Washing machines, like any other household appliances, break down from time to time, regardless of the price category of the device. And whether it's a Bosch, Candy, LG or any other machine, breakdowns can occur in any manufacturer's model. In order to have an idea of what has broken down, and whether it is possible to fix the device on its own, one should understand the arrangement of washing machines.
One of the important details in the washing machine brand Indesit, Samsung, Ariston, Zanussi or some other, is the intake valve. He is responsible for filling the machine with water, so it is also called a flood valve.
Principle of operation
The inlet valve has two functional states - closed( it happens more often) and open. The valve has a coil, which is fed with current to form an electromagnetic field, so that the valve opens, letting water into the machine. This principle of inclusion causes another name for the part - the solenoid valve.
Once the water has filled the tank to the required level, the control module sends the command to stop the power supply to the valve. The result will be the closing of the valve and stopping the water supply.
For information on how a single electromagnetic filling( inlet) valve for washing machines looks, see the next video review.
Types
Inlet valves of machines of different models and manufacturers differ in the number of coils. In some valve models, there is only one coil, in others there are two coils. Valves with three coils are also common. The number of coils corresponds to the number of sections in the valve through which water is supplied to the dispenser.
Models with a single coil are found in old washing machines, in which work is controlled by a commanding device( a jet of water is sent to the dispenser mechanically).In modern machines are installed valves with two and three coils.
To direct water to a specific compartment of the detergent dispenser, the desired coil is turned on and the water flows in the desired direction. In valves with two coils, two coils must turn on immediately to direct water to the third section of the dispenser.
Where is it?
Most often, the inlet valve is located at the top of the machine closer to the rear wall, so to check and remove it, you need to disconnect the back cover of the machine. Usually the lid is held by two self-tapping screws, after unscrewing it is pushed from the front side and easily removed.
In models in which the laundry is loaded vertically, the fill valve is also in the rear of the apparatus, but below. To gain access to the valve, the machine detaches a part of the side wall.
How to check serviceability?
To check the integrity of the filling valve, the part must be removed, then connect the hose to the valve, and apply voltage to each section of the valve. If the valve is running, it will open to let in water. After stopping the 220 V supply, the valve should close and do not allow water to flow. This check should be carried out very carefully, as the part will be under current and water may cause a short circuit.
Checking the operation of the intake valve will also include the following steps:
- Inspect the valve grid to detect clogging. If the mesh is contaminated, it should be removed and cleaned, and then returned to its original location.
- Additional test with a tester. It will be needed if the valve does not open when electricity is applied. The multimeter will measure the resistance and show if the coil is burnt out. In the working coil, the resistance will be from 2 to 4 kOhm.
- Checking the presence of plastic inserts in the fittings. Such rates are designed to prevent the inside of the machine from entering the water with an excessively high head. If the inserts are out, the valve must be replaced.
Can I repair it?
Pouring valves in their structure are classified as non-separable parts, therefore their repair is often impossible. You can try replacing the burnt coil by removing the coil from a similar valve. However, in most cases, such actions do not work. The best option is to buy a new valve and replace it completely.
Repair
Most often the idea that the intake valve does not work, appears in a situation where water does not enter the washing machine at all. To repair such a part, you can call the master or try to replace the valve yourself.
To find the solenoid valve suitable for your washing machine, it is best to remove the defective part from the unit and purchase the same new valve in the store. In this case, pay attention to the number of coils, so that the new valve comes up to your technique.
Replacement
- By de-energizing the equipment, shutting off the water supply to the machine and removing the wall of the machine, the hoses and terminals must be disconnected from the valve.
- Be sure to remember how they were located, and even better - take a picture.
- Further it is required to unscrew the bolts holding the part or remove the latches( in some models they fix the valve).
- Turning the valve, it is removed, after which a new inlet valve is inserted into its place.
- Fix the new part in the reverse order.
- When the inlet valve is in place, the machine needs to be turned on and checked to see if it has started to draw water.
The process of replacing the water inlet valve on the LG washing machine can be seen in the following video.
