Hole in the washing machine drum: what to do

Users often confuse the concepts, and by a hole in the drum of a washing machine, they mean damage to the plastic tub. Although some people say it right, meaning a crack on the walls of a stainless-steel container. Let us figure out how to act in both cases.

A hole has formed in the drum.

The surface of the washing machine drum is “strewn” with small holes - they are necessary for water to enter the container and reach the laundry. However, sometimes users notice that the washing machine has begun to spoil things and are surprised to find a new hole with torn edges on the walls of the stainless-steel tank. How could she have appeared?

There is a simple explanation for this. For example, a solid metal object forgotten in clothing pockets: a screw, a paper clip, a self-tapping screw, can “fall” into the hole in the drum and get stuck between it and the tank. 

If the sharp tip of a nail rests against a stainless-steel wall, it will easily “pierce” even such a durable material.

The same self-tapping screw, having broken through the drum, will fall into the tank and will always be in the machine. Therefore, there is a high probability that during the next wash or spin cycle it will again get stuck between the walls and damage either the plastic or metal tank. The user’s task is not only to “patch” the hole but also to remove the dangerous object from the machine to prevent future damage.

What to do in this case? Do I need to seal the damaged area? The hole in the drum of the washing machine is safe; it will become an additional hole for filling water. Only sharp edges on the drum surface will interfere with the normal operation of the equipment, damaging clothing. These “burrs” must be removed.

First, you need to “drill out” the hole to get rid of the sharp edges. Then the area around the hole is processed with a file or sandpaper. The main thing is that the surface becomes smooth again.

Do not forget about the need to remove a sharp object that has fallen inside the machine. How to get it out of the washing machine? First, unscrew the drain filter - we cannot exclude the possibility that the self-tapping screw is stuck there. If there is no bolt in the trash can, you will have to take more serious measures:

• Turn off the power to the washing machine,
• Disconnect the machine from the water supply and sewerage,
• Remove the detergent drawer,
• Lay the machine on its left side (it is better to lay a soft blanket under it),
• Find the drainpipe connecting the tank and the pump,
• Loosen the clamp and unhook the pipe from the tank,
• Insert your hand into the hole and “examine” the inside of the tank, slowly and carefully turning the drum.

When you cannot find a foreign object in this way, put the washing machine back on its feet, turn the drum several times and lay the washing machine on its side again. If the screw is inside, it should then fall out of the hole for connecting the drainpipe.

 

A hole appeared in the tank.

It will be more difficult if the self-tapping screw that gets into the device pierces not the drum, but the plastic container. You cannot operate the machine with a damaged tank - water will flow out of the washer through the hole. In this case, there is an elevated risk of flooding not only your apartment but also your neighbours below.

We will have to rebuild the tank. But how to fill the hole? The hole formed in the plastic container can be soldered. This is the most reliable way. During the work, you will need a soldering iron and a hair dryer.

First, the crack is pressed deeper, then it is “covered” with plastic, which has already become soft. At the same time, it is necessary to “blow” on the treated area with an industrial hair dryer. It is not entirely convenient to do the work alone; it is better to invite an assistant to regulate the direction of the warm air stream.

After all the cracks have been treated, you can proceed further. To repair the hole, you will have to “fuse” plastic onto the damaged area. Where? 

can I get a piece of plastic?

Washing machine service technicians advise using a piece of plastic from the tank itself for these purposes. This can be any zone that does not affect the washing process in any way. For example, at the back of the container there are many stiffening bars; to repair a hole, you can “cut out” a small part of one of them with a soldering iron.

The found piece of plastic is placed over the hole. Using a soldering iron and a hair dryer, the “patch” is melted and spread over the tank. It will become like plasticine - it will be extremely easy for you to give the material the desired shape. This way the hole is securely closed.

This way you can seal any hole or crack in the tank. You should not try to seal it with sealant - this method is unreliable. To restore the tank, craftsmen recommend soldering the damaged areas of the plastic.