What is the drum in a washing machine?

Common parts of a washing machine.

Here are the parts of a washing machine and what you need to know about them:

Drum.

The drum (also often called an "inner tub" or "wash basket") is the area where you place your clothes. Your drum type varies depending on whether you have a front-load washing machine or a top-load washing machine. Top loaders have a vertical drum that rotates around a vertical axis. A front-loading machine spins on a horizontal axis.

Conventional washing machine drums work by calculating the weight of dry clothes. Lower-end machines may have plastic drums, while higher-end machines tend to have steel drums.

A washing machine's drum size also varies depending on the model. A larger drum means your washing machine's drum capacity is big enough for larger loads of laundry.

Drum problems can sometimes result in a clunky sound during a cycle. The drum may even stop spinning entirely. This can happen if the belts or ball bearings wear out.

Usually, it's best to hire a professional to investigate any drum issues.

Outer tub.

In most washing machines, there are two tubs. The first is the drum or inner tub, and the second is an outer tub. The outer tub holds the drum in place and helps drain the wash water. Generally, the textile area is exposed only to the first inner drum.

Tubs can also vary depending on whether you have a semi-automatic or fully automatic machine. Many people have fully automatic machines; the drum is the main tub, and the outer tub is just for support. But with semi-automatic machines, there are separate tubs for soaping up clothes and spinning them.

One common issue you might see with a tub is a leak. You'll notice this if water starts to pool around your machine. You may be able to patch this on your own, but it's better to have a professional take a look.

Agitator and impeller.

Top-loading machines have agitators or impellers. These components help the drum spin.

Agitators are spindles in the wash tub that rub against clothes. Impellers spin the bottom of the basket so the clothes rub against each other. Impellers let you get a high-speed wash and spin cycle, while agitators take less time to clean clothes. Impellers are also gentler, reducing the harmful effects of washing, like premature rips or tears.

If the agitator or impeller breaks, your drum likely won't spin. The fix may be as simple as installing a replacement part.

Drain pump.

The drain pump is responsible for removing dirty water in a wash cycle. You usually find it at the bottom of the washing machine.

You'll know your pump is on the fritz if water isn't draining from your machine. Debris may block the pump, but you should be able to disconnect it and clean it out. However, it may also sustain damage and need repairs.

Drain hose.

The drain hose is where the drain pump pushes the dirty water exposed to harmful dirt and grime on your clothes. It usually connects at the back of the machine and drains out into a tub or sink.

These hoses are usually made of corrugated plastic. This makes the hose susceptible to holes. This can cause leaking around your machine. Hair and debris can also cause clogs — make sure you clean it out every so often.

Reset button.

You might know the washer reset button better as the "stop" or "cancel" button. It's usually found on the washer's console. You can press it if you've made a mistake and need to cancel the current cycle.

The button might not work if it gets stuck or if moisture gets in the panel. To troubleshoot the problem, take off the panel's face, clean the button, and let it dry.

Related: How to reset your washing machine. 

Water inlet valve.

The water inlet valve is at the top back of the washer. This is where the water comes from for your cycle. Top-loading washers have one port for cold water and one for hot. But some front loaders only use cold water and heat it up internally.

If your washer doesn't fill up with water during a cycle, it's likely a problem with the water inlet valve. You can easily clean the clogged filter screen on the valve yourself. But if the valve is bad, you may want to hire a professional.

Console.

The console is where you control your cycle options. These can be as basic as a knob you twist to start the cycle. Newer, more high-tech washers come with premium feature consoles that have touchscreens with precise temperature controls and time adjustments.

These days, most consoles operate with an electrical panel. So if the buttons or screen aren't working, you may have some loose wires. If that doesn't do the trick, you may need a whole new control board panel. This project is best left to a reputable repair service.

Motor.

The motor is one of the washing machine's most crucial elements. It lives at the bottom of top-load machines and the back of front-load machines. You can have either a direct drive or a belt drive motor. Direct-drive motors attach right to the wash tub, while belt-drive motors connect to the tub via a belt.

Signs of a motor that's not working properly include a washer that doesn't spin, pump or agitate. You may also find your clothes are still wet at the end of the cycle.

Because the motor has so many working parts, you're better off having a professional diagnose these issues and perform the repairs.

Heating element.

Most washing machines use hot water from the tap. But if you have a front-loading machine, it may heat its water with a heating element. The location of this element varies between manufacturers, but you'll usually find it behind the back cover or side, below the drum.

If you're having a problem with your heating element, you'll know because your clothes won't get warm during a cycle. They'll feel cold and slimy when you pull them out. In most cases, this requires you to replace the element.

Printed circuit board (PCB).

Like a motherboard controls a computer, so does a printed circuit board control a washing machine. It connects to the control console and sends commands to the other washing machine parts. It manages everything from water level to detergent dispensation.

If the PCB gets wet, it may short out and stop working. If this happens, you'll need to replace the board so your washer functions again.

Timer.

A washing machine's timer is usually located right next to or on the console. It can be a knob you turn to a specific time or a screen you input the correct time on.

There are a few common issues you might see with a washing machine timer. The timer motor might give out, preventing the timer from spinning. You could also have problems with the drain pump not rinsing or the water inlet valve not filling. These both stop the timer from running.

Find a washing machine professional near you.

No matter what part of your washing machine is giving you trouble, a local professional can help.

Download the Thumbtack app, and hire a washing machine professional to get a quick resolution to your washer troubles.