Filter for a washing machine: overview of types, selection criteria + installation features

Washing machine manufacturers produce sophisticated electronic devices with many functions that make life much easier for their owners. They can do everything - perform high-quality washing, steam and dry clothes. However, “smart” units remain defenseless against hard and rusty pipeline water.

How to prevent damage to your home assistant? This question is asked by many owners and potential buyers of washing machines. One of the effective methods is to install a filter for the washing machine, which protects the working units of the equipment from premature damage.

Let's figure out what types of filter elements exist, what are the features of their selection, installation, application and maintenance. The information presented will help organize comprehensive protection for the washing machine and extend the life of expensive equipment.

The effect of untreated water on washing machine parts

Rumor has it that the washing machine can function smoothly without any filters for many years. However, in modern realities this is far from the case. The reason for this is various impurities that pollute the water. What could they be?

Mechanical impurities (dirt, sand, small debris), if not removed, can over time significantly clog the internal cleaner.The pressure required to start water will gradually drop, which may cause the pump to break down and the device will stop drawing water.

Rust has a detrimental effect on the washing result, because things fade, acquire new stains or are not washed at all.

If you do not promptly clean the water filter in your washing machine, the purifier will become clogged. And this may lead to machine breakdown

Hard water poses no less danger. When heated, mineral deposits from the water settle on the heating element and the walls of the apparatus in the form of impenetrable scale. And this can provoke an increase in energy consumption to heat the water to the required temperature.

It is necessary to remove scale in a timely manner, otherwise a more serious breakdown may occur, requiring expensive repairs. To maintain the washing machine, you must periodically use anti-scale agent.

In addition, hard water provokes corrosion - it is the key reason for the rapid wear of important parts and a decrease in the service life of the machine.

Also, untreated water often becomes a decisive factor in machine depressurization due to a decrease in the elasticity of rubber seals.

Situations indicating that it is necessary to clean a clogged filter:

• after washing or rinsing, the process of draining the water is incredibly slow;
• the machine completes the washing cycle and does not continue it even after rebooting the processor;
• a fault code flashes on the monitor, the direct cause of which may be untreated water;
• spin does not start or rinsing modes.

If such failures in the operation of the washing machine occur frequently, then it is worth thinking about the quality of water filtration.

How to clean the drain and fill filter

Initially, in all washing machines, for their productive and safe operation, the manufacturer already provides two factory filters:

• aspic (or inlet) - installed immediately after the inlet pipe;
• drain (or outlet), which removes water after washing/rinsing.

Let's look at the design and maintenance features of each filter.

Overview of the inlet cleaner and its service

The inlet filter is mounted at the junction of the inlet hose with the machine. And at the very bottom of the device there is a drain filter; in various models it is located either on the left or on the right and is covered with a special rectangular cover.

Its main function is to retain large and medium-sized debris, which can cause malfunction or breakdown of the machine.

The instructions for the washing machine say that you need to call a specialist to clean the filters. But if the user is familiar with the tools, he will be able to perform these simple steps independently.

The inlet filter is cleaned in all brands and models according to the same principle - you need to carefully remove the thimble-like device using pliers

First, you need to disconnect the device from the network, turn off the water and free access to the back of the device. Be sure to place a piece of thick rag under the bottom of the washer to prevent water from flowing in there, and carefully unscrew the water-filling hose.

Then carefully remove the cleaner (it looks like a thimble) using tweezers or pliers. It is necessary to rinse the metal filter mesh under running warm water, using a toothbrush to remove dirt.

Then wipe with a rag (do not use a cloth with very long pile).After this, install the part in place and screw the hose.

The procedure for cleaning the drain type of filter

Different brands of laundry appliances differ slightly in design, and drain cleaners also differ.

IN washing machines IndesitFor example, the drain filter is cleaned in this way:

• You should carefully open the panel located on the left or right bottom of the device;
• remove the inner part by unscrewing the plug counterclockwise;
• After removing dirt and debris, you need to screw the element tightly in a clockwise direction until it stops.

During cleaning the filter cars Samsung Be sure to pay attention to the location of the screw handle.

In some models, for a tight seal, it must be locked in the correct position. If this is not done, water will flow out of the drain cleaner during the wash set.

The inlet mesh filter for purifying water in a washing machine is a small part that, if washed frequently, must be cleaned at least once every 3 months.

You can avoid contamination of the drain filter if you follow simple rules for its operation. It is necessary to wash the part regularly to prevent dirt from accumulating.

If you wash it a couple of times a day or once every 2 days, then it is enough to do only 1 cleaning every 3 months. In addition, you should carefully check pockets and other recesses in dirty laundry to prevent dirt, hair, and small parts from getting into the drum.

Try to use only proven detergents.It is better to test new ones by hand washing, since large particles of powder can only partially dissolve in water and clog the cleaner, especially if the program involves the use of cold water.

Types of cleaning devices

To protect the parts of the electrical device from mechanical particles and chemical contaminants, users install special water purifiers for the washing machine.

Main filters. Such devices are installed on a common water supply pipe. The functionality of the main device is similar to a filler cleaner.

It is mounted on the inlet pipe to purify the incoming water from rust, sand and large particles. Please note that this type of filter does not affect the chemical and biological composition of water.

To install the main filter, it is necessary to make a separate insert in the pipe. The general cleaner is installed immediately after the meter and in front of the inlet hose.

The main filter is necessary for deep purification of water from mechanical impurities (dirt, debris, sand); it looks like a flask with an active filler inside

Coarse filter performs functions similar to the main one, and at the same time must be installed in front of the washing machine.

Please note that filters become clogged quite quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly clean them and change replacement cartridges so that the washing machine lasts as long as possible.

Replacing the main cleaner cartridge is very simple - just turn off the water, carefully unscrew the flask and replace the old one with a new cartridge

The user can install a coarse filter for the machine without the help of specialists. You don't need to use any complicated tools to do this.Just take a wrench and screw the filter to the machine. The flask is mounted in front of the inlet hose.

To install, do the following:

1. Turn off the water.
2. Unscrew the inlet hose from the pipe to which it is attached.
3. Install a water filter-purifier in its place.
4. Then screw on the hose itself.

The cleaner uses standard threads that fit three-quarter inch pipes. The washing machine hose has exactly the same thread.

The quality of water purification will directly depend on filter type and how contaminated the tap water coming through the pipes is.

To purify water at the biological level, softener filters are used:

• polyphosphate;
• magnetic.

Devices of this kind remove the notorious hardness from water, especially calcium carbonate salts. Their action is based on chemical or magnetic cleaning methods. Please note that after such filtering, process water will flow through the pipes and cannot be used for drinking.

Features of additional filters

We will outline the features of various devices for water purification, describe their operating principles, installation specifics, and also find out the effectiveness of their use.

#1 - polyphosphate cleaning tool

A polyphosphate filter is a flask with large transparent grains similar to salt. It directly affects the biochemical composition of water. After purification with this filter, water becomes technical.

The principle of operation is based on the slow passage of liquid through sodium polyphosphate. When its active element reacts with water, it binds carbonates (a base of hardness salts) and blocks their path to the heating element and other parts of the washing machine.

Such filters are connected to a pipe with cold water, since at temperatures above +50 ° C the salt itself begins to break down, and in this case there will be no effect from this filter.

From time to time you will need to add polyphosphate to the filter flask, as its components dissolve.

Manufacturers recommend changing the filter filler if the contents of the flask have decreased by 50% or the contents of the container have not changed for a long time. As practice shows, crystals retain their cleansing functions for six months.

The polyphosphate filter protects the heating element of the washing machine from scale. Remember that after such cleaning, water can only be used for technical needs

The polyphosphate filler itself can be produced in different forms. Most often it can be seen in the form of translucent granules. Less popular is the powder version, which is produced in the form of pressed white tablets.

Experts recommend using the first option for washing machines, as it dissolves more efficiently and quickly, covering a larger area. Sometimes sodium polyphosphate is hidden under the name "Graham's salts."

Subtleties of installing a filter flask

A polyphosphate cleaner is installed in the same way as a deep cleaning filter. It should be mounted in front of the machine. Installation and replacement of the active filter substance can be handled without the help of a specialist.

#2 - filter for water deferrization

The presence of iron does not affect the operation of the washing machine in any way, since the process of deferrization of water occurs at the city’s water pumping stations. But what if you live outside the city or in the country?

First, conduct an experiment. Fill a glass jar with clean water.Place in a bright place for about 3 days. If, after this period, the walls are covered with a yellow coating (like rust) and the water has acquired a shade of the same color, then iron removal should be carried out.

There is no point in installing such a device for deferrization of water at the dacha, but residents of country houses need it

In this situation, a special filter is needed - a rather bulky device filled with “green sand”. In simple words, the principle of its action is the “transition” of divalent iron into trivalent iron.

Purifier installation specifics

Installation of the deferrization filter should only be carried out by specialists. Before installation, a water analysis is required. To install this device, you need to allocate a special place.

#3 - magnetic type of cleaner

The operating principle of a magnetic filter is based on the influence of a magnetic field on the structure of water in the pipe through which it flows.

In simple terms, the cleaner dissolves the calcite. It is this that makes the water harder and, accordingly, provokes the formation of scale when the heating element is heated.

The magnetic cleaner is attached directly to the water supply pipe to the machine; it does not require cartridge replacement

Calcite particles in their natural state stick to each other, thereby creating chains, so a deposit of the substance is formed on the machine part.

The magnetic field breaks these bonds and therefore the water purified by such a filter is actually softer. And the scale, which has already stuck to the walls of the machine, disintegrates and its particles, falling into the water, lose the ability to re-deposit on the surface.

That is why treated water tends to free the walls of the washing machine from other various sediments.Washing in such water requires less detergent, and the filter itself does not need to be cleaned.

Nuances of installing magnetic filters

Some models of magnetic purifiers consist of 2 elements that are attached directly to the top of the pipe through which water is supplied to the machine. Both parts of the magnetic filter are fastened together using screws.

What to look for when choosing?

If the water in the tap contains visible impurities that precipitate, it is advisable to install a general main purifier.

When this is not possible, the filter should be installed directly in front of the washing machine.

If you are sure of the hardness of your tap water, then it makes sense to install polyphosphate (economical option) or magnetic purifiers (more expensive purchase)

If in doubt whether an emollient is needed water filter, then order a laboratory test. It will show the chemical composition and level of hardness. Based on this information, decide which cleaner to purchase.

To find out the hardness of water at home, you need to carry out a basic experiment. To do this, soap your hands or a small rag with laundry soap (72%) and rub them.

If fluffy foam forms, then the water is soft and a filter is not needed, otherwise you should think about installing a softener.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

If you intend to clean or install filters yourself, it is better to analyze the experience of other users in advance by watching short but informative videos.

Video help for those who want to clean the filter in their car themselves:

Detailed advice on the selection and correct installation of a main cleaner for a washing machine:

What is the main advantage of a polyphosphate filter for water softening, how does it function? You will find answers to all questions in the video consultation:

The choice of degree of protection is, of course, yours. However, experts believe that Complete protection for the washing machine will be provided by two filters: one to remove dirt, sand, rust, and the second to soften water. Such a tandem will extend the life of expensive equipment and save owners time and money.

Which filter did you choose to protect your washing machine? Or maybe you refused to use an additional cleaning device? We are waiting for your comments, questions and advice on choosing and installing a filter device - the contact form is located below.