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
Leak protection function in a washing machine: what is it and why?
Protection against leaks in the washing machine is the key to peace of mind during washing. It prevents liquid from entering the device when a leak signal is received. This helps eliminate the possibility of flooding of the apartment due to a car breakdown. The function is indispensable for washing units in multi-apartment buildings, where there is a risk of flooding neighbors and ruining expensive interiors. If the leakage protection in your house helper works, it means that some component of the device has broken down. You need to find the faulty part that led to the depressurization.
Causes of leakage in the washing machine
Leaks in a washing machine can be caused by various reasons:
- hardness of the water used,
- frequency of operation of the device,
- non-compliance with the rules of use.
The aquatic environment and constant vibration affect internal components - hoses, pump and other parts. Usually the location of the leak is determined visually, then it is found out which part has broken.
If water is leaking from under the machine, this could cause such breakdowns as:
- Mechanical damage to the water supply hose.
- Deformation or blockage of the powder container and dispenser.
- Wear of the hatch cuff.
- The bearing assembly is not working correctly.
- Damage to the drain hose.
- Drain pump malfunction.
Troubleshooting and repairs
As we have already described above, you can carry out minor repairs yourself if:
- The water supply hose or liquid discharge hose is damaged;
- The rubber seal, which prevents leaks from under the door, has become deformed;
- The washing machine filter is leaking;
- The powder receptacle is clogged.
Ways to do this have already been described above and are available to everyone. You can detect other types of breakdowns yourself, but a specialist will be better able to handle the repairs.
These include:
- Damage to water intake pipes;
- Leakage from the bearing and seal side;
- Tank leaking.
The water supply hose to the washing machine is damaged
If your assistant has not turned on for a long time and when starting the washing cycle it begins to leak in the area of the water supply hose, then perhaps the problem is in the place where the hose connects to the water supply. Turn off the water and unscrew the inlet hose. Inspect the gasket - it should be intact and not deformed.
A new gasket can be purchased at any plumbing department. They come in the usual ½ or ¾ sizes.
Perhaps the hose is simply not screwed on tightly or was touched during cleaning. Tighten the connection and test run the washing machine cycle.
Deformation of the powder hopper and dispenser in the machine
Front-loading machines have a hopper for powder and liquid products on the front side. Often, due to wear and tear on the container, a fairly large gap appears from which water can leak. To eliminate the gap, stick pieces of any waterproof solid material under the tray slides.
Another possibility for a leak in this area could be a blockage. It is necessary to pull out the tray and inspect it. Most often, it is quite enough to simply clean it of residual detergents and powder. If the problem persists and water is also flowing from the dispenser, try reducing the water pressure using the valve.
When inspecting the plastic powder hopper, be careful to inspect it for cracks. If it is damaged, the plastic part must be replaced to avoid leaks.
The cuff of the hatch on the car door is torn
The hatch cuff is subject to wear no less than other components in the washing machine. The material can crack from constant exposure to moisture, or become wrinkled from an unevenly fitting hatch door. Foreign objects left in clothing pockets can tear the rubber. Frequent washing of shoes in a machine. As a result of damage to the cuff, the hatch no longer closes tightly and begins to leak.
Most often, the cuff requires replacement with a new one:
- Unhook the outer clamp using two screwdrivers.
- Remove the clamp (metal rim with a spring).
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the front panel of the machine. Take it off.
- Pry up the inner clamp and remove it from the grooves.
- Install the new part in reverse order.
You can temporarily deal with the problem by turning the damaged part of the cuff upward relative to the hatch door. You can also seal it with a patch.
Washing machine bearings
Usually, if a washing machine starts to leak during the spin cycle, this indicates that the bearing assembly has failed. To understand whether this is really the reason, you need to remove the back wall of the device and inspect the tank. To eliminate leakage due to faulty bearings, the set of seals and bearings should be replaced.
This is quite labor-intensive work, so it is better to call specialists who do this professionally.
Some models of modern washing machines have a one-piece, non-separable tank. In such cases, it is either changed completely or sawed to remove the bearings.
Vertical machines use flanges, which are a ready-made bearing assembly.
The inlet or drain hose is damaged
The hoses used to drain waste water and pump it into the washing machine can wear out. Check these communications for integrity, because they can also be a source of leakage. If necessary, replace the hoses with new ones.
Drain pump does not work
Due to constant use of the washing machine, the drain pump may be damaged. Constant vibration and water pressure can cause cracks in the plastic housing. Damage to the pump that is invisible at first glance is also the cause of leakage. If the plastic of the pump is damaged, the spare part must be completely replaced with a new one.
If it leaks when rinsing and spinning
The drain is dirty
A filter is a component that protects against the ingress of various debris. A blocked filter causes excessive dirt and water to accumulate, so clean it regularly. Proper care will significantly improve the quality of washing and extend the life of the machine.
Clean the hose-type filter at least once a year. Before removing it, turn off the water tap and unscrew the hose from the back of the washing machine. The filter is located at the end of the hose. Pull it out using tweezers or pliers, wash it under running water and put it back in place. After connecting the hose to the back of the washing machine, unscrew the water supply valve and check for leaks.
If it's time to replace the filter with a new one, buy only the original one designed specifically for your brand of household appliances.
Types of protection against leakage in a washing machine
Not all washing machine models have a full range of leak protection. Situations associated with leakage may arise during the operation of those modifications that do not provide the Aquastop function. There are also devices with partial protection.
Washing machines without leak protection.
Such devices may not have a tray, or the bottom will be covered with a decorative plastic panel. After completing the washing cycle of the appliance without leakage protection, turn off the water supply tap in the machine.
Partial protection against leakage in the washing machine.
Some older versions of the SMA have a plastic tray. If liquid leaks at the connection point or inside the device, then water will enter this container. The beacon, which is located in the pan, rises as the amount of liquid remains in the protective container.
The disadvantage of partial protection is that it only works effectively if the liquid drains into the pan. If water has accumulated elsewhere, the protection will not work. It has no effect on minor leaks.
Complete protection against leaks in the machine
Complete protection of washing machines from leaks is a system that has a float and a switch. It is supplemented with a hose with a solenoid valve. Sometimes the valve may be electric or pneumatic.
Attention!
Ivan Ivanovich
Attention! After an emergency leak, such hoses must be replaced.
Who produces?
The most popular models:
- Bosch WIW 24340 OE. The equipment has a high degree of reliability. It provides comprehensive Aquastop protection with a guarantee.
- 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.
Expert opinion
I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.
Ask a Question
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.
Breakdowns that cause leakage in the machine
A water leak in the washing machine can occur due to breakdowns of the internal components of the device:
- Drain filter and hose.
- Drain pump.
- Hatch cuff.
- Pipe system.
- Bearing unit.
- Powder dispenser.
Depending on the location of the leak, you can visually guess what exactly is broken. For a more accurate determination, it is necessary to disassemble the washing machine.
| Puddle under the device in front | Problem in the drain filter, displacement or deformation of the cuff |
| Water flows from the product dispenser | Clogged dispenser container, too much pressure in the water supply system. |
| Liquid under the unit or behind | The problem is in the pipe system, the inlet or drain hose is damaged, the pump has failed. |
Leakage protection systems vary in response speed, configuration, cost and installation. There are several different systems:
- Mechanical valve. Triggered by significant changes in pressure readings in the water supply. When the pressure increases, the mechanism stops the water supply.
- Water Block Valve. Works by determining the volume of water that passes through the valve. The permissible volume is regulated independently by the owner.
- A system that has external sensors. It has a monitoring control unit and sensors that block valves that stop the water supply after a signal from the control board.
- Powder hose. Only works if the external hoses are leaking.
- Partial protection with switch and beacon. When the water exceeds the permissible level, the mechanism opens the pump circuit and puts the device into drain mode.
- Full protection with solenoid valve. If the permissible liquid line in the pan is exceeded, the mechanism shuts off the water supply.
To 100% protect your apartment and neighbors from leaks, it is recommended to install several types of systems. To do this, you can call specialists or install it yourself.
How to install leakage protection in a machine yourself
Do-it-yourself installation of leakage protection should take place in three stages:
- Install shut-off valves in water pipes.
- Place leakage sensors.
- Install the control unit.
Remember that you must first disconnect household appliances from the power supply and water supply connections, only then carry out installation.
Before you start using a washing machine with Aquastop, perform a test run of the system under supervision, do not leave the apartment.
Important: be sure to seal the connection at the thread with sealant or electrical tape. Place the controller in a dry room with a humidity of no more than 70%. The floor in the room must be level and not sloped for the sensors to operate correctly.
Should I fix it myself or call a professional?
If, when filling, water leaks simultaneously in several places, you hear grinding and excessive noise, or you discover a leak, call a specialist immediately. The technician will not only be able to figure out the reasons for the leak, but will also replace important elements, fix the breakdown and tell you in detail about the reasons that led to the malfunction of the washing machine.
The professionals of our workshop are always in touch. We approach repair work with full responsibility and guarantee the quality and operation of household appliances without failures.
It’s unlikely that anyone can predict at what point his washing machine will suddenly leak and flood the entire room with water.
In such situations, it is clearly impossible to avoid a scandal with neighbors, who may also suffer from the leak.
Popular models with Aquastop from famous brands
Budget models of washing machines are usually not equipped with the Aquastop system, but each brand has a line of models that have a leak protection system.
Here are some of the popular models with Aquastop from well-known washing machine manufacturers:
- Bosch - Bosch WLR245H2OE;
- Siemens - Siemens WI14W540OE;
- Millie - Miele WWD120 WCS White Edition;
- ASKO - Asko W2086C.W/1;
- ARISTON - Hotpoint-Ariston RDPD 96407 JD EU.
Important!
Ivan Ivanovich
Modern washing machines must be used strictly in accordance with the instructions, then the user will be confident in the safety of the device and will receive maximum comfortable operation. Devices with the Aquastop function are no exception.
