According to Procter & Gamble Co., the average family washes around 7 loads of laundry a week. If your washing machine isn't operating as it should, hire an appliance specialist to make repairs for you before your unit completely fails on you and your laundry starts piling up. Repairs are often more cost-effective than buying a new washing machine, so watch for indications that you should get repairs.

Here are signs your washing machine is in need of repairs.

If you have to rewash your laundry loads because there is still soap residue on clothing and blankets or items come out wet but still harboring stains or debris, your washing machine isn't doing its job.

Before you blame your washing machine, however, make sure you are washing appropriately-sized loads. You should never overfill your washing machine or use more detergent than is recommended, as your loads can get unevenly washed this way and cause your washing machine to wear out trying to tackle large loads.

You should always be able to move washable items around in the washing machine freely before washing. If your washing machine is jam-packed with every load, the drum can't operate fully, leading to partially-washed loads and a worn washing machine motor.

If your washing machine rocks or shakes while it's going through its cycles, first check underneath the unit to make sure its legs are all on stable ground. Uneven leveling will cause your unit to rock or have too much movement, especially when spinning a rinse cycle or actively washing loads.

Your washing machine repair specialist will properly support your washing machine to keep movement at bay. Rocking motions will cause the fixture to wear out over time.

Your washing machine should never leak. Leaks can be caused by excessive use of detergent on your part. The detergent can cause bubbles to overflow, filling the basin to its peak. Leaks can also be caused by faulty mechanisms within the unit itself.

Check your washing machine while it's in use to see where the leaks are coming from. If the washing machine is leaking out the back or is pooling water on the floor even when not in use, have the unit inspected.

Another water-related issue with your washing machine is lack of water. If your washing machine only fills partially per load, then issues with connecting hoses, cycle switches, or other mechanical issues may be to blame.

You'll notice clothing coming out of your washing machine sopping wet or barely wet at all if there is a sensor issue in your washing machine causing water filling issues. Your appliance repair specialist will diagnose the cause of your washer's issues and will usually make repairs on-site.

Your washing machine won't finish a cycle if the lid doesn't properly close. If you have to slam the lid down, place a weight on the washing machine, or prop an item against a front-loading unit to encourage the lid to stay put, your washing machine needs to be repaired. A hinge issue may be all that is causing the problem.

Washing machines aren't silent appliances, but they shouldn't whine, groan, grind, or make thumping sounds when they are in use. If your washing machine is louder than usual, check the drum first. A sock or bra strap might be stuck in the drum that is causing the unit to stick or grumble.

If you smell anything like burning rubber, chemicals, or other alarming odors coming from your washing machine while in use, turn off the unit via your home's breaker box and call for emergency repairs right away.

Your washing machine will last up to a decade or longer with proper use and care. Call us at Appliance Repair Solutions for your home appliance repair needs today.