Checking the operation of a washing machine in some cases causes difficulties. To make sure that it is in full working order, the unit must be correctly connected to the electrical network, as well as to the water supply and sewerage system, select the operating mode and wait until the end of the cycle. In some cases this is not possible.
Usually there are no such conditions in the store, but you still shouldn’t take a “pig in a poke”. Monitoring some key parameters will help you purchase a quality product and not make a mistake with your choice, but this will require knowledge of certain subtleties and secrets.
- How to check?
- What should you pay special attention to when purchasing a new unit?
- Some tips when choosing used equipment
- Catalog of washing machines with reviews
Why doesn't water flow into my LG washing machine?
More often in washing machines from LG
Problems with the intake valve, clogged hoses, a broken pressure switch and a failed pump lead to a problem set. It is also worth checking the wire going from the pressure switch to the tank.
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Checking the functionality of the machine before purchasing
In the store, even without a water connection, you can check whether the model you like works. Ask the seller to set the “Spin” program. This way you will see the operation of the rotating drum, the correct balancing, and the degree of vibration.
The loading hatch should close easily and tightly; make sure the fastening is secure and the rubber seals are intact.
Rotate and press all levers, joysticks and buttons. They should move smoothly, clearly, without extraneous sounds.
Check the filters for serviceability and cleanliness. Foreign odors and dirt indicate that the machine has already been used.
Things to check when purchasing:
- hoses for collecting and draining water;
- plugs for holes after unscrewing the transport bolts;
- a correctly completed warranty;
- instructions.
Inspecting the dispenser
The powder receptacle is located in any machine. The dispenser must be filled with detergent, conditioner, rinse aid and other ingredients. The tray is removable, this ensures easy cleaning of the element. In some models you need to press a button to remove it, in others you need to forcefully pull the powder receptacle towards you.
Inspect the tray for damage. Also, be sure to look into the hole where the tray was removed from, and smell what it smells like from there. Normally, there should be a slightly perceptible smell of plastic or dampness coming from inside. When there is a clear smell of detergent coming from the hole, it is very likely that the machine has been used, and, therefore, it is better to refuse such a purchase, of course, in that situation, if you obviously do not make the purchase with your own hands.
Visual inspection
It all starts with this, and you should act according to a certain scheme:
- First, a check is made for the absence of scratches, dents, deformed areas and other damage to the body part. If there are any, it means that the rules for transporting SMA were grossly violated. These deficiencies should be pointed out and the inspection completed,
- The serviceability of buttons and levers is checked. They should fire normally when pressed. To do this, it is advisable to turn on the machine to the network to make sure that all indicators are working,
- Let's move on to checking the loading hatch, which should open and close easily. The locking device must be in good working order, ensuring a tight closure,
- The rubber sealing elements are inspected. They must be intact, without cracks or other defects,
- fastenings are checked that should firmly hold the drum cover.
Checking legs, hoses, bolts
It is best to start with the bolts that secure the drum during transportation. They are located on the back panel, installed in the right places and fixed. With their help, the tank is not subject to vibration and accidental damage. Any tilt of the bolts hints that the car was handled carelessly during transportation and the tank has moved out of its place. And if it is made of plastic, then, most likely, cracks have appeared on it. It is best to abandon such a car in time.
Let's move on to the legs of the SMA. There are four of them in total, and each one will have to be screwed in to make sure there are no defects. The installation process should go smoothly without any obstacles. Serviceable legs will ensure the evenness of the working body, which will affect its service life.
The hoses must be intact, and they will have to be inspected at least visually. In this case, pay attention to the fastenings so that the diameter of the hoses corresponds to their size. The drain hose, through which water is directed into the sewer pipe, is attached to the back wall of the washing machine and is already connected to the pump. Its structure is corrugated, the material used for manufacturing is distinguished by its thinness. The hose feels fragile to the touch and is highly likely to suffer damage from mechanical impacts. So this element of the machine will have to be checked thoroughly, because it is through it that most leaks occur.
The inlet hose has a denser structure. At its ends there are plastic nuts, with the help of which the hose is mounted to the water pipe and to the machine itself. All elements must be intact and free of chips and cracks. The nuts must be tightened without fail to check the condition of the threads and the tightness of the fit.
The washing powder tray must be completely dry and clean. You can even smell the item to make sure it hasn't been washed with chemicals.
How to check the engine and other important components
Please note that you will not check such a complex element in the store. But you are quite capable of an external inspection. In addition, you can verify that it is working properly by turning on the spin mode. Just before starting, make sure that the transport bolts are removed from their sockets. By the way, you can check the shock absorbers while rotating.
The drum is where dirty things are loaded. It is made of stainless metal, which ensures resistance to wear and the ability to contact water for a long time. Its surface has numerous small holes, as if knocked out from the inside.
The drum is checked as follows:
· its surface is first inspected to ensure that no chips or scratches are allowed on it,
· outwardly the drum resembles a grater, but there are cases when the sharp edges of the holes were on the inside and not on the outside, which caused damage to the laundry. So it is recommended to check the surface for the presence of sharp protrusions,
· It happens that there are burrs and other damage at the joints of the drum walls. This can be checked with ordinary nylon tights. If you run them over the surface and do not catch on anything, then the unit can be purchased,
· the drum must be rotated by hand - the rotation should not be very easy, with a slight amount of tension. There should be no extraneous sounds or creaks. After rocking the assembly up and down, check the resulting gap, the presence of which will confirm wear of the bearings.
On the control panel, you need to pay attention to each key. They should be pressed easily, without sticking. If there is a display, connect the machine to the mains and check that all modes are displayed on the screen.
Carefully inspect the door, which should fit snugly to the body. The hinges should not sag, the lock locks tightly, and the latch fits into the hole easily.
By bending the edge of the rubber cuff, make sure that there is no moisture, mold or foreign objects.
You won't be able to check the pump at the time of purchase. But as soon as the machine is delivered home, it should be connected to the appropriate communications and a test wash should be carried out. By the way, at this moment you will have the opportunity to check the heating element responsible for heating the water.
Pay attention to the legs
Any model of automatic washing machine is equipped with four legs with locknuts. Inspect each of them. The legs must be smooth, without defects. There should also be no dents or chips on the corner of the case, near the base.
Disadvantages of this kind arise when the equipment hits the floor, which could occur when loading or unloading the machine. Deformed legs of the machine will not allow the unit to be leveled, which will lead to poor washing quality, imbalance in the drum, excessive noise produced by the device, breakdown of counterweights, etc.
What is recommended to see
To buy a quality unit, you need to perform a number of actions:
- inspect the car externally,
- check the availability of components,
- make sure that the legs, hoses, bolts, etc. are intact,
- check the drum
- turn on the “Spin” mode and check the operation of the washing machine,
- check whether the warranty documents are filled out correctly.
Naturally, your actions may cause dissatisfaction with the service staff, but it is better to go through all the verification steps in the store than to return the goods.
What should you pay special attention to when purchasing a new unit?
An important step is checking the components. Hoses and plastic plugs for holes for transport bolts must be available. It is recommended to evaluate the length of the factory hose and, if necessary, purchase a similar, but more convenient size. When delivering the unit to your home, you should once again inspect the body, corners and legs.
It is recommended to actively use the washing machine for two weeks, setting different programs and modes. If any shortcomings are found, you have the opportunity to return the purchase or exchange it for a better one.
BU SMA
Checking the contents and documents
Take the instructions, which will indicate all the components for the machine. These include hoses, plugs, warranty document and operating instructions. It is very important that availability matches records exactly.
Documentation must be verified. Instructions for use must be detailed, in Russian. The warranty card checks the date of completion and year. The serial number of the washing device and model are also indicated here. Any violation in the execution of this document will be a prerequisite for refusal to service the machine.
If there are no problems with the documents, you can carry out further inspection.
Let's look into the hatch
An important element of every washing machine is the drum. It is in its cavity that the loaded laundry is washed. On the surface of the drum you will see a large number of holes that serve to ensure the circulation of liquid inside. These cavities are obtained after pressing. The outer boundaries of the holes are torn and very sharp. In some cases, when pressing, it may turn out that the sharp edge is not hidden inside, but sticks out, and will be in direct contact with the clothes being washed. As a result of such “contact”, things will undoubtedly become unusable. It is important to pay attention during delivery to the absence of such manufacturing defects.
Also, metal “burrs” may be located in the welding area of the front and rear parts of the tank. This will definitely affect the quality of the laundry being cleaned. Checking the drum is very simple - take nylon tights and run them over the entire surface. Delicate fabric will catch on any “edge”. If there is no snag, then no damage will be caused to the items being washed.
There is no water, but I need to wash
Postponing laundry until better times is, of course, a good idea, but it’s not suitable for everyone. What if you urgently need to wash something and have time to dry it, or if the owner is a young mother for whom delay in washing is undesirable? There are many situations when washing the old fashioned way in a basin or just waiting is really not an option. But what happens if you try to wash without water?
- Place the laundry in the drum.
- Pour some water at room temperature into a bucket or basin (if necessary, the washing machine will heat the water itself).
- Pour the washing powder either on top of the laundry or into the detergent compartment, after pulling the dispenser out as far as possible.
- Set the washing parameters you need and start it.
- Gradually pour water into the tank through the powder compartment so that it is completely washed out and gets inside. If the powder is already in the drum, just carefully pour water through the powder receptacle, being careful not to splash everything around.
- To understand that everything was done correctly, listen to the intake valve. It will hum until the water rises to the desired level. As soon as the pressure switch understands that there is water, the wash will begin in normal mode.
The process is complicated only by the fact that during the washing process the washing machine changes the water at least once, or even more, depending on the selected program. It pumps out the waste fluid and collects new one. What to do?
- Don't miss the moment when the water starts to drain.
- During this time, draw a new portion of water into the container.
- After draining the rinse compartment in the powder receptacle, pour liquid into the tank.
- If additional rinsing is expected, repeat the procedure after some time; if not, wait for the spin cycle to complete.
How long exactly does it take for the pressure switch to suspect a lack of water and signal to cancel the wash? On average, the water reaches the desired level in 12-17 seconds, that is, during this time you need to have time to fill the drum, otherwise the wash will not take place. Turning on the washing machine without water does not have negative consequences, does not lead to breakdowns, and, if desired, you don’t even have to delay washing, so there shouldn’t be any problems.
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Where to buy washing machines?
If you buy a washing machine online, you won’t be able to touch it before it’s sold. The finished goods will already arrive at your home, which you will refuse only for a serious reason. If the user is poorly versed in technology, it is recommended that he go to retail stores that themselves offer to undergo testing with them, have a wide base, assortment and extensive experience. Then you can choose the model you like from them, check it, and then search through online stores for the most optimal option in terms of pricing policy.
It is not recommended to purchase used equipment, since it is not known how long it has worked and whether it was in normal conditions. It’s better to pay extra and buy new units, but always official ones. There is nothing good about “gray goods” except for the price, so you shouldn’t save money and buy them and then have problems with repairs. Official ones will have a long service life, and specialists will always advise solutions to various kinds of problems and select the necessary consumables.
But most importantly, no matter what the owner buys, it is important to check it carefully. Moreover, still in the store. Talk to a consultant, find out all the pros and cons, then conduct a thorough initial inspection, then a more in-depth one, determine by eye whether all the elements are working (are there any broken wiring or other problems), and then conduct an easy performance test, but without water.
Once you have purchased the machine, it is important to use it correctly. And here the main rule is its installation. Sometimes users install the unit incorrectly and then complain about its poor performance. In fact, the problem is with those who use it - they installed the product on an uneven surface, saved on components, etc. If you call a specialist once to help with installation, you don’t even need to keep all the model names in your head - it’s enough for a specialist to inspect house, and then together with you discuss the most popular models suitable for this house and make a decision on their purchase. In addition, resorting to the services of specialists will allow you to buy the best quality option, and not the one that is simply promoted by the manufacturer. After all, the specialist will participate in the elections on the buyer’s side and inspect the goods with him.
So, when purchasing washing machines, no matter how high-quality they may seem, it is important to conduct an initial inspection in the presence of sellers, check their functionality and decide on the necessary accessories. All this can be done before the cost of services is paid in full and you can be sure that the purchased product is of high quality, serviceable and reliable.
