Replacing the water filter for a washing machine

Under normal circumstances, a washing machine's flow-through filter lasts for several years, so you won't have to worry about its condition anytime soon. However, sooner or later it does fail, requiring time and money to restore your "home helper" to working order. Let's consider whether you can change your washing machine's water filter yourself in this situation, or whether you need to call a service center technician.

How to update the filter element?

Replacing the filter element yourself is usually not difficult due to the fact that most filters have a simple design. Most often, these elements consist of a plastic case with a filler inside. The body of the device may also feature outlets for connecting adapters to which pipes or hoses should be attached. The plastic portion of the device often consists of two elements: a lid with outlets for the adapters, and a container with the filler, which is screwed onto the lid.

Using this filter is a breeze, as the entire process takes just a few minutes and doesn't require a significant investment. Simply purchase a replacement filter cartridge that fits your filter element. Then, disconnect the washing machine from the water supply and power—the latter is necessary for your safety. Next, lay a few rags or towels on the floor beneath the washing machine to prevent water damage to the flooring.

After this, you can begin removing the old cartridge by unscrewing it and then installing the new one in its place. Be careful not to accidentally strip the threads by screwing the cartridge in incorrectly. If you install the filter element incorrectly, it will leak excessively during the wash cycle. After replacing it, be sure to test the machine's functionality with a test cycle. Observe how the filter operates—is it not leaking moisture and does water flow freely through it?

To ensure the filter doesn't leak, you can additionally wind plumbing tape around the adapters against the threads. You only need to apply a small amount.

If your appliance has a one-piece filter, replacing the filter media alone won't work, so you'll need to purchase a new filter element. In this case, you'll need to have an open-end wrench handy for the filter adapters, and shut off the water and power before beginning work.

After some basic preparation, you can begin removing the filter by unscrewing the adapters. Install the new filter assembly and then test its functionality by running an empty wash cycle.

The machine's standard filter

Often housewives have no idea that their household appliances are equipped with a standard filter for coarse purification of tap water. They're usually not very effective, as they can't handle hard tap water. However, if such a filter element breaks, and there's no pre-filter for your "home assistant," various debris will quickly begin to seep into the system. To prevent poor-quality tap water from damaging your washing machine, carefully monitor the condition of the standard filter and replace it promptly if necessary. This component is called an inlet valve filter, and you'll need to purchase a suitable spare part from the store. What should you do to replace the damaged part?

• Disconnect the machine from all communications.
• Move the automatic washing machine to the center of the room so you have access to the rear panel.

Just in case, it is better to lay rags or unnecessary towels on the floor to absorb the used liquid from the filling sleeve.

• Unscrew the nut with the rubber cuff that holds the inlet hose attached to the machine body at the top right.
• In the filling hose fitting you will find a standard filter for coarse water purification.
• Remove the filter mesh with your hands or using pliers.
• If you haven't yet purchased a replacement part, take the damaged filter with you to the store as an example so we can purchase a similar part.
• Carefully install the new filter element with pliers.
• Replace the filling sleeve and secure it securely.
• Connect the washing machine to the water supply and power supply to check its functionality with the new filter element.

As you can see, replacing filters is quite simple, so even someone with no experience repairing household appliances can handle it. The entire procedure takes about 5-10 minutes, so there's no need to call a repair service.

   

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