Why do you need a ball in the washing machine pipe?

Have you ever wondered what the little ball does in the pipe of your washing machine? Although it may appear insignificant, this tiny element is crucial to the efficient operation of your washing machine.

The ball in the washing machine pipe helps control water flow, preventing backflow and guaranteeing that your machine works effectively, even though it is frequently disregarded. You might run into problems like poor drainage or even water damage without it.

Let’s examine this small component’s significance and how it affects your washing machine’s overall performance.

Purpose of this element

If you noticed a strange ball in the pump pipe while looking for a blockage after your "home assistant" started to drain water poorly, do not rush to remove it. In actuality, the ball serves a unique purpose rather than interfering with the washing machine’s regular operation.

As a check valve, the plastic ball in the washing machine pipe keeps waste liquid from returning to the tank.

The ball cannot stop the drain because it does not fit against the pipe walls securely. The ball rises when the pump turns on, keeping the liquid that has been released from the tank from pouring back in. The drainage system might not work properly if it is removed. Additionally, the ball in the pipe keeps the foul odor from entering the tank when the washing machine is connected to the sewer without the use of a siphon and the drain hose is installed straight into the pipe.

The plastic ball that was placed inside the drain pipe was dubbed the "ECO BALL" by Zanussi, a manufacturer of washing machines. Using detergent more sensibly is beneficial in contemporary models. Because of the ball, soapy water cannot naturally flow down the drain while being washed, saving powder and enhancing washing quality. It is now evident that an essential component of every automatic washing machine is the ball in the drain pipe. It does not in any way stop water from flowing into the sewer, so you shouldn’t remove it. If the "home assistant" won’t empty the tank of liquid, there may be another issue at hand.

There is a lot of garbage inside

The lack or difficulty of drainage may be caused by a blockage in the waste filter, drain hose, or pipe that connects the tank to the pump. A malfunctioning pump is another cause. The washing machine’s diagnostics will assist in locating and resolving the issue. From simple to complex, the "home assistant" should be checked first. Examine the drain hose first, feeling its corrugation. There shouldn’t be any obstructions within. Verify that there is no twisting or pinching of the drain hose. If the drain corrugation appears to be in order, you should see if the garbage filter is clogged. To carry out this:

• disconnect the washing machine from the power supply;
• turn off the valve responsible for the water supply;
• if there are rugs in front of the machine, remove them;
• cover the floor around the washing machine with dry, unnecessary rags;
• prepare a low but roomy basin;
• open the technical hatch door or remove the lower false panel (the procedure depends on the model of the automatic machine);
• tilt the washing machine back and place a basin under the body, in the area where the dust filter is located;
• find the "plug" of the filter element;
• take the "dust bin" lid and turn it from left to right by half a turn;
• make sure that the liquid flowing out of the system gets into the basin;
• unscrew the plug further, when the spiral loosens – pull the filter out of the hole.

Hair and wound threads must be removed, and the filter element must be completely cleaned of all dirt. The "dust bin" needs to be rinsed with warm water after that. It is preferable to soak the spiral in a citric acid solution for five to six hours if it has a layer of scale on it before brushing the limescale off. Boiling water is not to be used as this will cause the plastic to distort.

You must immediately clean the snail, or the hole where the spiral is inserted, after unscrewing the trash can. Using a moist cloth, remove all dirt from the walls. Remember to shine a flashlight inside the "nest" in case something foreign or a hair and lint lump gets lodged there. After you’re done, replace the "trash can" screwily, turn on the water supply tap, and begin a test wash. Watch the machine as it operates. The repair is finished when the water starts to flow freely into the sewer. Should the issue remain unresolved, you will need to inspect the pump.

Let"s remove the pump

Proceed further if cleaning the trash filter is ineffective. The pump is frequently the "culprit" behind the challenging drain. The waste water is pumped out of the tank and into the sewer by means of this. To inspect the component, you will need to take the pump out of the housing. The drain pump on the majority of "frontal" machines is accessible from the bottom. You will need a basin for collecting water, a wrench, and flat and Phillips screwdrivers for the task. Make sure the machine is turned off and that the water pipe’s shut-off valve is closed. The following will be the subsequent action algorithm:

• drain the remaining water from the system by removing the trash filter (how to unscrew the spiral has already been described);
• cover the floor with a blanket and carefully lay the washing machine on its left side;
• remove the bottom of the case, if provided. To do this, unscrew several screws fixing the tray;
• unscrew the bolt holding the pump;
• disconnect the drain pipe from the pump by loosening the clamp;
• photograph the wiring diagram to the pump;
• drop the wiring from the element;
• turn the pump from right to left, push it deep;
• remove the pump from the case.

You can now begin inspecting and cleaning the pump. A multimeter is a specialized tool that you will need in order to diagnose the pump. We will advise you on the next steps.

To ensure that your laundry is thoroughly cleaned, a ball in the washing machine pipe serves as a straightforward but effective valve to stop water from siphoning out of the machine. It assists in maintaining the proper water level, which is essential for the washing machine to operate correctly and prevent problems like partial rinsing or machine damage.

Checking and cleaning the pump

Initially, the pump’s impeller needs to be cleaned. You must remove all of the screws and divide the body in half in order to reach the rotating portion. The head with the blades is visible right away after the top portion is removed.

Tangles of hair and threads around the impeller should be removed. Examine whether anything foreign is lodged between the blades. Make sure to check the head’s movement next; it should rotate with minimal effort. If the component spins completely freely, the bolts holding it in place need to be tightened. It is worthwhile to clean the pump internally at this point in the process, making sure that all dirt is removed from the housing’s walls. The drain pump snail is cleaned concurrently.

Manufacturers of home appliances advise washing machines to have their drainage systems thoroughly cleaned at least once a year.

After that, all that needs to be done is reinstall the pump by connecting the two halves of the pump housing. After the test wash, if the machine operates without any issues, you can call the repair done. It is still advised to check the cleaned pump with a multimeter before assembling it. You can accurately determine whether the pump is faulty or serviceable by using a tester.

The ball in the washing machine’s pipe is essential to maintaining a productive and easy laundry routine. It assists in controlling water flow, guards against backflow, and guarantees that fabric softener and detergent are dispersed evenly throughout each cycle.

Maintaining the ball’s functionality can help you prevent problems like water leaks and uneven cleaning, both of which can result in subpar washing outcomes. Upkeep and sporadic inspections can guarantee that the ball performs as intended, sparing you from unforeseen issues later on.

You can get cleaner clothes and a more dependable washing experience by making the most out of your washing machine by being aware of this tiny but crucial part of the machine.

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