Monday, July 12, 2010

Washing machine advice

Today started out simple enough with plans to finish painting a small mudroom and laundry area but ended up with an important lesson about washing machine maintenance. As part of any proper painting job we moved out all the contents of the room including the washer and dryer so we could work comfortably. When we slid out the washer we noticed the floor was wet and the black rubber hose had a small bubble in it. Either of these two problems could have caused some major expensive damage had they not been caught early on. Let me address these two issues in more detail:

-A bubble in the water hose means that the inner portion of the hose has been breached and it is only a matter of time before the thinner outer wall of the hose will burst. A burst washer hose can release about 500 gallons of water an hour and they never burst when you are home. They always burst when you are at work or worse yet, vacation. You can only imagine how much damage this $8 hose can cause. First off, make it a point if you haven’t already, to replace the black rubber hoses with the new braided stainless steel hoses which are virtually burst-proof. The black hoses are about $14 and the braided stainless hoses are $20. If you ask me the $6 is a cheap insurance policy. Second, have your plumber install one of these manual shut off valves so you can quickly and easily shut off the water whenever you are done washing your clothes. Get in the habit of shutting it off each time you are done. Make extra sure you shut it off when you go away for any length of time. There is an even better option which I recommend whereby an automatic valve opens up the supply of water once the washing machine is turned on. The valve senses the flow of electricity and opens automatically while closing after the machine shuts off. You can even get an optional sensor which sits on the floor by the machine that can sense if any water is leaking and tells the valve to shut off if the machine is mid cycle.

-These days most clients want their washer and dryer on the second floor closer to the source of the dirty laundry but what happens to the rooms below if the machine leaks? I have repaired many a ceiling due to leaky washing machines so what I recommend is to install a pan below the washing machine which is attached the the main drain in your home. It doesn’t take more than a trickle of water to create a stain on the ceiling below and mildew or mold is possible too. The pan can be basic plastic with a PVC connector or a custom copper pan which would made up by your plumbing supplier. A pan basically drains away any water resulting from an internal leak or overflow but I have never seen an overflow. The washing machine we moved today appeared to have an internal leak which was not obvious but the water that was on the floor was pretty minor so we installed a plastic pan which will collect any drips. The plan is for the water to evaporate on its own but it warrants keeping a close eye on in case it gets worse. If the valve is shut off after use then there will be no chance of the machine leaking other than when it is in use. That is where the water sensor comes in handy. The water pan will do nothing to collect any water that leaks from a burst hose so the auto shut-off valve is the key defender here.


Additional tips:

  • If you have a front loader the seal around the door is airtight so it’s a good idea to leave the door open for a while so you don’t trap in the moisture causing a musty smell

  • A machine that is not leveled properly will probably shake and wobble. Take the time to adjust the leveling feet and get it as close as possible

  • You can buy this vibration control platform which will supposedly reduce vibration up to 95%

  • Some washing machines have a balancing device called a Snubber which can wear out over time. Check out this link for some good info about replacing a worn-out snubber.

In a future blog I will discuss dryer safety tips

28 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I’m eager to find the valuable information and for me this is the right place to get the good stuff. construction

    ReplyDelete
  5. you won't require a machine with a vast wash limit. You will likewise be utilizing the machine less every now and again so it ought to last any longer. gutter cleaning service

    ReplyDelete
  6. Be on you best conduct. Look and notice great. Initial introductions are enduring impressions. best window cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for the blog loaded with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. laundry service washington dc

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow i can say that this is another great article as expected of this blog.Bookmarked this site..
    Certified Precision Roofing

    ReplyDelete
  9. Very useful post, not only for people who are into washing machine service but also for customers as they can learn from this post and try to rectify the issue themselves. Keep posting more on other washing machine service issues as well.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the post. Definitely good for people who are into washing machine service.

    ReplyDelete
  11. When our washer breakdown we panic and start searching solution for the immediate problem in that situation you just calm down and sit a while and take your handset dial these numbers 9177700012, 9177744460 it will connect call to the Washing Machine Service Center Hyderabadfor having immediate quick and quality of services. Our expertise service persons they can repair and replace the internal damage parts and will find specific washer to suit your needs and budget. For more information go through our website link and drop your address details for having our service.
    ========================================================================
    Refrigerator service center can help you out in servicing, repair, and maintenance problems and also reduce your utility bills because of the fact that refrigerator could charge big portion of your utility expenses because the refrigerator is the most energy intensive equipment it operates full in a day. For reducing temperature and adjusting the temperature controls by a technician for an appliance service contact Refrigerator repair centre in Hyderabadfor any kind of repair services for your refrigerator will help you out in your servicing problems. Call us today.
    ======================================================================================
    There are many benefits having your air conditioner service is the truth because these is especially summer the hotter it gets more so before having servicing will help you to catch these problems and fix them. Having the service early can head off these kinds of problems. Give a call 9177700012, 9177700044, 9177700065 dial any one of these numbers it will connect to the Hitachi air conditioner repair center in Hyderabadwe are here to concern you at any time. The service charge for repairing any brand and any model of air conditioner is 650/- at a warranty of 3 months.
    ==================================================================================

    ReplyDelete
  12. Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! dịch vụ sửa nhà

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. best type of spray paint for metal

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am happy to find this post Very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I Always prefer to read The Quality and glad I found this thing in you post. Thanks flotec pressure tank reviews

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is a brilliant blog! I'm very happy with the comments!.. american standard toilet colors

    ReplyDelete
  16. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. medical marijuana oklahoma

    ReplyDelete
  17. I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You. house painters New lenox

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great survey, I'm sure you're getting a great response. Scentsy

    ReplyDelete
  19. I recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing. buy guns online

    ReplyDelete
  20. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. Garden Maintenance

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank you for such a well written article. It’s full of insightful information and entertaining descriptions. Your point of view is the best among many. roofing contractors Dallas Texas

    ReplyDelete
  22. I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. cladding

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am definitely enjoying your website. You definitely have some great insight and great stories. we buy houses florida

    ReplyDelete
  24. Are you looking washing machine repair service in dubai ? UAE Technician provide doot to door service for washing machine repair in dubai. Call on number and book the technician to repair instantly.

    ReplyDelete
  25. LG refrigerator repair in DelhiWe will take great pride in each and every service call as our professional technicians are well trained and experienced so that they can solve all the major and the minor issues of the refrigerator. If there are any issues with the refrigerator spare parts then our professional technicians will inform you immediately at that time and we will also charge separately for the spare parts and we will also give you 90 days of warranty on spare parts and we will also give you 30 days of warranty on general services. Our professional technicians are having highly organised time management skills.

    ReplyDelete
  26. LG washing machine repair in Delhi If there are any issues with the washing machine spare parts then our professional technicians will inform you immediately at that time and we will provide you services which will definitely give you the best results without any further issues. If there are any issues with the washing machine spare parts then our professional technicians will inform you immediately at that time and we will also charge separate for spare parts and we will also give you 90 days of warranty for spare parts and we will also give you 30 days of warranty for general services. We will provide you with genuine spare parts and quality services will be available.

    ReplyDelete