There is a drain filter in every CM, and it is imperative to clean it, and at an enviable frequency. If this is the first time you have encountered this and do not even know where the filter is located in the washing machine, then you will have to figure it out.
Let’s say right away that this part has a lot of names, experts call it a drain and drainage filter, and ordinary people often call it garbage. When you take it out of the machine, you will immediately understand why it deserves such a name.
Why do you need cleaning
Cleaning is necessary for a number of reasons:
- This is provided by the manufacturer. Cleaning rates: at least 1 time in 3 months.
- The machine does not drain water.
- The machine shows an error code corresponding to the lack of water drain.
In all these cases, you do not need to try to restart the machine in the hope of a failure, but do the cleaning.
Part location
Don’t know where the filter is? In almost all models of washing machines, the location of the filters is the same: at the bottom. It is hidden by a small panel – a service (technical) hatch, which will be easy to open.
It would seem that it is enough to open the door and pull out the filter – but not everything is so simple. Difficulties may arise, which we will discuss later.
How to remove the filter
Do you know which way to unscrew the water filter? In 95% of cases, you need to turn counterclockwise.
In some models of washing machines, before removing the filter, you need to unscrew the special fixing screw. If in the last six months or a year you have not gotten around to cleaning the system, then getting it can also be very problematic.
Important! If the drain plug cannot be unscrewed, calculate the force so as not to pull out the handle, do not damage the threads or the part itself.
If you still cannot remove the part, do not despair – it can be reached from the side of the drain pump. It will take a little disassembly of the case.
Of course, there are cases when it is impossible to unscrew from the inside due to heavy scale on the thread. In this case, you can try to get the filter along with the snail. After that, it will be much more convenient to get it with a tool or pull it out by force.
If you pull out or break out the filter, then putting it back will not work, you will have to buy a new one. If the snail suffers, you will have to buy it too.
Important! Before carrying out work, substitute a container or lay a rag so that the remaining water from the washing machine does not pour directly onto the floor.
cleaning
You still managed to remove the filter, now it needs to be checked and cleaned. Just visually inspecting for cracks will be enough, and then immediately proceed to cleaning.
You must first clean the filter mechanically – removing dirt and debris from it. After you finish cleaning the element, rinse it under running tap water (preferably warm water).
Pay attention to the hole in which the filter is located: rubbish can also collect in it over time. Shine a flashlight or phone, get everything that you find superfluous.
Now you can collect the machine. And to make sure that everything is done correctly, run a test wash – if the machine drains the water without problems, and a puddle does not form at the bottom, then everything is in order.
Useful Tips
How to clean the filter if you can’t unscrew it?
In this case, you will have to remove one of the walls of the washer – it depends on the brand and model. If you have Ardo, Whirlpool, Kandy, LG or Ariston (Hotpoint-Ariston), then the easiest way is to get the part from the bottom. In many models of these brands, there is not even a bottom, and in some it can be easily removed.
If you prefer brands such as AEG, Bosch or Siemens, then you can get inside only from the side of the front wall.
Electrolux and Zanussi washing machines are special, it is easiest to open the case there – you need to remove the back panel by unscrewing only 4 screws.
If the design of your SMA does not provide for a filter component in the drain system, then you need to open the case and look for a snail, since a blockage can form in a pipe or a drainage pump.
In this video you will clearly see how to clean the drain filter: