Most washing machines now have fixed tanks. In the event of a breakdown, it is sometimes necessary to completely replace this important part, because it is not always possible to repair it. Nevertheless, in some cases, it is possible to use sealant for the washing machine to eliminate leakage, glue the cracks of the drum and restore the operation of the household appliance.
- Tank types
- Enameled steel
- Plastic
- Stainless steel
- Causes of machine breakdowns
- What parts break most often
- How to choose the right sealant
- Permatex
- Kraftool
- Dow corning 7091
- "Moment"
- Glue F
- ABRO 11AB R
- Features of disassembling tanks
- Instruments
- Front-loading washing machines
- Top-loading washing machines
- Which washing machines have collapsible tanks
- Fixed tank repair
Tank types
All tanks of washing machines can be divided into collapsible and non-collapsible. The first are a structure docked to threaded joints. A fixed tank is a part of two halves that are soldered together. What model in a particular washing machine can be found in the instructions or after a careful inspection of the appliance from below. Tanks are also divided according to the material from which they are made.
Enameled steel
Currently, such products are sold infrequently, and among automatic machines they are not found at all. To protect against corrosion, the drum is coated with a special enamel, but it is unstable to mechanical and chemical damaging factors, so it quickly deteriorates. Components for such devices are also not available, therefore, it is unlikely that it will be possible to repair the leak.
Plastic
Washing and dishwashers with such tanks are widespread in the economy segment. The drums in them are made from reliable polymers with various additives. Plastic lightens the overall weight of the product, has sufficient strength for scratching, does not cause noise during rotation. Unfortunately, plastic tanks can not boast a long service life and are quite fragile when dropped, a strong impact.
to contents ↑Stainless steel
These drums are equipped with premium-class washing machines. They are quite expensive, but of high quality, they serve for many years. The stainless steel is not afraid of water, is not subject to corrosion even without additional protection, high-strength, is not damaged by the action of household chemicals and mechanical "injuries". Among the minuses can be called a high price, increased noise during operation, a significant weight of equipment.
Causes of machine breakdowns
Most often, device malfunctions are associated with a violation of the operating rules. For example, the cause of a rupture of the sealing cuff is often a sharp object falling into the tank or careless access to laundry. Pipes leak from calcareous deposits or blockages, bearings - due to non-observance of the norms for the mass of laid clothes or during mechanical wear. The cause of a tank breakdown may be:
- malfunction of oil seals;
- shaft deformation in case of bearing failure;
- damage to the walls;
- leakage due to severe friction.
What parts break most often
Most often bearings break. Their price is low, and they are considered masters as "consumables" in the washing machine.However, the replacement requires a complete analysis of the device, which without the lack of skills can cause damage to the shaft, pin and other details.
The second most frequent failure is the failure of the drain valve. This happens in the absence of measures to regularly clean the machine, ignoring the preventive start of the device with special cleaning compounds. The walls of the tank may also deteriorate, which is caused by:
- defective bearings, shock absorbers;
- strong impact of centrifugal force;
- mechanical impact inside or out.
How to choose the right sealant
To glue the tank, consisting of two halves, to close up a small crack, you can use sealants. They must additionally include the functions of glue to provide the necessary level of adhesion of the elements. When choosing a suitable product, one must take into account the conditions of its use:
- constant strong vibration - the seam formed by the sealant must withstand mechanical loads without problems, therefore, the product must be elastic;
- elevated temperatures and temperature changes - when the hot water gets in, the tank heats up, cools down during rinsing, and the sealant should not lose adhesion to the surface during such changes;
- contact with water - all means for sealing parts of washing machines necessarily have water resistance and the ability to not be destroyed by water and its action under pressure.
to contents ↑There are a number of popular sealants that are well suited for gluing a tank, they connect its halves to seal during assembly or close up defects.
Permatex
This is a glue-sealant with good fluidity, which is usually used for gluing windows, car headlights, it has all the properties necessary for repairing cars. The seams are moisture resistant, transparent, do not respond to temperature, can be operated at -62 ... + 232 degrees. Permatex Sealant contains polyurethane, which has been used for many years and is safe for humans.
Kraftool
Kraftool silicone sealant is heat resistant. It does not deteriorate from temperatures up to +250 degrees, so it easily withstands water heating in the machine. It was originally intended for sealing electric motors, but due to its excellent tolerance of vibration, it is also suitable for repairing tanks. Masters prefer this tool to others because of their high strength and reliability, because they can glue the drums even without additional bolting.
to contents ↑Dow corning 7091
A universal sealant that forms flexible, flexible and durable joints. It is simple to use, easy to apply, does not flow, but penetrates even small cracks. Curing occurs in half an hour at room temperature, after which the seam will not respond to vibration, temperature changes, water.
"Moment"
Aquarium Sealant “Moment” is another composition by which it is possible to seal the tank of the washing machine, its drain and hoses. Distinctive features of the product are good tolerance of water, household chemicals, salts, vibration, reliable sealing of joints.
Glue F
Glue-sealant F-6000 is a polyurethane composition with a high degree of adhesion to various materials, including stainless steel, plastic, glass, and ceramics. The seam is so strong that no additional mechanical fastening is required. After 2 hours, the joint hardens so that it is impossible to break it, you will have to saw it. The only negative is the high price of the composition.
ABRO 11AB R
It is no less durable sealant than the previous one. The product easily tolerates extremely low and high temperatures, constant contact with water, household chemicals and even aggressive substances, acids.They are advised to glue the tanks of the machines without bolting.
Features of disassembling tanks
Depending on the type of washing machine, tank repair steps may vary, so the time costs vary. However, the general algorithm of operation is similar.
Instruments
To disassemble the tank and eliminate the breakdown, you need to prepare a number of tools in advance:
- screwdriver and screwdrivers - cruciform, slotted;
- hammer;
- pliers;
- set of hexagons.
Front-loading washing machines
First, the device must be disconnected from the network, take out the drain hose, and in parallel shut off the water supply. Dismantling the machine is as follows:
- unscrew the screws on the rear panel, remove it;
- repeat the same steps for the front panel;
- remove the powder container;
- using a slotted screwdriver, remove the control panel, but do not completely remove it, but carefully fix it on the side;
- remove the hatch cuff, the bottom panel by twisting the screws;
- detach all additional elements from the tank: shock absorbers, electronic parts, wiring, clamps;
- remove the motor after unscrewing its bolts and disconnecting the wires;
- remove the tank by the springs, taking it out in an upward direction, act carefully so as not to spoil the wires;
- remove the remaining elements from the tank that has already been removed (heater, balancing element).
to contents ↑
Top-loading washing machines
Such machines are less common in everyday life, and yet their breakdowns also happen. The tank in them is fixed by means of screws, and it is necessary to get it like this:
- remove the screws from the rear and front walls of the device;
- move the side panel, and then remove it;
- carefully dismantle the wires in the area of the casing;
- unscrew the screws and shaft fixing screws;
- remove the tank.
Which washing machines have collapsible tanks
Some models of the brands "Electrolux", "Indesit" have collapsible tanks. Typically, these products have a high price and belong to the elite category. For analysis, remove the tank, as described above, remove the screws that connect the two halves. Before greasing the components of the tank with glue, they must be cleaned of dirt and degreased.
Fixed tank repair
To repair the tank, which is a single unit, you will have to saw it. To do this, use a power tool with which to distinguish the front and rear halves. With the right actions, a ring with a rubber cuff should remain in the hands, which seals the tank. To replace the cuff, the gum will have to be torn off.
During repair, depending on the type of breakdown, the following actions are carried out:
- installation of new bearings coated with silicone grout;
- replacement of oil seals with front side lubrication with special lubrication;
- rust removal or complete replacement of the axis of rotation of the drum.
Next, carefully drill holes in the tank with a diameter of 3-5 mm every 5-9 cm, into which self-tapping screws are then inserted. After gluing the halves and fixing them with bolts, the machine is assembled. Lubrication of parts is a prerequisite - the only way to achieve complete sealing of the tank. After a day, when the seam dries, the tank is put back into the machine, it is collected and sent into operation. Serious damage is best corrected in a specialized workshop, and small tank leaks can be completely repaired with sealant.
