is serious, and often needs tub rebuilding or part replacement after only a few years.
> “Water is dripping right through the transmission shaft … If that’s leaking, bearings are shot.”
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6. Leaking Water
Leaks can come from cracked hoses, torn seals, inlet or drain valves, or door seals. Check the floor beneath and around the machine. Inspect all hoses, gaskets, and seals. Replace any that show cracks or wear. A torn tub seal or damaged internal seal can cause leakage into the bearing area, which then fails and leads to noise or spin issues.
7. Suds Overflowing from the Drain in Newer Models (e.g. TC5, TC7)
Some users with newer models (like TC5 and others made after 2018) report foam shooting out of the drain hose during spin cycles—even with minimal detergent. Speed Queen acknowledges this suds issue and suggests adding a tablespoon of vinegar or using certain cycles like permanent press instead of eco mode. Eco mode uses less water and spins hard, trapping suds and pushing them into the drain.
Users report better results by using the permanent press or deep fill options (though deep fill doesn’t always help) and limiting detergent to about 2 tablespoons per load. Installing the standpipe adapter Speed Queen provides can help too. Still, many feel paying over $1,300 should mean suds don’t overflow in the first place.
> “Speed Queen is well aware … the suggestion of adding vinegar works well.”
> “SQ said not to use the Ecco setting … and to only use 2 tablespoons of detergent.”
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8. When to Replace or Call a Pro
If your washer is over 10 years old, or you see more than one major issue, consider replacement. Many appliances cost more to repair than they’re worth—they may need tub seal replacements, motor work, or new bearings. According to appliance experts, if repair bills top $450 or problems recur often, a new machine may be cheaper in the long run.
Also, if it’s under warranty or you purchased from a store that offers swap-outs, pressing through with Speed Queen support may get you a replacement without stress.
Summary Quick Guide
- No power or won’t start: check plug, breaker, door switch, timer/control board.
- Stops mid‑cycle: lid switch, timer, inlet valve.
- Not filling: inlet valve issues, low water pressure, timer, clogged hoses.
- Not draining/poor spin: clogged hose, bad drain pump, lid switch.
- Noise or squeaks: worn belt/pulley, bearings, suspension, seal leak.
- Leaks: bad hoses, seals, inlet valve, bearing/tub seal leaks.
- Suds overflow: use less detergent, vinegar, deep fill or permanent press, adapter hose.
You know what? Many of these are manageable yourself. Start with the easy fixes—power, hoses, detergent load size. Use vinegar cycles to flush buildup. Keep the washer level and the detergent amount in check. If the problem keeps returning or seems internal (seal leaks, pump failure, control board glitch), consult a professional or weigh replacement if it’s an older unit.
Washing machines are workhorses. Speed Queens are built tough—but nothing is perfect. With a little patience, logic, and maybe a small part or two, you can often get your washer back on track. Good luck—and may your laundry come out clean, dry, and quiet!