Washing Machine Drum Problems

Washing machines are machines that are designed to wash the laundry. Theywork by using thermal energy, mechanical energy and by the chemical action.

The thermal energy is supplied by the temperature that is used in the wash bath whereas the chemical action is induced by the detergents that are used in these equipment. The mechanical energy for washing the clothes is provided by the tumbling action of the drums. This action agitates the clothes and ensures that the heat and the chemical action are distributed across the surface of all the clothes.

Without the them, the clothes will not be washed properly. The drum will be usually of rotating nature that rotates the cloths for advanced washing. The speed of the drum is controlled by the motor that is associated with the equipment's mechanism. The drum is rotated by a motor and a belt. The drum brakes will put an end to the agitation bringing it to rest.

Types of Washing Machine Drums

The type of the appliance is determined by the type of the drum that is used. Without the said appliance, the machine will not work and the clothes will not be washed. The clothes are actually loaded to the drum of the appliance and its capacity is determined by the capacity of the drum.

Top loading agitating

These types of appliances move the clothes by rotating the agitator, which is a winged pole like structure in the middle of the drum. As the drum vibrates, the pole is rotated and the clothes are moved. These types of appliances are less expensive but they are rough on clothes.

Top loading impelling

The one with impeller does not have a pole but it has a fan like structure at the bottom of the drum. This fan propels the water and the clothes are moved along with the water. Since the agitation is applied on water rather than clothes, this type of the machine can be used for delicate garments. They are more expensive than the agitator model but the modern day front loading machines are available with impellers at affordable price.

Front loading

The one with the front loading model lacks the agitator as well as the propeller. Here, the drum tumbles and the clothes are moved by the tumbling action of the drum. These types of appliances are expensive as the drums are of high quality with powerful motors capable of tumbling the drum.

Common Problems related to Washing Machine Drum

The common problem is the tumbling action of the drum that becomes noisy. When you overload it, the drum will not be able to move the clothes as there will be no space for the movement. This will create strain on the drum making more noise. When you remove certain clothes, you can reduce the noise enabling free movement of clothes. Sometimes, the drum may not rotate preventing the washing machine to function properly.

This may be because of various reasons. Generally, the drum will consist of small holes that allow water to come in. Sometimes, the hooks and the pins in the clothes may get stuck to the holes preventing the tumbling motion of the drum. The agitators that are present in the agitating model may break due to sudden tumbling actions.

In such cases, you can easily remove the agitator by unscrewing and replace it with a new one. The belt that is associated with the motor rotates the drum and if this belt is damaged, the drum will not move. You have to replace the belt if such problem occurs.

How to take care of washing machine drum

While purchasing the washing machine, check if there is a soft padding between the drum and the outer lid. This will prevent friction in the machine as the drum spins to clean the clothes. While you put the clothes in the washing machine, ensure that the hooks and pins are locked up so that they don't stick in the drum holes.

Avoid over loading the machine. You have to provide ample space for its movement; otherwise, your drum will have to do over work and will reduce the lifetime. You have to check the motor and the belt periodically so that the belt is in correct position. If the belt gets loose or if it breaks, your drum will not spin.

Autor: Zach Smith Zach Smith
Level: Platinum
Zach is a former washing machine repair man. He holds greats interest in the research of washing machine and loves to help consumer like you....

To know more about washing machine, visit http://www.washingmachineadvisor.com for more washing machine reviews, tips and advice.

Added: June 12, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/