Before washing machines were commercially available, households would need to rely on laundrettes to wash their weekly loads. Thankfully we have arrived at an age where washing machines have been widely available for quite some time. It wasn’t till 1978 that the first microchipped automatic electric washing machine was made available in the name of the Servis Quartz. Since then, technology has improved incrementally and we now live in the age of the smart machine. Modern-day units are capable of some amazing things like dispensing the right amount of detergent based on the weight of the load and even using this to calculate optimum spin time.

Despite our reliance on the washing machine, many people are still not totally clear as to how this essential appliance works. It’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basic functionality of home appliances so that you can diagnose any potential problems in the future.

Water Pipes

All washing machines are connected to the mains water supply, drawing water in and using it for the washing process. Typically most washing machines will have a hot and cold pipe feed so they don’t have to heat the water up in the machine. They will also have a waste pipe to remove used water from the machine and is usually plumbed into your sink drain. When you initiate a load, your machine will open its valves to let in the right amount hot and cold water which will be drawn into the drum via the detergent tray.  

Drum & Outer Tub

This component consists of two layers: an outer drum and an inner drum. After leaving the detergent tray, the mains water is then directed to the outer drum where it is stored before being squeezed into the inner drum through the hundreds of small holes on the inner drum’s surface.

Agitator

The agitator is the device responsible for moving the inner drum in clockwise and anti-clockwise motions. This creates momentum that tosses and turns your washing and works in the detergent and water to clean it. The agitator is also capable of spinning at a high rate of revolutions per minute creating to create a centrifugal force for drying clothes after a wash (otherwise known as the “spin cycle”). The centrifugal force created by the agitator can be very powerful which is why the entire drum unit is stabilised with concrete blocks on the top and sides.

Motor

The motor is located at the back of the machine just below the drum unit and is solely responsible for powering the agitator via a belt and pulley system. It is also connected to the machine’s chipboard where it receives instructions on speed, duration and direction of spin all of which are dictated by the various wash programs available.  

Drain Pump

When the washing phase of a cycle has finished, the wastewater will then be drained from the drum before it is filled up with fresh water ready for the rinse phase. The wastewater is then pumped out through the waste hose via a filter unit which prevents harmful residue from passing into your drainage system and causing blockages.

Buy High-Quality Washing Machines In Cheadle

Washing Machines are very complex machines that have been impressively fine-tuned over the years. The key to a long lasting & hard wearing washing machine is quality workmanship and premium components. If you are looking for a washing machine in Cheadle then come and visit our Timperly based showroom where we offer unbeatable prices on washing machines from top brands including Hotpoint, Indesit, Montpellier, Siemens & Candy.

For more information call today on 01619801110