Plumbing/Service Engineer help.

Destination · 26 Dec 2009 at 16:29

After being away from the house for 24 hours for Christmas myself and my wife have returned to the sound of running water

I've investigated our Hotpoint WT761P, and the sound of running water is actually coming from isnide the machine, the floor is thoroughly soaked also. I've shut of the cold access pipe to the machine and thats stopped the noise and the leaking, and pulled the machine away from the wall to access the back of it.

It appears that something internally has split or bust, its near the inlet, and I can only assume its something plastic that has broken in the freezing cold temperatures. Currently the machine sits useless as I can't access the inside to get a look at whats broken.

Seems really odd that none of our pipes have frozen yet an internal part of the machine did. Irritating but it has happened. Anyone had this happen to them? WTF do i do now? As far as i am aware the warrenty on the machine has expired but hotpoint do a 5 year parts warrenty that I am reasonably sure I've registered for. Is it worth my while trying to get into the machine to find the broken part, and if not who should I call? (ghostbusters not being available)

arknor · 26 Dec 2009 at 16:36

most washer manufactures have a repair service some are really good others have a standardised charge that is ridiculous.
hotpoint are standardised , we had a hotpoint dryers belt snap , the belt is worth about ten quid and isnt to hard to fit but thanks to hotpoints standardised charge they wanted something ridiculous like 90quid.......

if you cant fix it yourself or find someone local who could do it you may aswell buy a new washer from someone who isnt crap at repair fees.

edit: £79.48 for a repair out of warranty from hotpoint (still crazy is the broken part is something really cheap)

Destination · 26 Dec 2009 at 16:46

Yes, thanks for info Arknor.

Wondering at the minute how to get the f'in top of the machine so i can see inside to identify what part is broken, I've removed 2 screws from back and 2 from front after removal of the soap tray and althought the back of the lid lifts, i can't remove it at the front, seems to be attached and I can't identify any screws or clips holding it in place, pretty sure I don't wish to fracture it.

Anyone know what mechanism they use for that?

I searched hotpoint and in NI they appear to charge £99.98 as their standard charge for callout repairs. I think the machine cost me around £275 in June of 2008, so basically 18months ago, but it had been running like a dream in all that time.

eddie_slovik · 26 Dec 2009 at 17:00

I repair washing machines for a living.
The work top is held on by the two screws on the back. Remove them and then slide the work top back an inch or so. It usually gets stuck so give a firm smack with the heel of your hand to free it then shimmy it loose.. Take the plug out first though.

If you can get it off then pay attention to the rear of the soap chamber/ water valve area. Going by what you said the problem may be there. You may have to turn the water back on to see the leak.

Destination · 26 Dec 2009 at 17:03

Ah, well i found the two screws previously and removed them, but its too dark to continue now, so I shall have to review the situation at first light tomorrow.

Now I know to side it back it should be easier to remove.
Thanks for the info eddie, I'll have a look in that area tomorrow.

Have you seen such regions split in cold weather? I am fairly certain thats the only possible cause for this. Just quite amazed inside the machine froxe and burst when pipes didn't, guess lagged pipes help....

eddie_slovik · 27 Dec 2009 at 10:17

Over the years I've had several jobs where pipes etc have frozen inside machines. Its fairly uncommon in a kitchen though. Suggest you stop being so tight and leave the heating on low if your place gets that cold

Best one is when the waste pipe freezes. Machine pumps out water which hits blockage and backs up causing epic leak but............ the first lot of water a machine empties out is the hot wash water, hot water melts ice, no more blockage, so what caused leak ? Lol, be aware !

Destination · 27 Dec 2009 at 10:31

Right
I've pulled the machine apart and switched the water back on to identify the source of the leak, it appears to be the first part the water enters into.

This seems to have 2 electrical connections, like solonoids or similar and when the water goes on it sprays from this side of the device.

Pictures hopefully attached.
Is is worth me trying to chase up a spare part and repairing it, or just get a hotpoint fixed price chap out?

Destination · 27 Dec 2009 at 10:58

Investigations would suggets the part I require is Soap Dispenser and valve, although I think I only require the fill valve part of this.

Found http://www.4hotpoint.co.uk/cgi-bin/...query=Hotpoint WT761P&model=WT761P&path=52516 and http://www.hotpointparts4u.co.uk/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=328 for £51 and £26 for the same thing.

Would i likely be able to buy just the fill valve? and if so where would you suggest attempting to obtain it?

Destination · 27 Dec 2009 at 18:58

Anyone else know a good source for parts?
Hotpoints own parts people seem to be around £45

eddie_slovik · 29 Dec 2009 at 10:55

Just back from fishing, yep you just need the water valve, doubt if you will find much price difference online. Hotpoints own service is superior to Espares or Partsmaster and heres a top tip.........don't trust anyone else, awful lot of charlatans in this trade.