washing machine valve tight

[Rekusu]

What ho one and all,

I have just purchased a new washing machine which will be delivered and installed next week. As is the case now-days, it has only a cold fill; but the current machine has both cold and hot fill.

Of the two isolator valves, the hot is easy to turn while the cold is so tight that I have broken the plastic lever and no amount of open/close is making it easier to turn.

Is there any reason that the new machine should not be connected to the hot fill?

Or would it be better to replace the cold fill isolator with a new one that works, and cap the hot pipe?

Thanks and toodle pip

 

[just pumps]

Cap the hot and replace the cold. See no point in paying twice by putting hot water in the m/c when it will heat water whatever the tempreture

 

[jj4091]

Give the cold isolator a good squirt of wd 40 & leave over night then swop the lever off the hot to he cold & see if you can gently work it closed & open.

 

[winston1]

WD40 is not a lubricant, it is a water displacement fluid, the 40th version. Use a thin penetration oil.

 

[JohnD]

WD40 is not a lubricant

if you put WD40 betweeen two surfaces, does it lubricate movement between them?

yes it does.

 

[JohnD]

And consider just buying a new valve.

this brand is good quality. You can also buy cheap ones.

https://www.screwfix.com/c/heating-plumbing/washing-machine-fittings/cat831574?brand=pegler

 

[winston1]

if you put WD40 betweeen two surfaces, does it lubricate movement between them?

yes it does.

So does water. WD40 was never intended as a lubricant.

 

[kidgreen61]

Just get a pair of pliers on the cold water valve, the plastic levers snap for fun.
Don't use the hot water connection, just cap it off, as said above.

 

[JohnD]

poor barmy winston

"A QUESTION OF LUBRICATION

Myth: WD-40® Multi-Use Product is not really a lubricant.

Fact: While the “W-D” in WD-40® stands for Water Displacement, WD-40® Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product’s formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal."

"BIKE FRIENDLY
Myth: WD-40® Multi-Use Product should not be used on bike chains.

Fact: While WD-40® Multi-Use Product it is not a grease, it is formulated with strong lubricating oils and other ingredients, and is a terrific product to use for bike maintenance. It does not attract dirt or moisture to metal surfaces – just be sure to wipe off any excess WD-40® Multi-Use Product before riding."


https://www.wd40.com/myths-legends-fun-facts/

 

[RayCaister]

Or you could have bought an Ebac ... https://www.ebac.com/washing-machines/hot-fill-explained/

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Is there any reason that the new machine should not be connected to the hot fill?

They stopped using hot fill, because modern machine use less water and because by the time the hot gets to most machines - a lot of hot will have been wasted. So cold fill is more efficient. Those isolator valve with the plastic handle fail often - Just turn the stop tap off and replace it with new.

 

[Mottie]

Years ago my mate bought a new washing machine and fitted it himself. He found it was taking too long for a wash and the clothes were coming out hot. He called the engineers out. Yep, he'd fitted the hot and cold pipes the wrong way round!

Is there any reason that the new machine should not be connected to the hot fill?

Yep, your clothes will be rinsed in hot water which may be hotter than the programme you are using so may shrink your clothes.

 

[Madrab]

Or would it be better to replace the cold fill isolator with a new one that works, and cap the hot pipe

If you want to do it properly, this is the correct approach.

Spend a little more on the isolator (pegler are better amongst others) as it will last longer.

 

[jj4091]

WD40 is not a lubricant, it is a water displacement fluid, the 40th version. Use a thin penetration oil.

. Ever read the tin!! Particularly the bottom row.
View attachment 240874

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

. Ever read the tin!! Particularly the bottom row.

It does what it says on the tin

It's not the best at freeing things up, but it's a good 'goto' for many things, despite its primary purpose of only dispelling moisture. It is not a long term lubricant and eventually - goes sticky itself as it evaporates.