Aquastop - what is that in the washing machine? Features of the hose

No matter how ideal the condition of the plumbing at home, it is not immune to possible leaks. To protect yourself from an emergency, you should pay attention to existing protection systems. One of the most popular on the market is Aquastop. This protection is mounted on water supply lines and will be able to shut off the water if it starts to leak. There are several different devices that differ in price and scope.

What is

Aquastop is a valve with a special design that can block the flow of water when the difference between the supply and outlet pressures increases sharply. So, when a leak occurs, the system sensor is triggered, the spring of the device is compressed and water does not pass through the pipe any further. If there is a sudden rupture of the hose, the system will react within a second.

This type of protection was first introduced by Bosch for washing machines. Today this manufacturer equips almost all of its washing machines with Aquastop (with the exception of budget equipment).

Possible problems

The main problem with hoses with Aquastop is the impossibility of extending them or installing them in hard-to-reach places. Due to the dimensions of the rather massive body, connection to the tap can be very problematic. In addition, many users of Bosch machines claim that the housing must be installed with the arrow pointing down, so when installing, check your actions with the included instructions.

If any leak occurs, the machine displays error E15 - if the Aqua control system has worked, check the instructions and everything will become clear to you. But sometimes such a warning does not appear on the display, and water does not flow into the machine

. In this case, your actions should have the following sequence:

• close the water supply tap to the device;
• unscrew the hose equipped with the Aquastop system;
• look inside the hose - the valve should be visible immediately behind the nut;
• if there is no gap between it and the nut body, the system has worked and water will not pass through such a hose to the machine.

To be completely sure, you need to unscrew the lower front panel, shine a flashlight into the pan: if there is water, then the protection system has worked, all that remains is to find the leak.

In what cases does it help?

If the water supply system in the house functions correctly and all its elements are in good condition, the pressure in the pipes remains the same. When a fitting opens or a pipe ruptures, it increases significantly. At the same time, the water entering the valve pushes its conical part towards the core. This connection allows you to shut off the water supply.

Actually, Aquastop should be used in cases where:

• faults appeared in the plumbing;
• there are defects in the plumbing fixtures;
• pipes could no longer withstand the load due to prolonged corrosion;
• There are problems with the tightness and integrity of the connection of fittings or hoses.

About functionality

Many owners are sure that the pressure in the water supply system of their home is low. This means that there is no need to use additional protection against leaks. In fact, not everyone knows that water supply networks are subject to frequent pressure changes and the formation of sudden water hammers. In these situations, the Aquastop hose for the Zanussi dishwasher will save you from flooding.

The standard Aquastop mechanism consists of the following elements:

• Electromagnetic or mechanical locking blocks.
• Flexible tube for filling water.
• Pan and float.
• Security wiring.
• Buttons for releasing excess water.

Flexible tube for filling water

Advantages and disadvantages

Aquastop is one of the best solutions on the market to avoid leakage. The following positive aspects can be highlighted:

• Automatic triggering without the need to receive signals from additional sensors.
• The immediate response of the fuse makes it possible to correct the accident with minimal consequences or avoid them altogether.
• Relatively simple and quick installation of the valve with reset capability allows for its reusable use.
• Additional protection allows you to avoid constantly opening and closing the inlet tap when necessary. As a rule, this tap is rarely closed, because the valve guarantees that in unforeseen situations, your own apartment and the neighbor’s will not be flooded.
• Autonomous operation of the core does not require an additional energy source (battery or connection to the network).

Despite the advantages, there are still negative aspects:

• If the pressure decreases gradually, Aquastop will not have time to work quickly. Then some amount of water will still have time to flow into the apartment.
• In some cases, the protection will block the water supply if you remove the filter mesh from the tap - the pressure will then increase. You will have to reset the device and install it again.

Main characteristics

The protective agent operates at water temperatures not exceeding 95°C and pressure from 2.8 Bar to 10 Bar.

The device has a nickel-plated brass body, inside of which there is a compression steel spring. Aquastop is also equipped with a seal, the production of which uses non-toxic rubber.

How to install a fuse

To connect Aquastop to your water supply, you will need to stock up on the following tools:

• screwdriver,
• wire cutters,
• adjustable wrench,
• sealing tape (Fumka will do)

Then you can get to work. During preparation for installation, turn off the water and the appliances that consume it. This applies to the washing machine, dishwasher, boiler and other equipment. Then it remains to disconnect the flexible hoses from the water supply. Installation is carried out as follows:

1. The valve is connected to the inlet tap. Before this, the thread is wrapped with sealing tape (sealant or flax will also work) and an American nut is placed on it. It will allow you to join two sections of thread without the need to rotate them.
2. Next, tighten the nut by hand and tighten it with an adjustable wrench about 1/4 turn. There is no need to clamp with force - only in case a leak may appear there. You need to connect securely, but not too tightly so as not to damage the thread.
3. Now you need to make sure that Aquastop is correctly positioned relative to the water flow. There is an arrow on the fuse indicating the correct direction.
4. The other end of the valve remains connected to the pipe and then you can begin installing filters, meters and other equipment.
5. Slowly turn the faucet all the way until the water turns on.

If necessary, reset the valve if it is triggered, you need to turn off the water and fix the leak (if one appears). Then the Aquastop is unscrewed until a characteristic click is heard. It must be removed so that the remaining liquid can pour out of the pipe. Then the device is connected as in the instructions described above.

More detailed installation details can be seen in the video below.

Preparation

When connecting a Bosch washing machine with Aqua-Stop, you will need the following tools:

• a hose clamp with a diameter of 24-40 mm, it is used to connect to a siphon;
• level for leveling;
• wrench for removing transportation bolts;
• extension for the Aqua-Stop hose; it will be required if the water supply is located far from the installation site.

The floor covering must be clean and washed before installing the machine.

Additional Tips

• You should not save on Aquastop - it is better to protect all devices separately. This is most relevant when access to shut-off valves is difficult - most often in houses or summer cottages. If you can’t keep track of everything, it’s easier to insure yourself.
• The leak guard and valve are slightly different. The protection system may leak some moisture until the detectors operate. The sensor blocks water instantly.
• Before resetting the device, it would be a good idea to additionally check that the reason for its operation has been completely eliminated.
• In order for the fuse to work correctly, it is important to consider the direction of the water flow. It is necessary that water flows from the valve side to the core, but not vice versa.
• Similar devices with a chemical base will respond better to small leaks. However, they may not be able to cope with a sudden increase in pressure. It takes them a little time to soak the alabaster, and the chemical protection is disposable.

Installing leakage sensors

Aquastop wiring sensors are installed with open and hidden wire laying. Fixed and not fixed. Hidden wiring is done even after repairs; the wires are laid in the baseboard or in the tile seam.

• the sensor wire is placed in the seam between the tiles;
• the bottom is fixed to the floor with a screw or double-sided tape;

  

  Installing leakage sensors

• a plate is fixed to the bottom;

  

  The plate is fixed

• and put on a decorative plastic cap.

  

  Plastic cap

Wireless sensors are convenient because they do not require wires; they communicate with the controller using a radio signal.

The sensors are placed in places of possible leaks and, if necessary, secured to the floor with double-sided tape.

Installing the sensor on the floor

Other Aquastop protection systems

Besides the mechanical valve, there are other similar solutions. They differ in response speed, installation method, subsequent maintenance and purchase price.

Model Water Block

Its operating principle is to track the amount of water that has been passed through the system. The device is mounted in front of the water supply hose. The required volume of water is adjusted by the user independently in increments of 5 liters.

To make adjustments, you need to know how much liquid the equipment requires. So, if the consumption is 50 liters, the arrow on the blocker must be set to the same position, since the valve will not allow more water to pass through.

Such a system will work for minor leaks, since the pressure in the pipe does not matter to it. If an accident occurs, the breakdown is eliminated by pressing the reset button. The fuse can then continue to be used.

Powder absorbent "Aquastop"

Often, when purchasing household appliances, a hose with a powder absorbent is supplied in the box. Although such a protective kit is most often purchased separately. The design is a system of an internal channel through which water flows, and an external one that closes this flow. If a leak occurs, water enters the outer sleeve and an automatic lock is activated.

This solution is only suitable for avoiding leaks in the hose. If there is a leak in the threads or in the equipment itself, the system will not work. This also applies to small leaks. Another disadvantage is that such a system is disposable.

Aquastop with tracking sensors

Aquastop for an apartment with external sensors works according to the “smart home” principle. The kit consists of a control unit for monitoring the operation of the system and tracking sensors. The principle of operation of the device is simple - electromagnetic sensors are mounted on the pipes. When liquid gets on them, the corresponding emergency signals are sent to the unit. The controller then closes the valves, blocking the flow.

Manufacturers provide a maximum of 250 sensors in the kit. It is necessary to select a system taking into account the size of the apartment and the number of devices that consume water. Modern systems support sending notifications to the owner’s phone. You can connect sensors to the main unit either wired or via Wi-Fi.

When choosing this type of equipment, you should know that it requires level floors. If not, the water may flow obliquely and the sensor will not send an alarm.

The system supports further operation if an emergency occurs. If the sensors are installed correctly, Aquastop will respond to even minor leaks. Therefore, such systems are quite effective.

How to drain rinse aid from a dishwasher. How to use dishwasher rinse aid

During the repair of both washing machines and dishwashers, quite common, but, frankly speaking, stupid mistakes people make are revealed. When using rinse aids, they don’t think at all about where they need to pour it, because in most cases it turns out that they pour it in the same place where they add the powder. It turns out that the rinse aid intended for the dishwasher is simply wasted, because if you pour it in the wrong place, you will not achieve any effect.

First of all, it must be said that before using and operating a dishwasher, as well as any other household appliance, you need to carefully and thoroughly study the instructions, which spell out all the basic rules for using a particular device, the purpose of all the “buttons” and functions, into her. And of course, all the elements and parts of the machine will probably be schematically drawn there, including the compartment intended for the rinse aid.

The rinse aid is consumed at the very final stage of washing, so if it enters the water tank much earlier, it will not have any effect.

It is also important to understand that rinse aid is not just a freshener or removes unpleasant chemical odors from dishes after the washing procedure. It also has the following features:

• remove stains and drops of water from dishes;
• minimize the contact of parts and elements of the dishwasher with acids, alkalis and other components of chemical detergents that can harm the dishwasher;
• give the dishes a special shine, cleanliness and whiteness.

Now we know what dishwasher rinse aid is for, what role it plays and why it is so important to use it, now we need to figure out exactly where to put the rinse aid in the dishwasher. In principle, the compartment for all chemicals is located in the dishwasher door, and everyone knows this

But not everyone understands how to proceed further. It is advisable to look in the instructions for the dishwasher into which particular compartment of the cuvette to pour the rinse aid for the dishwasher, because for each model the location of this compartment will be different. However, most often it is a hermetically sealed compartment located right in the middle.

The rinse aid must be poured into this compartment before turning on the “wash” function; do not forget to add powder to the adjacent compartment. Let's answer a common question: “How much rinse aid should I add to my dishwasher?” This is usually determined individually, especially since almost every manufacturer always writes the method of use on the packaging. However, keep in mind that most often manufacturers overestimate the unit dosage rate, because it is beneficial for them to run out of packaging as quickly as possible so that you come back to the store for their products.

Where can I buy

You can purchase the system either in a specialized store or online in an online store. In the second case, the budget option for purchasing products on the Aliexpress website deserves special attention. For some products there is an option for shipment from a warehouse in the Russian Federation; they can be received as quickly as possible; to do this, when ordering, select “Delivery from the Russian Federation”: