Do you need protection against water leaks in a washing machine?

Do you need protection against water leaks in a washing machine? The appearance of a puddle under the SMA is not only an annoying surprise, but also a dangerous one. In such a situation, there is a high probability of expensive equipment repairs.

In a multi-story building, an accident can cause damage to neighbors living below. To avoid such troubles, you should use various options for protecting washing equipment.

• Causes of leaks in the washing machine
• Methods of protection
• Partial protection against leaks
• Inlet hoses with valves
• Complete protection against leaks - Aquastop system
• Who produces?
• Tips for safe operation of washing machines
• SMA catalog with reviews

Causes of leaks in the washing machine

The problems that lead to an accident can be different. This is not necessarily a defect or a violation of the rules for using SMA.

Are you unplugging your washing machine?

Oh yes! No

The most common options:

• poorly tightened drain filter;
• loss of tightness of the filler pipe connections;
• hose damage;
• problem with the pipes connecting the dispenser and the fill valve;
• oil seal wear;

• accumulation of powder in the tray, which interferes with the outflow of liquid;
• formation of a crack in the tank;
• increased pressure in pipes;
• leaky rubber cuff of the hatch;
• loose clamps.

In addition to following the operating rules, you should take care of the safety of the washing machine at the purchase stage. The protective module includes a number of devices that block leakage.

Their nature and reliability depend on the manufacturer and price category. If the selected technology does not provide such an option, then you should install the locking elements yourself.

Complete system of protection against leaks in the SMA

Why does the washing machine leak?

When faced with such a nuisance, it is necessary to act quickly. If the leak is not repaired on time, you risk not only equipment breakdown, but also repairs to your premises or those of your neighbors below.

There are many reasons that lead to leakage:

• use of low-quality detergents;
• non-compliance with the user instructions;
• manufacturing defects;
• damage to seals and pipes, etc.

The first thing to do when there is a leak is to stop the water and drain it from the tank. Only by turning off the water supply valve and turning off the washing machine from the network, you can begin the inspection to determine the location of the leak.

Reason 1. Hose

You need to do a thorough inspection of the water supply hose. Use regular toilet paper as a tester: it can be used to find all damage and leaks.

If the hose is the cause, the problem can be resolved quickly and at virtually no cost:

1. If a break is found where the inlet hose connects to the machine body, replace the gasket. At the same time, you can check the filter mesh for clogging.
2. In case of mechanical damage, seal the puncture with a patch using waterproof glue. In this case, electrical tape will not hurt.

Important! The surest way to fix a breakdown is not to repair the hose, but to replace it.

Reason 2. Powder receptacle

When water starts leaking in the machine immediately after entering, the cause may be the dispenser - the compartment for washing powder. For example, undissolved grains of powder may get stuck in it or sediment from dirty water may form.

In such a situation, proceed as follows:

1. Pull out the dispenser and thoroughly clean all corners with an old toothbrush.
2. Replace the dispenser.
3. Start the testing machine.

Water should not flow under high pressure, so if necessary, tighten the water supply valve.

Reason 3. Pipes

The inlet valve pipes in your washer may be damaged. In this situation, you will have to remove the top of the machine and replace the parts. If the problem lies in the water intake pipes, it is not necessary to change the part, it is enough to seal it well.

Important! The reason for the failure of pipes is the austerity of manufacturers. Poor quality products quickly lead to equipment failure.

Reason 4. Rubber cuff

If you detect a water leak from the door, you can be sure that the rubber seal designed to seal the door has been damaged.

Everything is very simple here: disassemble the door and remove the seal, cover it with a patch. If the tear is large, it is recommended to replace the seal with a new cuff.

Reason 5. Drum

Frequent washing of shoes and clothes with metal items may damage the drum. If you find this, contact a specialist who will replace the drum.

If you want to save money and try to replace the drum yourself, read our instructions.

Methods of protection

The security system includes a set of mechanisms that prevent flooding of the home and are triggered in an emergency. Locking options are not available on every model. Washing units can be divided into categories:

• fully protected equipment;

• partially protected cars;

• washing machines that do not provide protection.

In the latter version, the bottom may be missing or it may be covered with a simple plastic panel. If the hose becomes unusable, the liquid will spill out of the housing. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to close the tap at the end of the wash.

Are you using citric acid?

Oh yes! No

A number of modern models are equipped with reliable designs that ensure safe operation. These are products from the following brands:

• Asco;
• Zanussi;
• Ariston;
• Siemens;

• AEG;
• Bosh;
• Electrolux.

Bosch washing units are equipped with a double magnetic valve for reliability. It is located on a two-layer flexible sleeve.

Leakage protection system controlled by an electronic module

The manufacturer equipped the Ariston washing machines with a tray and a special float. When filled above a certain level, the electronics are activated, which blocks the tap and starts draining.

AEG SMAs are equipped with a special device that reliably interrupts the water supply if necessary.

ASKO machines have Aqua Detect System and Aqua Safe complexes. They provide multiple drains when a problem is detected. The machines are equipped with special sensors in 16 of the most vulnerable nodes.

LG has Aqua Lock modules. They provide:

• recording the fact of leakage;

• valve closing;

• starting the pump.

Expert opinion

I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.

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Many cars do not have protection or are only partially equipped with it. In such cases, it is recommended to constantly monitor the serviceability of the device and the condition of its components.

Water shut-off valve (blocker) Water Block

This protection system differs from others in its operating principle and consists in the fact that it takes into account the volume of liquid passed through the pipe with the valve. The blocking is installed immediately at the very beginning on the inlet hose for the water supply to the washing equipment. There are marks on it that regulate the required volume of liquid, indicated by strokes with a measure of 5 liters.

The locking kit contains a special key with which you can set the volume required for one full wash. If the washing machine's consumption of one full cycle is 50 liters, the regulator should be set to number 10. The protection unit will not allow excess liquid to pass through, because the program precisely determines the amount of water, and in this case the system will block its excess when supplied. It will respond to even minor leaks because it takes into account the volume of fluid flow through it, and this is its advantage.

Partial protection against leaks

Blocking is called partial when the design contains a special reservoir for collecting liquid, made of plastic or polystyrene. It contains a float connected to an electrical switch. If trouble happens, the liquid collected in the pan will lift it.

The pulse will go to the control module and automatically start emergency operation. The cycle will be interrupted and the pump will turn on to pump liquid out of the tank.

This design has a significant drawback. If the fault is not detected in a timely manner, water will overflow and flood the surrounding area.

Types and device

The design may vary. Manufacturers have developed several different methods, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. The inlet hose protection is:

• Mechanical. It is used quite rarely, but is still found in inexpensive Bosch models. The design includes a spring and a valve. When a leak occurs, the pressure rises, the spring reacts to this and the valve closes.

A huge disadvantage of mechanical Aquastop is that it is unable to catch small leaks. Without proper control, they can lead to flooding.

• Using an absorbent. The method is somewhat similar to the previous one. If you disassemble the structure, you will see a valve, a plunger, a spring and an absorbent sponge. When a leak occurs, water enters a reservoir containing an absorbent, which swells and triggers the spring. That, in turn, blocks the entrance to the hose with a valve.

The disadvantage of the absorbent system is very significant - it is disposable. If AquaStop works once, you will not be able to unlock and reuse the item. We'll have to completely change the defense.

• Electrical or electromagnetic. The hose is equipped with one or two valves and a protective sheath. Flowing down the casing, the water immediately enters the pan. There the float is activated and blocks the valve.

Interesting! The electronic and absorbent type system works in 99% of cases. There is only an 8 out of 1000 chance that your car will leak. Mechanical protection works in 85%, that is, the chances of a leak are 147 to 1000.

You figured out what “Aquastop” is. Now let's find out what to do if there is a leak and how to replace it.

Inlet hoses with valves

Automatic machines that have a special design of inlet hoses are more reliable. They can be made in three versions:

1. Spring type. At one end, connected to the water supply, there is a device with a peephole. Inside there is a spring-fixed plunger. When the special absorbent swells, it activates the spring. It pushes out the plunger, the flow of water is blocked, and the peephole signals an emergency situation by changing color.
2. Magnetic valve. The device works on the same principle, but instead of a spring, the protective block is equipped with two magnets, which are turned towards the same poles and repel each other. They keep the plunger in working order. When there is a leak, the repulsion of the magnets is reduced and the mechanism is activated. The device must be changed after one operation.
3. Electromagnetic type. When connected to the electrical network, the plunger ensures the opening of the valve. When disconnected, it cuts off the water supply. The mechanism is triggered if the pipeline is damaged, the hose breaks, or foam gets outside the housing.

With any type of incomplete protection, there is no sensor at the bottom of the unit, but provision is made to stop the water supply in an emergency position.

Universal hose with valve

What to do after AquaStop is triggered?

There can be many reasons for the triggering:

• Water does not drain due to a clogged filter or drain. Or due to the failure of the drain pump.
• Uncontrolled water flow due to a faulty valve or torn hose.
• A malfunction of the Aquastop system is due to a detached hose, a broken float, or deformation of the pan.

Regardless of the reason for the triggering, you must act in this order:

• Unplug the dishwasher. Don't step in a puddle. If you cannot turn off the device without stepping into the water, it is better to turn off the electricity at the panel.
• Turn off the water valve in the bathroom.

Please note that it is unsafe to operate the machine once AquaStop has been activated. Diagnostics is necessary - the device must be examined by a technician, find out the cause of the leak and find its location. If necessary, blockages will be cleared, faulty parts will be replaced with new ones.

When all faults have been corrected, the system is activated by pressing the reset button. If necessary, a new Aquastop system is installed.

Complete protection against leaks - Aquastop system

The AquaStop design is a combination of the following elements:

• hose together with a solenoid valve that can withstand pressure up to 70 bar;

• pan and float, which triggers the security system.

In an emergency, liquid is automatically pumped out, which increases reliability. “Aquastop” is triggered when the tank leaks, the pipes are damaged, or foam comes out.

Do you turn off the water tap after washing?

Oh yes! No.

Partial protection system with float sensor and switch

If water flows in the area where the pipe with the machine is connected using a threaded connection, or a leak appears in the equipment body, then liquid begins to appear in the lower pan. “Aquastop” is a spring with a valve in a thick hose for supplying water. A float sensor is installed on the completely sealed bottom of the electric machine, which, if a small amount of water suddenly enters and rises above a certain level, floats up. At this moment, the sensor switch located at the base is instantly activated, and an alarm is sounded indicating that a breakdown has occurred. The movement of water instantly stops.

The blocker stops the water and simultaneously turns on the pump, which will pump out the liquid from the body and tank. After the reasons for the appearance of liquid in the housing have been eliminated (for example, the inlet hose has been replaced), it is recommended to dry the float sensor and microswitch thoroughly, and then the protection will work again. If, due to destruction of the pipe or a leak in the threaded connection, the liquid does not appear in the pan, then the blocking protection will not respond to damage to the machine.

Who produces?

The most popular models:

1. Bosch WIW 24340 OE. The equipment has a high degree of reliability. It provides comprehensive Aquastop protection with a guarantee.
2. LG F1296CD3. The machine is equipped with a hose and a valve that will shut off the access of water during the depressurization period. The Candy Aqua 1D 835 model is a budget option, which includes a tray and a float that transmits a signal for pumping.

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I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.

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On the market you can find devices from the Italian manufacturer OMB Saleri. They are suitable for self-installation. Affordable price and high level of quality will allow you to avoid unpleasant situations.

The design consists of a fitting installed on the inlet hose. It works under strong pressure. If there is little moisture, the mechanism will not recognize a leak and the valve will not close.

Why do you need Aquastop?

Dishwashers (DWMs), when working with water, are a source of danger - if a water leak occurs, problems cannot be avoided. The cause of a flood can be either a damaged hose or an internal failure accompanied by excessive water intake.

Flooding will cause damage not only to the owners, but also to the neighbors - if we are talking about an apartment building. Payments from lawsuits from injured residents can be many times greater than the cost of the appliances that caused the flood.

Whatever the cause of the leak, the machine should prevent it. The dishwasher itself regulates the supply and removal of water, relieving a person from controlling the washing process.

Advantages

Thanks to Aquastop, the dishwasher:

• without a human command, turns off the water intake;
• interrupts the washing program;
• de-energizes the dishwasher.

PMMs protected from water leakage have undeniable advantages:

• If the apparatus breaks down and water flows, a flood will not happen.
• You won’t have to pay your neighbors downstairs for a damaged ceiling or renovate your kitchen.
• Water is saved - it shuts off when triggered. But this, of course, is not such a big loss that can occur when neighbors are flooded from below.
• You can safely turn on the PMM at night and when leaving home.
• Preventing even greater damage that may occur due to flooding or short circuiting.

Tips for safe operation of washing machines

Loss of tightness or rupture of the rubber of the hatch cuff can be caused by small objects, small items, nails, screws forgotten in the pockets of things, as well as overloading the tank. Preventing leaks is much easier than doing repairs. To do this you need:

• Clean the powder tray regularly;
• check pockets to ensure there are no foreign objects left in them;
• Place clothes with metal elements in special bags when washing;
• Observe the loading rate and use detergents intended for vending machines.

If the filling hose is not equipped with a safety system, it is recommended to close the water tap after completing the operating cycle and disconnecting the unit from the network. The most reliable way is to install a special protective module or choose a machine with a built-in control function. To prevent overloads, select a unit with sufficient loading volume.

Expert opinion

I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.

Ask a Question

You can increase the degree of security by placing sensors on the bathroom floor. When moisture is detected, a signal is sent to the controller and the operation of the faucet is blocked.

Manufacturers rarely equip budget models with complete protection against leaks. Such machines can be upgraded with your own hands. To do this, a hose with a solenoid valve is additionally connected to the mechanism with a tray.

The best solution to achieve a high degree of property safety is to purchase a unit with the Aquastop function or install the module yourself.

Preventing liquid leakage is an important component of successful operation of a washing machine. Full or partial protection is present in most modern machines. A comprehensive system is preferable.

It provides a higher level of reliability, but the choice always remains with the owner. Anyone planning to buy equipment is advised to pay attention not only to the design and set of options, but also to the presence of a security system.

Video

Additional measures

It should be noted that in addition to installing an aquastop in the machine, there are other ways to prevent leaks.

• The water pipes leading to the washing machine must be made of durable material. As a rule, pipes made of polypropylene or metal-plastic are used. Copper and galvanized steel pipes are also used. It should be noted that galvanized steel pipes have the shortest service life among all the above options (up to thirty years). Polypropylene pipes have proven themselves well. However, they can be damaged under strong mechanical stress. Craftsmen do not recommend installing fitting systems and taps made of aluminum. Such a part can burst under high pressure.

• in the bathroom made of waterproofing material. This will prevent flooding of the neighbors below. If such a floor is laid correctly, the water will go down the drain on its own.

• Turn off riser valves when you are not at home. This action must be performed primarily in cases where the drain hose of the machine is damaged. This recommendation is contained in almost any washing machine manual, but most people do not follow this advice.

Every washing machine is a valid source of leaks. But modern manufacturing companies have thought of a solution to this problem. The solution was “aquastop for the washing machine.” This device is designed to ensure the safety of your and your neighbor’s apartment from unexpected problems such as flooding.

Aquastop comes as a device that can protect your room from flooding, which may occur due to any damage to the washing machine hose.

Causes of washing machine leaks

The so-called washing structure can be damaged for absolutely different reasons:

• may burst;
• the possibility of being cut due to sharp corners or any objects;
• may even be spoiled by your pets.

Also, do not discount the possibility of the hose breaking, because you are also not immune from such a problem. Yours, a small crack in the fitting of the tube that leads to your machine would be enough for it.

Any problem will lead you to a lot of time, as well as money, which you will spend on repairing your own and, in worst cases, your neighbor’s apartment.

How to install aquastop yourself

If you purchased a washing machine without an aquastop, then you have the opportunity to install this system yourself. We will tell you how to do this point by point:

• 
  First, you need to disconnect the washing machine from the electricity and water supply;

• Next, you need to disconnect the hose that supplies water to the structure (At the same time, you can check it and, if necessary, replace the rubber seals (shown as rings) and also clean and rinse the coarse filters);
• The sensor itself must be installed on the water supply tap, and must be turned clockwise, which is important;
• Then we connect the inlet hose to the aquastop system;
• Before completing installation work, you should make sure that everything is in good working order and reliable. This can be done by slowly letting water into the inlet hose, so you can find any problems and fix them.

Additional measures to prevent flooding

There are other ways to prevent leaks in addition to installing special products in the washing machine:

• 
  For the installation of water pipes leading to the technological device, various materials can be used. In general, these are metal-plastic or polypropylene, but there are also copper and zinc-coated metal pipes. The final option has the shortest service life (no more than 30 years). As for metal-plastic, it is better to only use it for crimping models. Polypropylene has proven itself well, but such a pipe will not withstand severe mechanical failure. Experts recommend: it is better not to use taps and fittings made of aluminum. Good pressure in the system is enough for such a small thing to burst, and this will lead to possible leaks.

• 
  In your bathroom, you have the opportunity to lay the floor from a special waterproofing material . This move will protect you and your neighbors below from your leaks. If this work is done very competently and correctly, then in such cases the water will flow into the sewer itself. You can only notice the only drawback in this method - the floor level, which will rise during the installation process.

• 
  The correct and definitive decision would be to shut off all riser valves at a time when all the owners are not at home. This is necessary in such cases when your drain hose from the washing machine is already damaged, and if water flows through any crack in the hose, then there is a high probability of a flood at the most unexpected moment. This recommendation comes with every washing machine, but many modern consumers are so confident in the serviceability of their assistant that they simply do not read the safety points written in the manual.

The Aquastop system for a washing machine is a fairly powerful breakthrough in the field of additions to washing structures.

If you purchased a washing machine that was already pre-equipped with an Aquastop system, then you don’t have to worry too much about your machine breaking down and leaking, because with such a system in the washing design, the risk of huge financial losses is gradually reduced to zero.