My washing machine at random times, won't empty the bowl. The pump works and sometimes it will run through it's cycle without a hitch, but I've found when it won't empty, that if I give the washing machine a hefty bump, it will work???? Can someone help please. I am a qualified electrician but haven't worked on whitegoods for years. The machine is 9 years old and has always worked well, no issues other than this.

Rob Cookson, August 2007

my hoover will let the hot water through, but the cold wont,it dribbles so slow its not the full pressure...

gael, February 2010

Sounds like the out of balance switch or the option switch (drip dry ).

Paul, August 2007

First you need to establish whether it is a pumping problem or a spinning problem. It sounds to me like it is pumping the water out but not spinning the clothes - leaving them dripping wet when you take them out.

The fact that it works when you give it a bump and that it is nine years old suggests to me that the carbon brushes in the motor have now worn down to their limit - believe it or not this is normal in Hoovers and in Hotpoints.

They are not difficult to replace and shouldn't cost more than about £25 to buy.

Andrew, August 2007