Why did the washing machine continuously fill with water during the washing process?
Modern household appliances are not immune to various types of breakdowns, which cause their users a lot of anxiety. For example, if you notice that your washing machine is constantly filling with water during the wash cycle, you will probably realize that something is wrong with it and want to take steps to solve the problem. Indeed, delaying repairs in this situation is a big waste, considering how much water will be wasted, as well as the prices for water utility services. The first thing that immediately comes to mind for most people is to contact a home appliance repair specialist. But this solution is not always the best, since sometimes you can fix everything on your own. This will depend on the nature of the problem encountered.
Causes
Generally speaking, there are three main reasons why an automatic washing machine constantly draws in and releases water when it washes.
- Incorrect connection of the drain hose to the sewer.
- Failure of the filler or outlet valve.
- A malfunction associated with the sensor that controls the level of liquid that is drawn into the machine.
But it is unlikely that the above dry list of reasons that may cause the abnormal operation of the washing unit will be of any use to you.Therefore, it is worth learning in more detail how the mentioned malfunctions affect the fact that the automatic machine continuously draws in and releases working fluid.
It is considered that the device is correctly connected to the sewer system if the drain hose is connected to it not directly, but through a siphon, and its end is fixed above the working drum of the unit, that is, at a height of about 60 cm from the floor. As a rule, if the hose is lowered directly into the drain, the working tank in the washing machine is constantly filled and emptied when it starts. This problem is usually discovered immediately after installing a new, recently purchased device. Perhaps, when connecting the hose, they were guided by the principle “the simpler the better” and ignored certain requirements of the operating instructions.
As for the fill and exhaust valves, their malfunction is usually associated with a solenoid valve installed inside them. This mechanism is controlled by the electronic control system in the washing machine. It initiates the application of voltage to the coil, which draws in the magnetic rod, thereby influencing the membrane, which opens the valve opening. When the filling or release of water is completed, the power to the coil is turned off and the spring returns the membrane to its original place, closing the hole. The essence of the valve malfunction may be that:
- the coil burned out,
- the membrane has lost elasticity,
- The spring became weaker.
If the spring has weakened or the filling valve membrane has deteriorated, then the washing machine will constantly fill up even when it is turned off.
The fill level sensor of the working tank in a washing machine is called a pressure switch.It reacts to changes in pressure in the system and transmits a signal to the control center, which turns the supply and drain of liquid on or off. The pressure switch can transmit incorrect signals to the “brain” of the unit if there is a blockage in the internal hydraulic circulation system of the machine that affects the pressure readings. The same result can happen if the seal is broken - for example, a crack appears in the tube connected to the pressure switch.
What can be done in this or that case?
First of all, you need to make sure that the drain hose is connected correctly if you did not install the machine yourself. Sometimes this is difficult to do, since a free view of hydrocommunications can be interfered with by various types of furniture and other interior items. But in this case, it is not necessary to move the bedside tables and tables or dismantle the partition behind which the sewer pipes are located.
You can simply follow these steps.
- Turn on the washing machine and let it fill with water.
- When the drum is full, turn the device to drain.
- In the middle of an operation, pause it by setting the pause mode.
- Monitor the further behavior of the liquid in the drum.
If you notice that it continues to constantly decrease, it means that the hose is not connected correctly. If the level remains the same, then the reason lies in the valve or pressure switch.
Checking the drain valve is also not difficult. Its terminals must be freed from wires and 220 V connected to them from an external power source. If the valve is working properly, you will hear a click, after which water will flow from the drain tube.
Advice
Please note that before starting such a test, the liquid is first drawn into the machine so that there is something to release.And immediately prepare a container for draining.
If nothing happens, then most likely the coil has burned out and the valve needs to be replaced. This part will have to be replaced even when the membrane or spring has become unusable. Their malfunction will be indicated by the fact that water will constantly leak through the drain valve, even if the washing machine is turned off.
You can check the operation of the pressure switch by freeing it from the tube going to it and unscrewing the fastening that holds it. If you blow inside, the serviceability of the part will be indicated by the clicks of the switch located in it.
Advice
Do not blow into the pressure switch very hard, as you may damage it.
Also check the hose interacting with the sensor for cracks, punctures or blockages. If it turns out that the part itself or the hose associated with it needs to be replaced, then contact a household appliance repair service and purchase a new spare part. Replacing it does not require much experience or much effort. And by fixing the machine in time, you will prevent premature failure of the heating element and will not suffer financially by wasting a lot of water and powder.