Simple home DIY repairs

[Gnahp]

my washing machine chut pattern after CNY

the drum won't hold water, water just drain out from the drain pipe when the machine is filling it

the night before was OK

wife said change a new one as it is quite old, around 10 years

my gut feeling tells me something not right with the drain valve

I told her to let me take a look before we buy a new one

opened it up last night

saw a bunch of scales collected at the drain valve area and jamming the valve rubber plunger open

 

[mersaylee]

On 2/23/2026 at 10:31 AM, Gnahp said:

my washing machine chut pattern after CNY

the drum won't hold water, water just drain out from the drain pipe when the machine is filling it

the night before was OK

wife said change a new one as it is quite old, around 10 years

my gut feeling tells me something not right with the drain valve

I told her to let me take a look before we buy a new one

opened it up last night

saw a bunch of scales collected at the drain valve area and jamming the valve rubber plunger open

 

At the going rate...i tink your tool sets can soon service our F35 oredi...😂

[Gnahp]

On 2/23/2026 at 10:38 AM, mersaylee said:

At the going rate...i tink your tool sets can soon service our F35 oredi...😂

I bought a borescope after seeing ST guys checking the F16 engine with one

mine is old model with fixed head

now I want an updated one with articulating head 😁

[mersaylee]

On 2/23/2026 at 10:49 AM, Gnahp said:

I bought a borescope after seeing ST guys checking the F16 engine with one

mine is old model with fixed head

now I want an updated one with articulating head 😁

I is corright...ever upgrading... from F16 to F35..💪😁👍

Edited February 23 by mersaylee

[Gnahp]

the rubber plunger/valve that I pulled out from the valve body

at first I thought the rubber is damaged/split hence leaking

but it is in pristine condition 

[Mkl22]

On 2/23/2026 at 10:49 AM, Gnahp said:

I bought a borescope after seeing ST guys checking the F16 engine with one

mine is old model with fixed head

now I want an updated one with articulating head 😁

you buy and let me know. i'm looking for one too. can be flex head or fixed with triple lens. 

[Gnahp]

On 2/23/2026 at 1:57 PM, Mkl22 said:

you buy and let me know. i'm looking for one too. can be flex head or fixed with triple lens. 

you want to ownself do ah? 😁

 

[Kklim]

On 2/23/2026 at 10:49 AM, Gnahp said:

I bought a borescope after seeing ST guys checking the F16 engine with one

mine is old model with fixed head

now I want an updated one with articulating head 😁

Got prostate massage attachment? 😁

[Gnahp]

I broke the plastic safety switch last night

went Panasonic today to buy a replacement for ~$15

the "finger" on the safety switch is place close to the drum

if the drum is vibrating too much, hitting the "finger"

the washing machine will stop/skip the spinning cycle

 

[Gnahp]

this is the bottom view of the washing machine

can see the belt is loose

[Gnahp]

the motor is held by two 13mm bolts in an elongated slot, for belt tension adjustment

both bolts are finger tight, I think years of washing and vibration loosen it

[Gnahp]

after adjustment

[Gnahp]

"Installation is the reverse of removal"

test run the machine

it spins much faster, powerful and quiet now (because of the belt tension adjustment)

although the drum can hold water now

but I think the problem will come back again as there will be scale peeling off the drum and jam up the drain valve 

the ultimate solution is removing the drum and give it a thorough clean on the inside

that is a big job and I am not willing to do it at the moment

 

 

 

[Mkl22]

On 2/23/2026 at 11:24 PM, Gnahp said:

"Installation is the reverse of removal"

test run the machine

it spins much faster, powerful and quiet now (because of the belt tension adjustment)

although the drum can hold water now

but I think the problem will come back again as there will be scale peeling off the drum and jam up the drain valve 

the ultimate solution is removing the drum and give it a thorough clean on the inside

that is a big job and I am not willing to do it at the moment

 

 

 

I will throw. Top load so cheap. Not worth the hassles to clean. 
I think your time and running up and down plus parts cost already half the cost of a brand new one 🤣

don’t buy 2-3 knipex pliers can buy a new one Liao

Edited February 23 by Mkl22

[Gnahp]

On 2/23/2026 at 11:35 PM, Mkl22 said:

I will throw. Top load so cheap. Not worth the hassles to clean. 

that's what I thought too, fail again limpeh will buy a new one to replace it 😁

I wondered why limescale formed in the drum, Singapore water is soft water unlike some angmo countries 

could it be the powder detergent that I use?

[Mkl22]

My LG recently also had a leak. Ended up being something dropped into the detergent tray and clogged the tube. Had to buy a spring tool to put back the spring gasket for the front loader after removing the gasket to put the tube back.
also my 1st time opening up the machine. Looks super simple inside. Mostly can diy and clear clogs or change the pump or replace dampers. But once the main board spoils it’s in the bin. 
my previous on lasted 12years. Changed it cause there was a special offer for a new one at $550. Was working fine when I got rid of the old. Just didn’t want to be caught out by it failing and then I have to run around to fix it or wait for a replacement. 

guess I should preemptively replace my 15yr old hitachi fridge. But it’s still all good so a bit sayang 

[Mkl22]

On 2/23/2026 at 11:43 PM, Gnahp said:

that's what I thought too, fail again limpeh will buy a new one to replace it 😁

I wondered why limescale formed in the drum, Singapore water is soft water unlike some angmo countries 

could it be the powder detergent that I use?

Looks like calcified powder. Machine can run a hot wash? Add a bit of bleach and run a hot wash. 

for front loads I use tub clean where it heats the water to 90c and flushes all the detergent crud out. I add a bit of bleach too. 
 

have also seen some use a pressure wash and spray at the holes of the tub. Helps to dislodge the gunk on the walls I think

Edited February 23 by Mkl22

[Gnahp]

On 2/23/2026 at 11:35 PM, Mkl22 said:

I think your time and running up and down plus parts cost already half the cost of a brand new one 🤣

that's what my wife said

I engineer, I don't have the heart to throw away a machine that I can fix and save within my capability 😅