Pressure switch for a washing machine

A pressure switch (aka a relay or a water fill level sensor) is one of the most important parts of an automated washing machine. The device monitors the amount of water that enters the tank. When the device fails, the owner of the washer immediately notices this. The machine ceases to perform its functions correctly. This article is devoted to the questions: what is the pressure switch for a washing machine, the principle of its action, typical breakdowns and how to eliminate them.

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Relay Location

The location of the relay in the washing machine may be different, but as a rule, it is located at the top of the unit. This is a cylindrical part with attached wires and a plastic tube that goes to the pressure vessel.

Important! The pressure vessel may be self contained or be a part of a plastic filter housing.

When water is drawn through the tube, pressure corresponding to the water level is transmitted. Relay contacts open or close. The washing unit receives a signal that the tank is full enough for normal operation.

Important! Imagine the situation that this part is not in the car. After starting the washing program, the machine draws water. If there is no water level sensor in the Samsung washing machine or any other brand, the device “does not know” whether the tank is too full and if it is full. This is not to mention the fact that different washing programs imply a different amount of water supplied to the tank.

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How to adjust the pressure switch of the washing machine?

In order for the sensor to respond correctly to pressure and to trigger at the right time, the manufacturing company configures the relay. Therefore, the owners of the equipment in most cases do not have to worry about tuning.

If the owner of the washing machine decided to experiment with the regulation of the relay, this can be done using special screws. With their help, a fine tuning is built.

Important! You can’t try to adjust the sensor without certain knowledge, skills and a set of necessary tools and devices.

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Sensor malfunctions and their symptoms

It also happens that the device fails. The operation of the washing machine also becomes incorrect. The following symptoms indicate the breakdown of the water level sensor in the Samsung washing machine and most other models of different manufacturers:

• The machine starts washing the laundry without filling it with water. It can turn on without filling the tank and the heating element. Most likely, the heater will burn out from overheating, since it is not designed to work in this mode.
• The machine is gaining a lot or, conversely, a little water. It also happens that it is typed to infinity and flows out.
• The tank remains full even after washing. Despite the fact that the spin mode is activated, the laundry remains wet.
• The machine cannot rinse the laundry.

As you can see, the malfunction of a small pressostat leads to the most serious consequences. If the listed symptoms appear, then there are reasons to think that the sensor is defective.

Important! You can also determine the breakdown of this part by a special code that appears on the display when the equipment starts.For the unit of each brand it will be individual - here our reviews will help you figure it out:

1. Samsung washing machine error codes.
2. Error codes for washing machines Ariston.
3. Hans HMA Error Codes.
4. SMA Virpul Error Codes.
5. Error Codes SMA Indesit.

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How to check the water level sensor in the washing machine?

If you suspect that the pressostat is the “fault” of the malfunction of the washing machine, do not rush to immediately throw it away and acquire a new one. If only because you need to make sure: the problem is in it.

To check the health of the part, you must first access it. So where is the water level sensor in the washing machine?

1. As a rule, it is placed on the side wall of the machine, closer to the top.
2. The part is fastened with two bolts that need to be unscrewed.
3. The next step in disassembling the device is to disconnect the contacts and the tube. The clamp holds the tube, so you have to either unscrew it or push it apart with pliers. The tube must not be damaged or clogged. In case of damage, it must be replaced.
4. Inspect and contact details. If they are contaminated, they are cleaned.

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Pressostat Check

To test the relay, you need a hose approximately 100 mm long of the same diameter as the one removed from the sensor. The verification algorithm is simple:

1. Connect the handset to the sensor inlet.
2. Blow into the handset.

Important! If the device is working properly, then clicks are heard inside the pressostat. A click can be one or more. It all depends on how hard you blow into the pipe.

To test the health of the multimeter, conductivity is measured, which varies with air pressure.

Important! Many problems with automatic machines arise due to the poor quality of tap water. In the future, for prevention, try using Calgon.

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Sensor Replacement Procedure

Fortunately, the cost of a relay for a washing machine is not at all great. The best option is to buy the item in an online store. Do not forget to indicate the brand and model of the washing machine in the order.

Important! You can find the required model by the number that is indicated on the relay itself.

Installing a new pressure switch for the washing machine is extremely simple, you need:

• put a hose on it;
• stick contacts;
• tighten the bolts.

After that, it remains only to start the machine to check how it works.

Important! Perhaps in the future care of things, our reviews will be useful to you:

1. Liquid Laundry Detergent.
2. Best Laundry Powder.

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Stock footage

The pressure switch is a small part, but without it the eraser starts to work poorly or generally fails. Repair or replacement of the device in case of breakdown must be carried out in a timely manner.