Flushing the plumbing of your washing machine on a regular basis will extend the life span of the machine. It also helps ensure that your clothes look and smell better, and that they don’t come out with any extra stains than when they went in!
What does flushing your plumbing mean?
It’s essential that you keep your washing machine clean, every time you use your machine it removes dirt and grime from your clothing. These tend to build up in your machine’s pipes and if not cleaned, can lead to your machine malfunctioning. Flushing your plumbing basically means you are cleaning the pipes to and from the machine, along with those pipes in the machine.
Why would you need to flush the plumbing of your washing machine?
Your washing machine is not only used for removing dirt from your clothes but also gets dirty itself. This happens because of soap residues, fabric softener build up and collected matter that get stuck in there over time which make the inside look like an old sweatshirt by end-of day!
Flushing your washing machine on a regular basis can help it work more efficiently. It's a simple task that many people overlooked or never do. Taking the time to clean out those pesky deposits will give you back in return better performance from this household essential!
What are some problems that can occur with your plumbing if you don’t flush the plumbing of your washing machine prior to using it?
If you haven’t or don’t clean your washing machine plumbing, you could find:
- Your machine isn’t dispensing the water properly throughout the machine when running a cycle
- The machine could become clogged resulting in leaks from a pressure build up point, or cracks could appear in the pipes or hoses
- A build up in bacteria, making your washing machine a breeding ground for germs and a source point to spread the germs around
- Mould and mildew can thrive
- Lingering detergents can cause traps to odour particles
Ways to flush your washing machine plumbing
Firstly, refer to your washing machine manual to see what the manufacturers are recommending you do. Here are also several options available to try:
- You can hire a technician to carry out the flushing for you, especially if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself
- And for those who wish to do it themselves, here are some things you can do.
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Run a monthly service
One of the easiest ways to flush your washing machine is by running a monthly service cycle. Your machine might have a special setting for exactly this purpose. Monthly service washes work best when they're done with high water levels and at high heat settings.
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Clean your washing machine’s drum rubber seal
You can wipe this down with a soft towel and hot, soapy water. It will keep your washer smelling fresh and in good condition. It also helps prevent the build-up of mould and bacteria.
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Inspect and Clean the Drain Filter
The drain filter on your washing machine is likely situated right near the front, bottom portion of the unit behind a small door. You should set up a shallow dish or pan at the base of this door before opening it in case any water comes rushing out. You might find lint, loose strings, coins, and other debris here. Clean them out according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that no clogs occur.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, please contact a professional to assist you.
Plumbing Vents: Top tips to keep your plumbing system flowing freely
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