The Aquastop system for the dishwasher is the necessary protection against leaks. All modern models of dishwashers and washing machines are equipped with a full or partial security system.
Many users have heard about Aquastop, but not everyone understands the principle of operation and knows its device. In this article we will tell you what type of protection you need to choose equipment.
Functions of the Aquastop system
If your Electrolux, Hansa, Siemens dishwasher is equipped with partial protection, most likely it is the Aquastop inlet hose. It is equipped with a casing and a mechanism for shutting off water. When a leak occurs or the hose is damaged, the valve is activated and the water flow is blocked.
Aqua-Control will protect the system in case of water hammer. Whereas a system without protection may not withstand a lot of pressure.
In the new PMM models “Bosch”, “Ariston”, “Hans”, “Electrolux”, “Krona” you can find an improved device: in addition to the inlet hose, a float sensor is installed in the pan. How this scheme works:
- You turn the machine on.
- The Aquastop valve receives a signal and opens.
- As soon as you press the “Start” key, the membrane of the filling valve opens.
- Water enters the bunker.
- In the event of a leak, water enters the PMM pan.
- Upon reaching a critical point, a float sensor pops up.
- The valve closes, the flow of water stops.
The inner float is called Aqua Control.
Today, more and more manufacturers are trying to make PMM with a full “Aquastop”. This is a guarantee not only for your safety, but also for your neighbors. Thanks to the functions of the system, you can safely run the equipment at night, go away on business while the dishwasher is running.
How to turn off Aquastop and restore the dishwasher? Once the problem has been corrected, press the reset key and the machine will be ready to work again.
Types and device
The design may be different. Manufacturers have developed several different methods that have their own advantages and disadvantages. 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 the 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 the absorbent tank, which swells and triggers the spring. That, in turn, blocks the inlet to the hose with a valve.
The disadvantage of the absorbent system is very significant – it is disposable. If the “Aquastop” worked once, you will not be able to unlock and reuse the item. We’ll have to completely change the protection.
- 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 works and blocks the valve.
Interesting! The electronic and absorbent type system works in 99% of cases. Only 8 chances in 1000 that the car will leak. Mechanical protection works in 85%, that is, the chances of leakage are 147 to 1000.
You figured out what Aquastop is. Now we will find out what to do with a leak and how to replace it.
DIY repair and replacement
When embedding appliances, users often encounter the difficulty of installing a protected hose. Its body is quite massive and does not fit everywhere, and it is impossible to increase the length. But once you’ve made the connection, how do you know Aqua-Control has worked and it’s time to take action?
In Bosch machines, the display shows error code E15. Explanation: overflow of water in the system or operation of “Aquastop”. Then you can immediately check the design.
But if there is no error, and no water enters the hopper, you need to check the valve:
- Close the stop valve.
- Disconnect the hose from the PMM body.
- Look through the hole, you can shine a flashlight.
- If the valve is tight to the body, there has been a leak.
- Some models have a leak indicator.
Need more proof of a leak? Then look in the dishwasher tray. If there is water, fears have been confirmed.
Replacing and connecting the Aquastop is simple. Remember that the simple mechanical design does not need to be changed. Compress the spring until you hear a click. Everyone, continue to operate in the usual mode.
To replace, remove the old hose and screw on the new one. In the case of an electromagnetic system, connect the wire.
Take care of the reliable protection of your dishwasher. Before buying, study the technical specifications, find out about the availability of full or partial protection of the case.
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