Having the latest single-tube washing machine does promise a more practical and effective washing. The latest model single tub washing machine now also give you a faster wash cycle. A much cleaner washing result is also an advantage of this type of washing machine.
Understanding the essential parts of a single tub washing machine will also help you understand how your washing machine works to clean your clothes. In addition, understanding how the components of your washing machine work will prevent you from problems with washing machine caused by improper use.
The parts and functions that we are going to discuss this time will be very helpful if you encounter problems with a single tub washing machine:
1. Water Inlet Valve or Water Inlet Control Valve
The water inlet valve on your washing machine is the part that connects the water hose to the machine, and controls the flow of hot and cold water. Problems with the water inlet valve can cause the washing machine to not fill properly or not fill at all.
If your water inlet valve is clogged, you can repair the valve yourself by removing and washing it. If it is damaged, replacing the water inlet valve is a simple job and must be done with special parts and procedures that match your washing machine model.
The water inlet valve has two threaded holes that connect to the hot and cold water hoses on the back of the washing machine. Each orifice is controlled by a solenoid valve which sends electric power to open and close the hot and cold water flows based on the wash temperature setting and signals from the water level sensor.
Damage to the water inlet valve can cause the washing machine to not fill properly, fail to work, or wash at the wrong water temperature.
2. Inlet Connection or Water Inlet
Is a water channel that serves to enter water into the laundry tub or rinsing tub. The size of this channel is adjusted to the size of the connector and water line valve.
3. Timer
The timer is a component that helps set the time for washing clothes manually. In automatic mode, the time is set automatically depending on the number of clothes in the washing machine and the type of washing cycle performed.
4. Front Panel or Control Panel
The control panel functions to regulate the washing session in the washing machine which contains various electronic components and circuits that are programmed to work in a unique way called PCB. PCB stands for printed circuit board which is a kind of electronic decision-making device.
The PCB will calculate the total weight of the clothes, find out the amount of water and detergent needed, and the total time it takes to wash the clothes. Then the PCB will decide the time it takes to wash and rinse.
5. Agitator or Rotating Disc
To get dirt off your clothes, your clothes need to be twirled in soapy water at high speed. A washing machine has an agitator in the tub to perform this task.
Continuous spinning throughout the wash cycle, helps remove dirt from your clothes. As your clothes spin, they rub against each other, which also helps clean them.
The agitator is located in the sink of the washing machine. This component is an important part of the washing machine which is to perform the operation of cleaning clothes.
During the wash cycle, the agitator rotates continuously and produces a strong rotating current in the water so that the clothes also spin in the tub. Rotation of clothing in detergent-containing water allows removal of dirt particles from the fabric of the garment.
In some washing machines, there is a disc containing the blade on the top side. The rotation of the discs and blades creates a strong current in the water and friction of the clothes which helps remove dirt from the clothes.
6. Tube
There are two types of tubs in the washing machine, the inner tube and the outer tube. Clothes are put in an inner tube, where they are washed, rinsed, and dried.
The inner tube has a small hole to drain water. The outer tube covers the inner tub and supports it throughout the laundry cycle.
7. Air Dome Sealer
Is a valve that prevents water in the tub from escaping again through the water inlet.
8. Gasket
Gasket is a type of seal used to fill the gap between two surfaces, mainly to avoid leakage. Gaskets help seal gaps between engine components thereby reducing unnecessary friction.
9. Outer Tub Seal
The outer tub seal is used to seal all the water in the sink. This seal is bolted to the washer body in such a way as to allow it to move without hitting other parts of the machine.
10. Water Pump
The water pump circulates water through the washing machine in two directions, circulating water during the wash cycle and circulating water during the spin cycle.
11. Hose Connector
A hose connector is a connector at the end of a hose to connect or attach one hose to another hose or to a faucet. Usually made of steel, brass, stainless steel, aluminum or plastic.
12. Drain Pipe
When the washing cycle is complete, the soapy water and dirt need to be removed, so the drain will drain the water from the laundry. The drain pipe allows the discharge of dirty water from washing that has been used for washing purposes.
13. Detergent Dispenser
The detergent dispenser is the tray where we put the detergent we need before starting the cleaning process. Some washing machines can accommodate extra detergent into the dispenser. And using the required amount of detergent automatically depends on the laundry, and the rest is stored in the dispenser.
There are two common methods for connecting a washing machine drain hose to your home’s drain pipe. Namely slop sink and dedicated drain pipe.
With the installation of the slop sink connection type or slop sink. The drain hose is connected directly to the sink. Usually the hose is hung from the side, and then at the top edge of the sink.
It is important to have a large enough air gap between the end of the drain hose, and the bottom of the sink. The air gap prevents water from getting back into your washing machine.
The second is a dedicated drain pipe, or making a special drain pipe. These joints are usually larger in diameter than regular drains. Less likely to get clogged, or dislodged.
Regardless of the connection type, always follow the instructions for use included in the package of the washing machine. Failure to comply with the recommended installation configuration can result in a failure of the drainage cycle and can result in flooding within minutes.