Forgotten items not taken out of pockets of clothes, wool, hair, loose fluff from fabrics can block the drainage channel of the washing machine. In the future, this can lead to failure of the pump.
Manufacturers of sophisticated household appliances try to prevent breakdowns of units and install preliminary safety devices on their products - water purification. One is located at the inlet - in front of the inlet valve. The second is on the drain in front of the pump. Regular preventive cleaning of filter elements is a guarantee of long-term operation. After studying the recommendations for maintenance, many decide to take an independent step to clean the filters.
Content
- Location
- Drain filter cleaning rules
- How to open a filter in a washing machine
- Cleaning frequency
Location
Design features each manufacturer has its own, but basically it is easy to figure out where the filter is located in the washing machine. The drain filter of the washing machine is located in the lower part under the tank near the pump. On the front side, it is hidden by a hatch or a removable decorative panel.
The table shows the locations of the catchers for well-known brands of washing machines.
| Manufacturer | Location side | Decorative element |
| LG, Candy | left | Luke |
| Indesit, Ariston | on right | panel |
| Bosh, Simens, Zanussi, Elektrolux, Atlant | on right | Luke |
| Samsung | on right | panel |
| In top-loading machines | left |
Most washing machines with a small load of laundry (up to 3.5 kg) are usually not equipped with drain traps.
Drain filter cleaning rules
If the washing machine has stopped and the stop error is lit on the display panel due to a violation of the dirty water drain cycle, one of the possible options stoppage is a clogged drain filter. Experts recommend following these instructions to figure out how to clean a filter in a washing machine:
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De-energize the applianceto avoid electric shock. - Shut off the water supply to the washer. As a rule, it has to be moved and tilted.
- Having decided on the location of the pump, open the decorative strip. It is fixed with hooks, so a screwdriver is needed to open it. If you pulled on the upper edge, and the bar does not lend itself, it means that it is shifted to the side, from right to left.
- Water usually remains in the filter. In order not to flood your neighbors, you need to prepare a floor rag and a low capacity. Place this container under the filter location by lifting the front of the washing machine. Some models are equipped with gutters for draining residual water.
- Unscrew the filter. By design, they are of two types. The first type is a one-piece construction. The second is the cork and the element itself (Zanussi, Elektrolux, LG). Some manufacturers additionally secure the plug from unscrewing with an additional screw for safety. Therefore, first you must first unscrew the screw, and then the filter.
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Remove trapped debris. Rinse the structure under running water. Check for any remaining debris in the chassis. To do this, shine a flashlight inward. It happens that threads and hairs are wound around the impeller shaft, completely blocking the rotation of the motor. To remove them, you will have to remove the pump. - Check the integrity of the silicone gasket on the filter element. If it is damaged, then in the future it is possible to flow through it.
- Install the catcher in place without distortions. Tighten the plug firmly to the end.
- Connect the washer to the water supply and electrical circuit. Check for leaks. Set the rinse mode. After starting to drain the water, check the filter for leaks.
- Close the decorative strip.
The user manual that comes with the machine contains a detailed description of cleaning for a particular model.
How to open a filter in a washing machine
If no one has touched the catcher for a long time, then it can stick to it or get tightly clogged with dirt, which is why it cannot be manually unscrewed. Use pliers or other clamping tools.
If it is impossible to open it from the front side, you will have to be selected from the inside. For this, the washer must be laid on its side. For example, Candy has a removable plastic bottom panel. It is not fixed in any way. When you remove it, the pump will be in front of your eyes.
To remove the pump, it is necessary to disconnect the drain hose. They are usually fastened with spring clamps. Use pliers to open the clamp and pull off the hose. Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the fastening screws and remove the pump. Then unscrew the filter from the back. The capture area is larger, and there is also the ability to remove debris.
Coarse filter the filling water is also clogged with dirt. It all depends on the quality of the tap water supply. Old networks contain a lot of salt deposits and metal oxides. In addition to this, frequent repairs of highways, from which sand subsequently comes from.
To get to it, you must turn off the water and disconnect the supply hose. Filters are installed mesh made of plastic or brass mesh. They are removed from the case and with the help of a toothbrush they are washed under running water, after which they are installed in place.
Cleaning frequency
In the manufacturer's recommendations, the cleaning of the filter elements depends on the number of washings performed. Depending on the season, the frequency is 2-4 months. If washing is done daily, then cleaning is done monthly.
If you do not carry out periodic cleaning, then there is:
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obstructed drainage; - unpleasant odor on the washed laundry and from the drum;
- premature failure of the pump.
If there is a need to replace parts and assemblies, then you should contact the service center, where you will be provided with professional services.
