Washing Machine Parts Explained

All Washing Machine Parts

We all rely on our washing machines, and it is a nuisance when something goes wrong. While the machines are usually reliable and simple in their function, washing machines are actually an incredibly complex appliance with many parts and, therefore, the potential for many problems. To help you understand your washing machine and the potential problems you may face with the appliance, this is a short and simple guide of the main washing machine parts.

Every manufacturer will build their washing machine differently and come with their unique design styles and features. However, there are some main features that you’ll find in every washing machine, which include;

The drum – The drum is the circular container in the washing machine where you put your garments in. The drum actually consists of two parts, the inner drum and outer drum. The inner drum is where you put your clothes and where the water goes in and out. The outer drum stops water from leaking into the rest of the machine.

Water pump – The pump is what circulates the water into the machine. The pump works in two directions. Firstly, it pumps the water into the machine for a thorough wash cycle. Secondly, the pump draws water out of the machine during the spin cycle.

Water inlet control valve – This valve cleverly determines how much water is needed for the wash depending on the wash and the load. You can find this valve near the water inlet.

Washing machine motor – It is the motor that enables the drum to turn for effective washing. The motor works in conjunction with the agitator to turn the drum.

Agitator (or paddles) – Generally, a fully automatic washing machine will use paddle while a semi-automatic washing machine will use agitators. Essentially, both the paddles or agitator work to move the clothes while they are in the drum. They work to rub clothes together to remove dirt and to increase the effectiveness of the detergent.

Heating element – To make sure the water gets up to the correct temperature for your chosen wash, the heating element functions to heat up the water in the machine.

Drain pipe – This pipe drains away the dirty water from the machine.

Printed circuit board – Also known as the PCB, the circuit board has all of the main electronics for the appliance. The circuit board can be wired to help with all of the operations of the machine.

Timer – The timer (often automatic) sets the length of time for the wash.

How Do All Of These Components Work Together?

The best way to understand how the components work is to think about the washing machine process;

1. Load the washing machine with clothes and detergent and then select your chosen programme.

2. Depending on the programme you select, the washing machine lets in the correct amount of water using the water inlet control valve. Once the machine has the correct amount of water, the valve switches off.

3. The thermostat will check the heat of the water, and the heating element will heat the water up to the required temperature if necessary.

4. When the water is up to temperature, the drum beings to rotate and the agitator works to remove the stains from clothing. As well as the agitator, the detergent works to remove any soiling.

5. After the cycle has finished, the valve opens to drain the dirty water away via the drain pipe. The process repeats as the valve then opens up to let clean water back into the machine to rinse the clothes.

6. When the clean water is in the machine, the inner drum rotates again to rinse the clothing and get rid of any remaining detergent and dirt.

7. After draining dirty water again, the drum rotates at high speed to get rid of as much water as possible. Water is removed by passing through the holes in the inner drum to the outer drum, and the pump then removes the water.

8. The washing cycle is complete, and the clothes are ready to be removed.

Washing machine not working as it should?

If you spot a problem with any part of your washing machine, or the washing process isn’t working quite as it should, then Just Fixed can help. Our team operate across London to help fix and maintain a range of appliances. So if your washing machine isn’t giving you the best results, then call our team out for a quick and efficient diagnosis and, where necessary, a repair.