Running a very hot cycle on a washing machine.

[chainsaw_masochist]

Following an old Phillips washing machine shows some signs of slow emptying I have tried to check that there is no obvious blockage. I have removed the waste hose from the standpipe and lowered it into a bucket but very little waste has emerged so I have looked further. There is nothing restricting the filter which looks very clean. I have disconnected both waste hose and sump hose from the pump and both look to be very clear.

Any other areas be worth investigating? I was planning to run a very hot wash but wonder if this is wise? If so, should this be run with or without detergent? Thanks for any help.

 

[jj4091]

Remove the pump motor & check that the impeller is not seizing up or obstructed by something wound round the back of it.

 

[chainsaw_masochist]

Thanks, JJ, but the pump impeller turns without any restriction.

I am still perplexed, though, as I actually did run a very hot wash (no load & and no detergent) to properly clear out any debris that might have accumulated. It performed absolutely fine so I then ran a load on a 40°c wash. Everything worked to order except that the contents do look rather too soapy when the machine performs the rinse cycle. I should point out that I am not using powder or liquid in the machine’s canister but a couple of tablets (Persil non-bio) in the small provided net.

There cannot be any back-siphonage as the waste connects to a standpipe several inches from the trap-level. I also let the cold mains hose run through the standpipe for a couple of minutes so there is no sign of any sort of blockage here.

Really confused.

 

[jj4091]

Perhaps 2 tablets is too much, try just one.

 

[JohnD]

if it appears to have a soap residue, run the HOT HOT HOT wash with no powder or fabsoft, just a cup of washing soda crystals. If the water goes grey and foamy that's the sludge dissolving. Do it again until it stays clear.

If you have a more modern machine that rations the water according to the amount of clothes inside, give it a load of old white cotton, such as towels, which will not be damaged or fade in the hot wash.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Put a wet vac on the drain hose and drain the machine with the wet vac turned on, hopefully it will suck it clear. Also run the machine on its hottest wash, you should do this once a month - no soap or clothes in the machine just empty. It is good for the machine and gives all the pipework a good clean.

Andy

 

[chainsaw_masochist]

JJ: Using two tablets is something we have always done as we are in a hard water area. The soapiness is a recent phenomena.

JohnD: OK I will run another hot wash as you say. Is Fabsoft available at most supermarkets? I think we have some soda crystals but any idea how much should be added?

HERTSDRAINAGE2010: Right, Andy, sounds like a watershed moment (pardon the pun). If following John’s tip the WM still is no clearer I think I’ll dive for my debit card and purchase a wet vac. Maybe this should be separate thread but is there a particular model you would recommend? What about the wet version of the Henry: the George?

Thanks, chaps.

 

[JohnD]

fabsoft means fabric softener. Don't add any for your clearout wash.

use about a cup of washing soda crystals to clear out the sludge.

you can also add it during ordinary washes, instructions are on the bag.

 

[chainsaw_masochist]

Thanks, John.