Is the drum of the LG washing machine removable?

Today, when choosing a new washing machine, buyers consider more than just price, software, manufacturer, and additional options. Besides appearance and functionality, they also evaluate the model's repairability. This includes how easy it is to order parts for the washing machine and whether it has a removable drum.

Many people choose LG washing machines. They are considered by customers to be among the best value for money. Is the drum of this South Korean brand removable? Let's find out all the details.

Design features of the tank

When assessing a washing machine's repairability, it's important to determine whether it has a removable drum. This will be crucial if the machine's bearing assembly wears out. The bearings will still need to be replaced, and the easier they are to access, the simpler and cheaper the repair will be.

Owners of washing machines of this brand are lucky. Washing machines LG are equipped with plastic detachable tanks. High-quality plastic is resistant to various types of damage and increased vibrations.

A disassemblable drum will significantly simplify repairs to your LG washing machine in the event of damaged bearings, broken spiders, or worn seals. The drum can be split in half by removing the connecting fasteners. If the drum is cast, it will need to be sawed into two halves.

With a disassemblable drum, you can even replace the bearings yourself, without calling a technician. A technician's labor will cost between $60 and $100, excluding the cost of components. Therefore, LG washing machine owners can save a significant amount.

Experts agree that the detachable tank does not deform or lose its properties even after several assemblies.

Non-separable drums are a different matter. Once you've cut them open, expecting them to remain sealed would be foolish. A single separable drum in LG washing machines, however, will last the entire life of the appliance.

Pros and cons of different tanks

Bearing wear and damage to the drum shaft or spider are common problems. Most often, such failures occur due to user error, such as failure to adhere to the maximum and minimum load weights, imbalance, or unleveling of the machine. The washing machine then needs to be repaired.

If your automatic washing machine has a detachable drum, repairs are simplified. To access the damaged components, simply remove the drum from the housing, remove the connecting elements around the circumference, and, having unlatched the latches, separate the drum. After this, you can press out the bearings and remove the universal joint.

If the machine's tank is non-detachable, accessing the parts listed above won't be easy. You'll either have to buy a new tank, which will put a significant strain on your family budget. Or you'll have to saw the tank apart and then seal the halves with sealant.

In terms of maintainability, automatic machines with a detachable drum win.

If the machine is properly maintained, the tank will remain clean for a long time and won't require any additional maintenance. However, if users use low-quality detergents or don't soften hard water, a thick layer of scale can build up inside the tank.

Bacteria will begin to multiply in the residue from impurities and detergent residue. Washed items will develop an unpleasant odor. In severe cases, washing the machine at high temperatures will no longer help; mechanical cleaning of the plastic tank will be necessary. If the tank is detachable, this will be easier.

Sometimes foreign objects get caught in the space between the drum and the tub. If left there, they can cause the shaft to break, the spider to jam, or the drain to become clogged. In some cases, removing the foreign objects is only possible by disassembling the tub.

Therefore, a dismountable drum is easier and cheaper to clean. However, if you maintain your washing machine regularly, run a descaling cycle every few months, and monitor the hardness of your tap water, such extreme measures won't be necessary throughout the entire life of the washing machine.

On the other hand, a one-piece tank is more reliable than a detachable one precisely in terms of leak protection. A cast tank will only leak if damaged by a sharp object.

The gasket on detachable tanks sometimes dries out, causing them to leak at the seam. However, such incidents are rare, and the problem is easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal.

All LG washing machines are leak-proof. So, even if the drum suddenly starts to leak, it won't flood your apartment or the neighbors below. A worn gasket will initially leak water, literally drip by drip. This allows you to detect and fix the problem promptly.

Find out if your washing machine's drum is removable.

How can you tell if your washing machine's drum is detachable? The most reliable way is to look inside the machine. You can inspect the drum through the bottom or by removing the top cover.

Removing the top cover of a washing machine is very simple. On most machines, this requires removing a couple of screws at the back. After that, the panel can be removed.

Next, inspect the plastic tank. If the tank is collapsible, bolts will be visible around its perimeter, holding the two halves of the container together. There are also latches and locks located around the circumference.

When choosing and purchasing a washing machine, it's often impossible to look inside. In this case, you can search online for information, specifying the specific model of your washing machine. You can also use the manufacturer's recommendations.

• The following brands of washing machines are equipped with detachable tanks: LG, Weissgauff, Samsung, Miele, Biryusa, Atlant, Hisense, Vestel, Haier, TCL.
• Non-detachable tanks for automatic washing machines of the following brands: Indesit, Beko, Whirlpool, Candy, Hotpoint-Ariston.

Some manufacturers offer washing machines with both removable and non-removable tanks. These brands include Bosch, Dexp, Maunfeld, Electrolux, and Gorenje. Therefore, information should be verified for the specific washing machine model.

For example, Bosch's WAN, WLL, WAS, WLK, WLN, WLT, and WLG series automatic machines feature removable tanks. Gorenje washing machines assembled in Slovenia have non-removable tanks, while those made in China do. They can be identified by the "H" symbol in the model number.

Each buyer decides for themselves how important it is to have a disassemblable washing machine drum. Experts agree that it's better to buy washing machines with a disassemblable drum. This can prove useful in the future, when your "home helper" needs repairs after a few years of use.

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