Hole in the washing machine drum

Users often confuse the concepts, and when they think of a hole in the washing machine drum, they assume it's a damaged plastic tank. However, some are correct, referring specifically to a crack in the stainless steel tank. Let's look at the appropriate course of action in both cases.

A hole formed in the drum

The surface of a washing machine drum is dotted with small holes—they're necessary for water to flow into the drum and reach the laundry. However, sometimes users notice that their washing machine has started to damage their clothes and are surprised to discover a new, jagged hole in the stainless steel drum. How did this happen?

There's a simple explanation for this. For example, a hard metal object—a screw, a paper clip, or a self-tapping screw—left in a pocket can "fall" into the drum hole and become lodged between it and the tank. If the sharp tip of a nail hits a stainless steel wall, it will easily pierce even such a strong material.

The same screw, having pierced the drum, will fall into the tank and remain permanently in the machine. Therefore, there's a high probability that during the next wash or spin cycle, it will become lodged between the walls again and damage either the plastic or metal tank. The user's task is not only to "patch" the hole but also to remove the dangerous object from the machine to prevent future damage.

What should I do in this case? Should I patch the damaged area? In fact, a hole in the washing machine drum is harmless; it will serve as an additional opening for water intake. The only thing that will interfere with the normal operation of the machine is the sharp edges on the drum surface, which can damage clothes. These "burrs" must be removed.

To fix the problem, you will need a drill, a drill bit slightly larger in diameter than the hole in the drum, and sandpaper.

First, you need to ream out the hole to remove any sharp edges. Then, smooth the area around the hole with a file or sandpaper. The main thing is to make the surface smooth again.

Don't forget to remove any sharp object that's lodged inside your washing machine. How do you get it out? First, unscrew the drain filter—it's possible the screw is stuck there. If there's no screw in the waste filter, you'll need to take more serious measures:

• unplug the washing machine;
• disconnect the machine from the water supply and sewerage system;
• remove the detergent drawer;
• Place the machine on its left side (it is better to place a soft blanket under it);
• Find the drain pipe connecting the tank and the pump;
• loosen the clamp and disconnect the hose from the tank;
• Insert your hand into the hole and “examine” the inside of the tank, slowly and carefully turning the drum.

If you can't find the foreign object this way, place the washing machine back on its feet, rotate the drum a few times, and then lay it on its side again. If the screw is indeed inside, it should then fall out of the drain connection hole.

A hole appeared in the tank

It will be more difficult if the screw that gets into the device pierces not the drum, but the plastic container. You cannot operate the machine with a damaged tank – water will leak out of the washing machine through the hole. In this case, there is a high risk of flooding not only your own apartment, but also the neighbors below.

The tank will have to be restored. But how to repair the hole? The hole in the plastic container can be soldered. This is the most reliable method. You'll need a soldering iron and a heat gun for this process.

If cracks appear from the hole itself on the tank, they must also be soldered.

First, the crack is pressed deeper, then sealed with softened plastic. At the same time, a heat gun should be used to blow hot air onto the area being treated. It's not ideal to do this alone; it's best to have an assistant direct the flow of warm air.

Once all the cracks have been treated, you can proceed further. To repair the hole, you'll have to fuse plastic over the damaged area. Where can I get a piece of plastic?

Washing machine maintenance technicians recommend using a piece of plastic from the drum itself for this purpose. This can be any area of ​​the drum that doesn't affect the washing process. For example, there are many reinforcing bars at the back of the drum. To repair the hole, you can use a soldering iron to cut out a small section of one of them.

The found piece of plastic is placed over the hole. Using a soldering iron and a heat gun, the "patch" is melted and spread over the tank. It will become like plasticine—easy to shape. This will securely seal the hole.

This method can be used to repair any hole or crack in the tank. Trying to seal it with sealant is not a reliable method. To restore the tank, experts recommend soldering the damaged plastic sections.

   

1 reader comment

1. June 16, 2022 at 11:44 PM

   Tatiana:

   Thank you. Just today, my husband discovered a hole in the plastic tank. Water started leaking from the bottom of the machine during washing. This is the first time this has happened to us. I wish he'd fixed it; it's hard without a washing machine.

   Answer